Winter weather can make road conditions unpredictable, and sometimes treacherous. Even though in South Africa, where winters are usually mild, unusual freezing temperatures or unexpected snow and ice may bring winter driving surprises that you’re unlikely prepared for. Like last year’s widespread snow which found a large number of motorists suddenly learning to drive all over again.

Winter driving tips

Ease up on the speed when driving in snowy or iced over road conditions. Accept that you won’t be getting anywhere fast and drive as slow as you are able to without losing momentum. If you do lose momentum, it will take greater effort for your car to regain it and greater skill not to slide the vehicle in the process.Drive in a lower gear to improve traction and don’t speed up for hills, because doing so will set your wheels spinning in the snow or on ice.Keep at least three times your usual following distance to allow sufficient distance for braking. When you brake, do it gently and release the brake if your wheels start spinning. Then, if your car doesn’t have ABS, gently pump or tap the brake to slow the car down. With ABS brakes you should apply gentle but firm and constant pressure; you’ll feel a light shuddering that is perfectly normal.If your vehicle slides on the ice or snow don’t overcorrect by steering in the opposite direction to the slide, this will put your vehicle in a spin. Should your rear wheels slide to the left, steer to the left until you regain traction before gently and slowly correcting the steering in the direction you want to go.Even if ice or snow don’t make the forecast this winter, Tiger Wheel & Tyre cautions all motorists to ensure their driving safety by keeping tyres inflated to the correct pressure and making sure they have at least the 1mm minimum legal tread depth.

“Unlike countries that experience severe winters, we don’t need ‘winter tyres’ – tyres with a high silica rubber compound and special tread pattern, that perform optimally in conditions of 7°C and below, in ice, rain or snow,” says Joe du Plooy Marketing Executive of Tiger Wheel & Tyre

“We are blessed with moderate winters, but on the rare occasion when it does snow or the roads become iced over, we don’t have the experience or skill needed to drive safely under these conditions. At the very least, South African motorists should be mentally prepared for the possibility of adverse winter conditions and have a game plan for driving on ice or snow.”

*Tips provided by Tiger Wheel and Tyre