Winter safety
Get your car ready for winter with our seasonal services. Call in to Wanaka Auto Electrical & Mechanical for:
– Free battery checks,
– Vehicle servicing,
– Tyre checks and sales.
Winter safety tips for vehicles
Winterize your vehicle! Get a tune-up and be sure to check the battery levels in your vehicle. Consider buying snow chains for the tyres, as your travel dictates.
Other vehicle care tips include:
- Check radiator coolant and sturdiness of hoses and belts,
- Refer to the vehicle’s manual to see if a lighter grade oil is recommended for winter driving,
- Change burned out headlights, tail lights and turn signals,
- Check tyre tread and wear,
- Make sure brakes are in proper working order,
- Keep spare window washer fluid in the trunk and make sure the washer blades are in good working condition.
Winter-wise tips for drivers
- Pay attention to weather reports on the radio. Allow time in your schedule for bad weather and/or traffic delays,
- Become familiar with your vehicle’s winter weather operating characteristics. Front-wheel-drive vehicles generally handle better than rear-wheel vehicles on slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels, improving traction,
- Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Remember to clean head, tail and brake lights before journey,
- Leave ample stopping time between you and the driver in front of you. Braking distance can be up to nine times greater on snowy, icy surfaces than on dry roads,
- During winter travel, it is best to supply those at your destination with the following information: your cell phone number, departure time, travel route and anticipated arrival time,
- Lock your vehicle, even in bad weather. If locks freeze, heat the key. Do not pour hot water on the locks – they will refreeze,
- Drive with extreme caution on bridges and overpasses during freezing temperatures. Because bridge temperatures can be 5-6 degrees colder than roadways, they can become slick and icy before roads!