Winter Driving Guide: How to Navigate the Snow Safely

Navigating Australia's Snowy Terrain: The Power of Snow-Ready Tyres

As the frost of winter cloaks Australia's landscape, the allure of our picturesque, snow-covered mountains beckons the adventurer in us. Safety, however, is key to enjoying these icy escapades.

As a committed tyre enthusiast, I'm thrilled to explore the latest tyre technologies and practices designed to keep you safe while enhancing your snow drive experience in Australia.

The Innovation Behind Snow-Ready Tyres

Contrary to common belief, winter tyres and snow-ready tyres are not the same. While winter tyres are optimised for cold weather and snowy conditions prevalent in countries with a long, severe winter season, snow-ready tyres cater to the unique Australian conditions.

They strike a balance between handling moderate winter conditions and maintaining performance in Australia's typical temperate climate. Snow-ready tyres will feature the ‘three-peak mountain snowflake symbol’ meaning that the tyre has passed the requirements for snow driving.

1. Multi-Purpose Rubber Compounds

A unique feature of snow-ready tyres is their innovative rubber compounds. Unlike winter tyres designed to stay flexible in extremely cold conditions, snow-ready tyres use a balanced compound.

This compound is flexible enough for colder temperatures while providing solid performance in Australia's milder climate.

2. Versatile Tread Patterns

Snow-ready tyres sport tread patterns that are a hybrid between all-season and winter tyres. These patterns feature a mix of deeper grooves (or "sipes") and broader tread blocks, providing good traction in both snowy conditions and wet or dry roads. The sipes help disperse snow and slush, while the broader tread blocks ensure stability during regular driving conditions.

3. Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a significant part of maintaining your tyres' performance during winter drives. As tyre pressure can drop along with the temperature, a TPMS alerts drivers when the tyre pressure falls below the recommended level. This helps in maintaining the correct pressure throughout your journey.

Best Practices for Safe Snow Driving in Australia

1. Regular Tyre Checks

Regular tyre maintenance is paramount for your snow-ready tyres to perform optimally. Make sure to check your tyres' tread depth periodically – a minimum of 3mm tread depth is recommended for snow driving.

The 'one dollar coin' can be a handy trick to check tyre safety. If you can see ‘AUSTRALIA’ the outer band of the obverse face of a dollar coin when inserted into the tyre tread, your tyres may not be snow ready.

2. Snow Chains: A Vital Backup

Knowing how and when to use snow chains is essential for safe driving in extreme snow conditions. Snow chains should be fitted to your vehicle's driving wheels and never exceed a speed of 40 km/h once they're fitted. Ensure your chains are the correct size for your tyres to provide maximum traction and safety.

3. Adapt Your Driving Techniques

Adjusting your driving techniques to snowy conditions is crucial. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front, avoid sharp steering movements and hard braking, and slow down as conditions deteriorate. These practices can significantly reduce accident risks.

4. Leverage Winter Driving Aids

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced driving aids such as Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control System (TCS). These systems, when combined with snow-ready tyres and good driving practices, can dramatically improve your control and safety on icy roads.

To Sum It Up

Australia's snow-covered mountains offer a unique winter experience, one that should be enjoyed with safety as a priority. With the latest in snow-ready tyre technologies and mindful driving practices, your snowy journey can be as safe as it is exhilarating.

Remember, your vehicle's performance is closely tied to the quality of its tyres, so never underestimate their importance. Whether you're a seasoned snow lover or new to the experience, let's ensure our winter roads are safe for all. Happy snow driving, Australia!