Just give danger the slip

Photo / Paul Taylor

On her way to work this week, a friend had a fender bender. She wasn't travelling too closely - she's just not an experienced or confident driver and didn't realise that winter conditions mean you need to change your driving style.

With the roads still wet from a recent shower, her tyres didn't grip as quickly as she expected - and before she could say "Oh bugger" she had hit the car in front.

The car in front was not damaged, but her hatchback gained another dent to the front (told you she wasn't a confident driver).

So here are tips for my friend and even experienced drivers on what you need to do to survive the winter.

Before you leave home

Make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and are removing water efficiently.

Check your tyres - make sure the tread is 1.55mm (a match head) deep, and they are pumped up to the correct pressure.

Give your front and back lights a clean - they'll be working overtime night and day.

Lift up the bonnet and have a peek at your battery - make sure the connections are clean.

Drive safely

Keep the distance between you and the car in front - at least three car lengths (repeat after me: one elephant, two elephant ... )

Slow down in downpours - on the motorway police suggest you drive at 80km/h instead of 100km/h; on city or country roads, pull over if you're not confident.

A quick way to demist your front window is blast it with hot air, but wind down your driver-side window about 10cm.

If you start to skid or aquaplane, steer the vehicle gently in the direction you want to go - a simple way is look at where you want to go, not where you think you are heading. Don't touch your brakes.

Keep plenty of fuel in the tank - at least half full - as you never know when you will be stuck in traffic or have to make a detour to reach your destination.

Snow business

As the ski season is about to start here are some tips before you don a beanie and make a snowman.

If you're heading to the ski slopes for the first time, practise putting on your snow chains before you leave home.

Consider having your vehicle serviced before you head to Whakapapa.

Check the weather forecast before you leave, and be prepared to change your travel plans.

In snowy conditions, a good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 per cent.

Pack an emergency kit: Torch with spare batteries, ice scraper/brush for clearing your windshield, jumper cables, a spare jacket, blanket and work gloves.

If it is snowing when you park your car, raise your wipers off the windshield so the blades won't freeze to it.