We experience winter in different ways across South Africa. Unlike countries where snow and ice are the primary winter concerns, South Africa’s winter conditions vary greatly across its regions. Understanding these regional differences is essential for staying safe on the roads. Cape Town drivers often contend with heavy rain and strong winds. Drivers in Johannesburg regularly face frosty windows and icy patches on the roads. Meanwhile, drivers in Durban may still need to apply sunscreen.
General winter driving tips
Winter driving conditions can be challenging, but following these general tips can help ensure your safety on the road:
- Regular maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition by performing regular maintenance checks. When it comes to winter, pay special attention to the battery, antifreeze levels, brakes, and windshield wipers.
- Check your tyres: Make sure your tyres have sufficient tread and are properly inflated. Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop, so check it regularly.
- Drive slowly: Wet, icy, or misty conditions can make roads slippery. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to allow for extra stopping time.
- Avoid driving in poor weather: If the weather is particularly bad, such as heavy rain, mist, or snow, try to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car: This includes items such as a torch, blanket, first-aid kit, and non-perishable snacks. Having these supplies can be crucial if you get stranded or have to wait for assistance.
- Don’t be distracted: Seeing your usual roads beautifully blanketed in snow can be a really exciting and beautiful sight to see. Rather find a safe place to pull over to look at the snow, ice or frost.
How to handle car breakdowns in winter
Handling breakdowns in winter requires quick thinking to ensure your safety. If your vehicle experiences a breakdown, it’s important to stay inside to keep warm, unless you’re in a dangerous spot. Remember to put your hazard lights on immediately to increase visibility for other drivers.
Contact roadside assistance ASAP, giving your location or any landmarks and signs that can help them locate you quickly. This ensures you can stay safe and warm while awaiting assistance in cold winter weather. Luckily, if you have a Warranty from Bidvest Insurance, you have access to 24 hour roadside assistance.
Regional-specific winter driving tips
Durban winter driving tips
Durban enjoys relatively mild winters, with temperatures rarely dropping too low. The region has fairly dry winters, with the occasional rainfall. Here’s what you should do when driving in Durban during winter:
- Monitor the weather conditions: Despite the mild temperatures, Durban does experience adhoc extreme weather conditions. This can include sudden extreme wind, rain or icy conditions for a few hours or even days before returning back to mild winter conditions. Check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Use your visor: Winter means shorter days and longer nights. Peak hour drive times are now at a time when the sun is rising or setting. This means you may have glare and mixed lighting conditions. Use your visors, and keep sunglasses handy to protect against glare while driving.
- Consider your comfort: Ensure your vehicle’s air conditioning system is functioning well, you may still need it for comfortable drives in Durban’s winter.
Cape Town winter driving tips
Cape Town’s winters are characterised by heavy rainfall and strong winds and cold temperatures. These conditions can lead to slippery roads and poor visibility, requiring drivers to be extra cautious. Additionally, shorter daylight hours mean driving in the dark is more common. Here are some tips on how to stay safe on Cape Town’s roads during winter:
- Prepare for heavy rain: Cape Town winters bring heavy rain. Be cautious of flooded roads when driving in wet weather. Ensure your tyres are in good condition to prevent hydroplaning. If your car does start to hydroplane, stay calm, gently ease off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
- Get ready for strong winds: Strong winds can be dangerous while driving, especially if you’re transporting goods in an open vehicle. When driving in strong winds, keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain control, reduce your speed.
- Adjust to reduced daylight hours: The sun rises late in Cape Town during winter. This means your morning trip to work and afternoon trip home may be in the dark. Make sure your headlights and tail lights are functioning properly for better visibility.
- Prepare for snow: Although rare, snow can occur in the higher reaches of Table Mountain or on outlying areas during winter. If you’re driving in snowy conditions, drive cautiously at a reduced speed and allow for increased braking distances.
- Maintain your heater: Early mornings in Cape Town are cold. Test your heater before the cold weather sets in. If it’s not working properly, have it serviced.
Johannesburg winter driving tips
Winter mornings in Johannesburg are cold. You may see frost on your front lawn and occasional ice on windows and roads. This requires extra preparation to ensure safe driving.
- Heater maintenance is a must: Early mornings in Johannesburg are freezing. Test your heater before the cold weather sets in. If it’s not working properly, have it serviced.
- Check your antifreeze levels: You don’t want your car’s liquids to freeze up overnight. Make sure your vehicle’s antifreeze levels are sufficient to prevent engine freezing. Proper antifreeze levels will help keep your car running smoothly in cold weather.
- Check your battery health: Cold weather can affect your car’s battery. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a charge. If your battery is old or weak, consider replacing it before winter.
- Make sure to do your tyre maintenance: Cold temperatures can affect your tyre pressure. Regularly check your tyre pressure and tread depth to ensure optimal traction on potentially icy roads.
Inland and northern provinces winter driving tips
The Inland and northern provinces of South Africa can experience significantly colder winters compared to coastal regions. Here are some tips for driving in these areas:
- Watch out for icy roads: In cold conditions, ice can form on roads. Drive slowly and cautiously, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to stop.
- Use your headlights: Visibility can be reduced during winter due to mist, rain, or early nightfall. Use your headlights even during the day to increase visibility. Use low-beam headlights in foggy conditions and avoid using your brights, as they can reflect off the fog and reduce visibility further.
- Prepare for longer drives: Cold weather can lead to unexpected traffic delays, so it’s important to be prepared. Keep an extra jacket and some non-perishable snacks in your car.
The Berg winter driving tips
The Drakensberg region, often referred to as “The Berg,” can experience very cold winters with occasional snowfall, especially at higher altitudes. Here are some tips for driving in this area:
- Prepare for snow and ice: Snow is more common in the Berg than in other parts of South Africa. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow chains if you’re travelling in the area when there’s heavy snowfall. It’s a good idea to practise fitting the chains before you need to use them.
- Drive slowly: Snow and ice can make roads very slippery. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Avoid sudden braking and use gentle acceleration to maintain control.
- Stay informed: Check weather reports regularly, as conditions can change rapidly in the Berg. Plan your trips around weather forecasts and be prepared to delay travel if conditions are severe.
By following these winter driving tips, you can navigate the unique challenges of South African winters and ensure a safe and comfortable journey, no matter where you are. Drive smart, stay safe, and keep your vehicle in top shape all winter long.
