Experts recommend to turn the steering wheel in the direction the back tyres are moving if your car starts spinning.
Checklist to help keep motorists safe in winter weather
Checklist to help keep motorists safe in winter weather
Roads in winter can become very wet and slippery. Below are some tips to help keep you safe when driving in these conditions.
Before getting in the car, check that your headlights, brake lights and indicators are working. It helps keep you visible on the road especially at night.
Check your tyre wear about once a month. Run a 50 cent coin through the tyre thread. If the edge of the 50 cent coin is showing then the tyre should be changed.
Check your windscreen wipers and fluid and also all the controls on your dash board are working.
When driving, it’s a good idea to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. AAMI insurance reported that most accidents occur when motorists tailgate.
Avoid sudden braking and turning.
Don’t attempt to cross any flooded roads.
What do I need to know about using my mobile phone in the car?
Don’t use your mobile phone unless you’re complying with the relevant road rules. Australian lawmakers have increased penalties for motorists who use their mobile phone illegally.
For example in New South Wales, you can only use a mobile phone while driving if it is secured in a commercially manufactured and designed mounting that is fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road, or if you can operate it without touching any part of the phone, for example, by using Bluetooth or voice activation.
Drivers can only use their mobile phone if their vehicle is parked in an authorised parking spot with the engine turned off. Learner and provisional P1 and provisional P2 drivers must not use any function of a mobile phone while driving or when the ignition is on.
The Mi-T Grip Vent Mount is an innovative, hands-free mounting solution for smartphones or other portable devices on the market today. The mount easily connects to the vent louvers and securely holds your device in portrait or landscape mode.
Making a trip to the snow this season?
Read your vehicle’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for driving in the snow.
Remember to pack a fist aid kit, torch, towrope and a spade to get your vehicle unstuck.
Before making tracks on your snow trip, make sure you check your tyre pressure, and use snow chains when required.
It’s a good idea to check that the coolant in your engine is right to deal with the temperature change in skiing areas.
Add some antifreeze to your windscreen wipers to stop them from freezing.
Plan how much fuel you will need and where you can fill up and where you can stop and take breaks.
A battery usually lasts three to five years. If your battery is nearing the end of its useful life, replace it to avoid being stuck at the snow.
Pack some jump starters in case your battery stops working. You can also lend a hand to anyone else who may need to be jump started.
Take a good quality mobile phone charging cable like PwrRev Micro-USB Cable with Lightning Adaptor. If you don’t have a USB connection in the car, invest in a power bank to keep your electronic devices running.
It’s always wise to lower your vehicle’s speed. Keep a safe distance with the car in front of you and watch your acceleration. When you accelerate too much you can cause the wheels to spins and lose control of the vehicle.