Winter Driving Tips in New Zealand

While New Zealand is an island country with a typical maritime climate, meaning winters aren't too cold and summers aren't too hot, it's still located in the Southern Hemisphere with relatively high latitudes. Therefore, driving during winter in New Zealand requires extra caution. In some areas of the South Island, "hardware upgrades" such as snow tires and chains are necessary to adapt to seasonal changes.

It's also a good habit to check the weather forecast before heading out. In severe weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, or snowstorms, it's best to reduce the chances of going out; staying at home is the safest option.

In the northern and central regions of the North Island, such as Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton, and Tauranga, winter doesn't bring extremely cold weather. The most you might experience is heavy rain. Extra caution regarding road conditions and following distances, as well as being aware of the dangers of poor visibility, is essential.

Hardware Preparation

• It's best to update your windshield wipers and ensure they are working properly. If your car has front and rear fog lights, check if any bulbs need replacement.
• Ensure the air conditioning system is functional because, in winter, the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the car can cause condensation on the inside of the windows, obstructing visibility. The dehumidifying function of the air conditioner will be very helpful in this situation.
• Regularly check your tire tread. Shallow tread in rainy weather can prevent water from being effectively expelled between the tire and the road, affecting braking distance and grip. This is crucial to remember.

Using Snow Tires and Chains

Some areas of the South Island experience snow and ice during winter. If there's just a little snow and ice, replacing your tires with four snow tires is a good option. Snow tires might increase fuel consumption slightly and make the road noise a bit louder, but they provide much better traction on slippery surfaces, significantly enhancing your driving safety on ice and snow.

If the snowfall is heavy, snow tires alone may not suffice. In this case, you might need to wrap tire chains around your tires to improve grip. Ensure the chains match your tire size, and learn how to install and remove them yourself. Because handling chains with bare hands in the cold can be uncomfortable, keep a pair of warm gloves in your car for this purpose. Remember, when using chains, you shouldn't drive too fast, as the chains make the tires "less round," causing the vehicle to feel bumpy and potentially uncontrollable at high speeds.

Black Ice

Black ice is a significant hazard on New Zealand roads. It's a thin layer of ice on the road surface that is hard to see because of its thinness, which makes it blend with the asphalt. It can form quickly and disappear just as fast, making it unpredictable and dangerous even for experienced drivers.

Black ice is most likely to appear during the night and early morning, especially in low-lying, humid areas. If your car has a thermometer and you notice the outside temperature around freezing with a "foggy" appearance ahead, be very cautious. The road surface is cold enough, and moisture in the air can condense into water and then freeze into ice, creating black ice. Hitting black ice can cause skidding, loss of control, and inability to brake, which is extremely dangerous.

Sometimes, on winter mornings when the sun is low on the horizon, you may notice shiny patches on the road ahead. Don't hesitate to gently brake because these reflective surfaces are likely black ice reflecting the sunlight. Never brake suddenly on black ice, as this will almost certainly cause the vehicle to lose control.