Cold mornings. Foggy windscreens. Slippery roads. Yep, winter driving is a whole different beast. While most Aussies don’t deal with heavy snow like they do overseas, that doesn’t mean winter can’t throw a few curveballs—especially in areas like the Dandenongs, outer Melbourne suburbs, or up in the High Country.
We’ve seen it all: dead batteries on frosty mornings, cars sliding off icy driveways, and people stranded in the middle of nowhere because they didn’t prep their car properly. The good news? A little bit of preparation goes a long way.
Here are some winter driving tips to keep you and your car safe—and to help avoid an unnecessary call to the tow truck. (Although we’re always here if you need us.)
Check Your Tyres—Grip Is Everything
In winter, the roads can get wet, slick, or even icy in colder spots. That means your tyres are doing some serious work keeping you safe.
- Check tread depth – Worn-out tyres are dangerous any time of year, but especially now. The legal minimum is 1.5mm, but we recommend at least 3mm in winter for better grip.
- Maintain proper pressure – Cold air can cause tyre pressure to drop, so check it regularly at the servo. Low pressure = poor handling.
One of our customers found out the hard way when their car slid on a wet roundabout in Ringwood. Turns out the rear tyres were nearly bald. Lucky for them, no injuries—just a bent bumper and a tow job.
Keep Your Battery in Check
Batteries hate the cold. If yours is already a bit tired, winter might finish it off.
- Listen for slow cranking when starting the car
- Get your battery tested if it’s over 3 years old
- Check for corrosion on terminals—a quick clean can make a difference
We get a spike in dead battery callouts every winter. One freezing morning in Ballarat, we had three calls before 9am—all battery issues. Don’t let yours be the next.
Watch Your Windscreen (And Wipers)
Frosted-over windscreens are annoying—and dangerous if you don’t clear them properly.
- Keep an ice scraper or de-icer spray handy
- Never use boiling water—it can crack the glass
- Check your wipers aren’t cracked or brittle
- Top up your windscreen washer fluid with one that won’t freeze
Visibility is everything. A foggy windscreen and worn-out wipers are a recipe for trouble.
Warm Up the Right Way
There’s a lot of debate about warming up your car. Here’s the simple rule: start the engine, wait 30 seconds to a minute, then drive off gently.
Idling for too long just wastes fuel. But letting the oil circulate before putting the engine under load is smart—especially on frosty mornings.
Keep an Emergency Kit in the Car
We don’t want to sound dramatic, but if you break down on a cold night or in a regional area with no signal, having a few basics in the car can make a huge difference.
Here’s what we suggest keeping in your boot:
- Torch (with working batteries)
- Blanket or warm jacket
- Phone charger
- Jumper leads
- Bottle of water and a snack
- Basic first aid kit
It doesn’t take up much space but could save your bacon if you get stuck.
Slow Down and Leave Room
Wet and cold roads mean longer stopping distances. It’s simple:
- Take corners slower
- Don’t tailgate
- Use gentle steering and braking
We once towed a driver who slid into a parked car just because they braked too hard on a damp street in Doncaster. No one was hurt, but the dent was deep—and avoidable.
Top Up the Essentials
Cold weather puts extra stress on your vehicle, so make sure all the basics are sorted:
- Coolant (yes, even in winter—it prevents freezing and keeps the engine happy)
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Washer fluid
A quick check now can stop a small issue from turning into a major one mid-drive.
Winter Doesn’t Have to Be a Hazard
Yes, winter driving brings challenges—but with a bit of awareness and prep, you’ll be fine. Think of it like putting on a warm coat before heading out: a few small actions to stay safe and comfortable.
And if the worst does happen? Whether it’s a breakdown on a frosty morning or a flat battery at the shops, our tow truck team is just a call away. We’ll get you sorted and back on the road in no time—rain, hail, or frost.
If you are in St Kilda, and looking for a nearby tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Tow Trucks
123 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
0485 856 565
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