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5 Tips for a Safe Winter Road Trip

woman with red beanie holding on a warm cup

Overseas travel may be off the radar for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a holiday this winter! There are so many great places to see in our own backyard and with many of them just an easy drive away, there’s never been a better time to pack up the car and escape the hustle and bustle. Safe T Tyre is Australia’s favourite TPMS supplier, and we aim to keep Aussies safer on the roads with affordable access to a high quality tyre pressure monitoring system. If you are gearing up for a road trip this winter, here’s a few tips to make sure you travel safely.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Before a road trip at any time of year, it’s essential that your vehicle is ready to go. You should have your car professionally serviced and be sure to check and monitor the levels of your engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid before and during your winter road trip. These all play a vital role in keeping your car safe.

Get Your Tyres Ready

Tyres are one of the most important components to consider before a winter road trip, especially if plan to drive through areas with snow and ice. If you are going anywhere near snow, make sure you have snow chains packed in your vehicle and that you know how to use them. Very cold temperatures require extra vigilance when it comes to tyre pressure. Temperature fluctuations can cause your tyre pressure to rise or fall so make sure you know the recommended pressure for your tyres check it frequently on your journey. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an a simple and affordable solution that will constantly monitor your tyre pressure and alert you if there are any issues.

Research Your Route

Mountainous areas are perfect for winter road trips, but roads can often be prone to closure or restricted to slow speeds during inclement weather. Planning your route in advance will ensure you know where you may encounter icy, snowy or slippery roads and also where you may encounter dirt roads that may be muddy or flooded. Plan to stay on major roads, but if you prefer a little off-road adventure, ensure you have a plan B so you don’t get stuck.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Even if you have had your car and tyres checked before leaving, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected, especially when the weather may not be on your side. It’s essential to have an emergency kit of supplies that will help you in the unlikely event of a breakdown, minor accident or if you get stuck in between road closures. You should include:

  • Extra food and water
  • Warm clothing
  • Torch and batteries
  • First aid supplies
  • A shovel
  • Matches
  • Blankets
  • Portable phone charger

Having an emergency kit with basic cold-weather supplies can be a life-saver if you need to wait in freezing temperatures until help arrives.

Be Familiar with Winter Driving Techniques

Wintery weather calls for some different driving techniques and it’s important to brush up on them before you head off.

  • Maintain a safe braking distance at all times – it takes much longer to stop in the wet, so don’t follow other cars too closely when it’s raining or roads are slippery.
  • Take is slow – drive a little slower, even if you know the roads well. Take off from lights and intersections slowly, as slippery roads can cause you to lose traction.
  • Use your headlights – during winter it’s more likely to be darker during the day, raining or foggy which means visibility can be a big issue. Turn your headlights on even during the day, this will not only give you greater visibility but also allow other cars to see you.

Whether you’re heading to the slopes, taking a scenic coastal drive or looking to explore a national park, the above tips can help you stay safe during your winter road trip.

For the ultimate in on-road safety, a tyre pressure monitoring system is the key. To purchase one in time for your winter escape, get in touch with Safe T Tyre today. Call 1800 876 700 or contact us online now.