Ready for the Road: Your winter vehicle check

Preparing your car for the conditions is a ‘never-to-miss’ step of getting on the road. And with a huge range of climates across the country and weather that can feel like four seasons in one day, it pays to know you and your car are going to be prepared for whatever’s thrown at it.

Knowing your region

Rhys Pocklington has been in the motor industry since 2000. After working with big-name dealerships, Rhys set up Black & White Motor Company in 2011 and has been helping his customers find the used vehicles that best suit their needs and wants. Black & White Motors is an MTF Finance approved dealer.

Being based in Waltham, Christchurch, Rhys knows how intense winters can be.

“In Canterbury, we get snow, flooding, icy roads – and some serious strain on our cars. But how severe winter can be obviously depends on where you are in the country. A lot of changes between summer and winter in the South Island – could be a swing of 25+ to -4°C – but not as much as the north of the North Island. In the Waikato, you won’t necessarily see snow on the roads, but you do get black ice. Northland can expect some flooding; Southland gets snowed in regularly.”

So his first winter safety pointer for us? Be prepared.

“The first thing you’ve got to do is make sure that you’re ready for the conditions of your region – or across regions, if you’re travelling long distances. The second thing is to expect the unexpected, and plan for anything that might be thrown at you.

“Thirdly, look after your car.”

Replace your battery

Winter’s when battery failure often hits. In the summer, your battery might seem fine: the heat makes it easier to charge, and a warm engine is easier to start. But cooling nights slow down the battery’s ability to undergo the chemical reactions needed to produce a current – and an ailing battery soon becomes a failed one.

It may surprise you to learn that the average car battery lasts between two and five years (but colder conditions in the South shorten that lifespan), so you’re probably due a new unit. A newer battery will be able to recharge more quickly, putting less strain on your engine too.

Check your hoses and seals

Low temperatures make the rubber and synthetic hoses and seals in your car degrade faster (as does direct sunlight); they’ll also shrink and contract in the cold, putting tension on other parts, and running the risk of cracking and leaking – especially in older cars.

If you can, garage your car – this will help prevent it from dropping to the lowest temperatures and help it long-term. But right now, you need to have a qualified mechanic or hose specialist inspect your seals for signs of cracks or degradation – before it’s too late.

Of course, making sure your car’s topped up with water, oil, and fuel are the basics – but here are some extra steps that can keep you and your family safer on the roads this winter, and ready to enjoy what Aotearoa has on offer.