ALLtorque
SAFETY
ON THE SLOPES
If you’re planning on hitting the slopes this winter, be prepared to ensure a safe drive in the snow and mountains. WORDS: roderick eime
W
inter is snow season and thousands of us will be heading to the Australian Alps for a ski break at one of the NSW or Victorian resorts. Many of us will choose to drive to the slopes and some, unfortunately, will come unstuck on the treacherous roads. Snow driving is so completely foreign to most urban commuters that many will find themselves in trouble before they even know they are in danger. If you intend to drive yourself or your family on a ski holiday, make sure your vehicle and yourself are ready for this alien environment. Here’s a simple checklist before you set out. • Make sure your air-conditioner, anti-freeze, wipers, brakes, lights and tyres are in top condition. You’ll need your air-conditioner to clear fogged windscreen
wipers to clear snow and frost, and tyres with good tread for slushy roads. Drive with your lights on, even if you think you don’t need to. • Drive to the conditions. Yeah, we’ve all heard that old chestnut, but snow driving is a condition few of us face regularly so our daily driving habits could be our downfall. Heavy snow is like the worst rainstorm with a film of oil on the road. Drive slowly and use brake and accelerator delicately. Turn the steering wheel gently, understeering is your enemy and will soon see you in a ditch or facing oncoming traffic. • True, all-wheel-drive (AWD) and 4WD will make snow driving safer, but don’t rely on electronic driving aids too much. They’re not infallible. Imagine you don’t have anti-lock brakes and traction control and drive accordingly. Don’t use cruise control and select low gears for uphill and downhill sections. • Expect the unexpected. Imagine there is a rockfall
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ALLtorque
Expect the unexpected. Imagine there is a rockfall or avalanche around every blind corner – or another stranded motorist.
or avalanche around every blind corner – or another stranded motorist. When passing oncoming traffic, slow right down and give heaps of space. Stop if you have to. • If you are proceeding along an unfamiliar route and there is a fresh covering of snow, seriously consider whether you should be the first to explore this road. Wait for a local to go first. • Diesel drivers should use ‘Alpine Diesel’ formulated for cold conditions. Normal diesel can ‘wax’ and clog your fuel system. • Always carry some emergency gear. A small shovel, towrope, high-power torch and visibility vest is a good start. It’s also worth keeping bottles of water and some spare blankets in the car. • In extreme conditions you are required by National Park Regulations to carry snow chains. You will be notified where you must fit these and you should
know how to do it. Some resorts offer chain-fitting services, but don’t rely on this. Always fit chains to your drive wheels, in other words, attach them to the front wheels on front-wheel-drive cars. Don’t laugh, I’ve seen it happen. Most 4WDs don’t need them, but chains can still be fitted for extra safety. • If you regularly travel to snowy regions, consider a spare set of wheels and tyres with special snow/ ice tyres fitted. There’s nothing like good preparation, so even if your car is ready for the snow, what about you? Specialised 4WD training clinics are widely available and if you are an adventurous off-road driver, why not add some new skills to your portfolio? You’ll be glad you did.
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