Johannesburg - The chill of winter is well and truly upon us, and with it comes harsh driving conditions as well as some special needs for your vehicle. Here are five winter tips, courtesy of the AA, to keep you and your car safe through the freezing months ahead.
Keep your headlights bright
Your headlights can often be overlooked, but on those overcast winter days or if you are travelling at night, they are crucial for your safety. Ensure that you check that your vehicle’s lights are switched on, that they are functioning properly, and that the focus of the beams are correctly adjusted.
Check your anti-freeze
Your anti-freeze is an essential element for ensuring your car’s protection this winter. Make sure the mixture of water and anti-freeze is as close to 50/50 as possible and at optimum level. Many petrol stations will check this for you free of charge. Note that some anti-freeze comes pre-mixed and do not require the addition of any water.
Keep a safe following distance
The average safe following distance for good weather is three seconds, but with the reduced visibility and harsh weather conditions in winter, you will need to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. We suggest that you increase your following distance to four seconds or more, as this will increase your braking- and reaction time as well as make up for any lost visibility.
Be alert and look out for frosty road patches
With winter comes the increased possibility of icy road patches, fog and other problematic occurrences. During winter, roads can sometimes be covered with frost or ice, but drivers often assume that when they see long stretches of clear road that the frost has cleared entirely. This is not the case, as there are often slippery patches as the road thaws, therefore extra vigilance is imperative.
Air-conditioning
A common misconception is that air-conditioning is only important for the summer. Your vehicle’s air-con has two main purposes; cooling the interior cabin and keeping the inside of the vehicle dry. The air-conditioning system also operates as a de-humidifier, which will reduce windscreen misting on cold mornings. Make sure that your air-conditioning system is fully operational.
For more safety tips please visit the AA’s website at www.aa.co.za
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