Safety tips for driving in the snow and on icy roads

Driving to alpine areas such as Mount Hotham can be fraught, with snow and fog causing poor visibility and dangerous conditions. Image: Getty.

Preparing your car for a snow trip

It's essential to prepare your car before driving to alpine areas during winter. Travel times from Melbourne to Victoria's alpine resorts range from just over two hours to Lake Mountain and nearly four hours to Mt Buller, so it's important your car is ready for both the long drive and the road conditions. Here is a checklist, which includes remembering to take a car safety and emergency kit:

• Get your car serviced to check all systems are functioning. The mechanic should check your tyres, brakes, battery, engine and windscreen. 
• Anti-freeze is recommended for your radiator. Minimum temperatures regularly fall below zero in Victoria's alpine areas during winter. If you're getting your car serviced, ask the mechanic if your current coolant needs to be replaced with a stronger mix of anti-freeze.
• Make sure your car battery is in good condition. If in doubt, get a new one. A battery with a low charge can fail in cold conditions and leave you stranded.  
• Check your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is working. You need the heater to keep everyone warm, especially if you get stuck in traffic, and you need the air conditioner to demist the windscreen and ensure you have clear visibility on those challenging alpine roads.
• If you have a diesel vehicle, be aware that you will need to fill up with alpine diesel mix before driving in snow and icy conditions. This is because ordinary diesel thickens in sub-zero temperatures. Alpine diesel mix is usually available at service stations near alpine areas during winter months.
• You must take snow chains during snow season. In addition, they must be fitted when directed by the authorities in the snow fields. Pack a tarpaulin to keep you clean and dry as you may have to fit the chains when the ground is slushy or muddy.
• Pack your sunglasses. Snow glare can reduce your visibility and cause fatigue.
• Finally, do not forget to pack your car safety and emergency kit. This includes a mobile phone with charger, water and non-perisable food, a torch with spare batteries, jumper leads, high-vis vest, a spare roadworthy tyre, and first-aid kit. 
• Organise or update your emergency roadside assistance before you leave.

You must carry wheel chains suitable for your vehicle during the snow season and know how to fit them. Image: Getty. 

Why you need to fit wheel chains

You must carry snow chains if you're entering a Victorian alpine resort in winter, not only for your safety, but you can face substantial fines if you do not comply. This applies to both two-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles and you willl not be permitted to pass through the resort entry at the base of the mountain if you do not have them. In New South Wales, four-wheel drives are not required to carry chains in alphine areas in winter, but it is still recommended.

In Victoria, an authorised officer can direct you at any time to fit the snow chains on your vehicle. The chains must be properly fitted to the drive wheels - which are the wheels connected to the engine or engine motors. This means front wheels for a front-wheel drive, back wheels for a back-wheel drive, and either front or back wheels for 4WD and AWD vehicles, depending on the vehicle's power distribution. Be aware that rear-wheel vehicles do not perform as well in snow because they are more likely to lose traction.

There are snow chain hire shops in many regional towns close to alpine areas, which also offer a fitting service to check the snow chains sit correctly on your tyres. Incorrectly fitted chains can damage the wheel arches.

Here is a checklist below.

• Practise fitting chains before a trip.
• Fit the chains to driving wheels (check the manufacturer’s guidelines).
• Fit chains at fitting bays on level ground.
• If chains fall off or loosen when a vehicle is in motion, stop and check for damage before re-fitting.
• Carry a torch, plastic garbage bag and gloves to make fitting easier.
• Use diamond pattern snow chains. These chains “bite” through the ice and snow to maximise grip and increase directional stability.
• Tyres must be in good condition with minimal wear.
• For better control of your vehicle and to prevent damaging the chains, drive at a lower speed and avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
• If you’re visiting a resort, visit their website for more information on snow chains.  

Knowing how to drive in snow and icy conditions will help you reach your destination safely and enjoy your time on the ski fields. Image: Getty. 

Safety tips for driving up a mountain in snow

Driving in snow or icy conditions requires concentration, patience and skill. Check the weather and avoid driving through snow or ice if you can. If you decide to drive and it becomes hard to see the edges of the road, pull over somewhere safe until conditions improve. Make sure you have a mobile phone and charger with you.

Don't forget, if you have a diesel vehicle, fill-up with at a service station near the mountain with alpine diesel mix before you ascend.

Here is a guide to other ways to stay safe when driving in fog or snowy conditions in an alpine area:

• Snowy conditions can reduce visibility. Decrease your speed and increase the distance between yourself and any drivers in front of you. Braking takes longer in icy conditions.
• Use fog lights rather than high beam. If your car doesn't have fog lights, use the hazard lights with the headlights on low beam.
• Operate your vehicle slowly and smoothly with gentle acceleration and braking. Drive in a low gear at a low speed. If you travel too fast, the wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
• To avoid wheel spin, use gradual and slow pressure on the accelerator.
• Avoid braking as you come into or go around corners. Slow down before the corner while your vehicle's wheels are straight.
  
• If your vehicle does skid or you hit black ice, avoid accelerating, braking hard or turning the steering wheel quickly. This is to prevent the wheels locking up and causing loss of steering and control.

You may find yourself in a long queue when you get near an alpine resot. Stay calm and follow road signs and any directions given by resort staff. If you're delayed in snowy conditions, use the air conditioner to circulate air through the car and help you stay alert.

If you're leaving your car parked in an alpine area, lift up your wipers to stop them freezing to the windscreen. Image: Getty. 

Safety tips for parking at an alpine resort

Having reached your destination, follow the road signs or directions of resort staff and leave your car in a marked parking area. Protect your car against the freezing conditions with these preventative measures:

• If you're a day-tripper, park in a sunny area (if possible) to prevent ice build-up.
• Don’t apply the handbrake or park brake. Moisture can freeze the cables and brake linings. Leave the car in gear and turn the front wheels away from a slope. 
• Invest in a set of rubber wheel chocks to stop the vehicle moving. Wooden chocks can slip on icy surfaces and rocks may cause damage.
• Move the wipers away from the windscreen or cover them in plastic to prevent them sticking to the windscreen.

Safety tips for driving down a mountain in snow

When you return to your car, clear any snow or ice from the roof, windscreen, windows and side mirrors. Visibility is crucial for your return journey, with mist, fog, rain and snow among the challenges of alpine driving.

• The best way to remove ice from your windscreen is with an ice scaper. Do not use a metal blade, as this will scratch the glass.
• Check that all cameras and sensors are clean and free from ice and dirt to ensure driver assistance systems operate correctly.
• To demist the front windscreen, use the car’s heater and fan at the same time as the air-conditioner.
• If you have an electric vehicle (EV), pre-warm the car while it is still charging so that you don't deplete the battery by starting the heating when you start driving. This will help maximise your range.
• Engage low gear when you drive down a mountain. Smooth application of the accelerator and the brakes is the key to driving down safely.  If you do need to brake, do it in a straight line before the corner.
• If the driver in front is slow, stay calm, and keep your distance. You may need to brake, so give yourself plenty of time to stop.
• Give right of way to cars coming up. It's not a road rule, but it's harder for an ascending vehicle to take off after it has stopped, so be considerate.

Final safety tips for driving in snow and icy conditions

Stay away from snow clearing machines. Firstly, they may not see you when they reverse. Secondly, the snow that is being blown could affect your visibility and contain stones that could damage your vehicle.

Remove the wheel chains when the road is free from snow or as directed by resort staff. The chains are designed for low speed and can damage your tyres is used at speeds above 30-40km/h. 

Knowing how to drive safely in snow and icy conditions will ensure you reach your destination and make the most of Victoria's beautiful alpine areas.