Tag: winter

  • 5 TIPS FOR WINTER CAR CARE

    5 TIPS FOR WINTER CAR CARE

     

    South Africa’s winters might not bring blizzards and ice, but that doesn’t mean your car doesn’t need seasonal TLC. As temperatures drop it’s time to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the colder months. These winter car care tips will help keep you safe and ensure your vehicle performs at its best.

    Psst…! The real car care begins when you protect your ride. Explore our car insurance options and get a quote today.

     

    Check and Top Up Your Car’s Essential Fluids 

    Our winters may not freeze your engine block, but dips in temperature can still mess with your car’s fluids and performance. If you’re in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, or other inland areas where morning temperatures drop below 5°C, this one’s especially for you. 

    Oil

    Cold air thickens oil, making it difficult for your engine to start and operate smoothly. Consider using a multi-grade or winter-specific oil that flows better in low temperatures.  

    Pro tip: Your mechanic can help with the right recommendation for your model. 

    Coolant

    Coolant (antifreeze) helps regulate engine temperature during short winter trips but doesn’t always warm your engine correctly. Ensure your car’s levels are good and the antifreeze ratio is spot on. 

    Windshield Washer Fluid

    A water-only mix can freeze on your windscreen or become ineffective. Use a washer fluid with alcohol or spirits added. It’s a popular little hack that works surprisingly well during frosty morning drives. 

    Fuel

    Keeping your tank full reduces condensation, which can lead to fuel line freeze-ups in colder regions. While the petrol and diesel prices may not be in our favour, it is a safe habit always to ensure your  vehicle’s tank is full because you never know when you’ll be stuck in a traffic jam or have to take a spontaneous long drive. 

    RELATED: HOW TO: SAVE FUEL WHEN DRIVING 

     

    Prep Your Tyres for Winter Roads 

    Rain, dew, and low sun angles often cause winter driving hazards, including blinding drivers during rush hour. Keeping your vehicle’s tyres in good condition is crucial for safe driving, especially in winter. 

    Tread Depth

    The legal minimum tread in South Africa is 1,6 mm, but anything below 3 mm drastically reduces traction in wet conditions. Smooth tyres are a big no, no matter what type of weather you’re driving in, and need to be replaced ASAP!  

    Tyre Pressure

    Cold air contracts, and you might lose tyre pressure overnight. Check it at least once a week, especially before early commutes. Low pressure affects braking and increases your fuel usage. 

    Winter Tyres

    While most South Africans don’t need full-on snow tyres, drivers in areas near the Drakensberg or some parts of the Free State should consider all-weather or winter-rated tyres. They improve grip and handling on icy or gravel roads. 

     

    Inspect Battery and Lighting Systems 

    Car batteries are more likely to fail in winter due to the increased demand on the starter to crank a cold engine. 

    Battery Health

    If your battery is over 3–4 years old, have it tested. Also, ensure the battery is clean and secure. Wipe the terminals with warm, soapy water to remove acid or dirt build-up, and ensure it is safely secured to prevent it from shifting. 

    RELATED: HOW LONG DO CAR BATTERIES LAST? 

    Lights

    Shorter days mean more driving in the dark or in low-light conditions. Ensure all your headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working. Clean the lenses or replace the covers to boost visibility if they are dirty or foggy. 

     

    Keep Visibility Clear

    Poor visibility can result from coastal fog or inland haze. This doesn’t just slow you down, it’s a safety risk. 

    Windshield Wipers

    Your wipers put in overtime in winter. Replace them if they’re streaky, noisy, or leave missed patches.  

    Windshield Condition

    Do you already have a chip from a flying stone thanks to your summer road trip? The winter cold can make it spread across the glass. Repair chips before they become cracks and compromise your visibility or your wallet. 

     

    Prioritise Safety and Emergency Preparedness 

    Brakes

    Damp, cold roads increase stopping distances. Ensure your vehicle’s brakes function correctly and have sufficient pad thickness. Have them inspected and replaced if necessary.  

    Car Washes

    It may sound wild, but winter is a great time to wash your car. Winter weather can be harsh on your car’s exterior. 

    • Regular Car Washes: Remove dirt and grime to prevent paint damage and rust. 
    • Wax Application: Apply a protective wax coating to shield your car from the elements. 

    Emergency Kit

    A local-ready emergency kit includes: 

    • Jumper cables 
    • Blanket 
    • Snacks and water 
    • Phone charger or power bank 
    • Torch with spare batteries. 

    You might also add gloves and a raincoat, because being stuck in a KZN downpour with a flat tyre is no joke. 

    RELATED: AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD, HOW TO JUMP-START A CAR 

    Engine Pre-Heating

    If you’re in the country’s colder regions, a block heater can help warm your engine before you start it. This reduces wear and improves fuel efficiency. 

     

    Are You up to Date with Your Winter Car Maintenance? 

    Being proactive about winter car care saves time, money, and stress. If you have any questions or need expert advice, contact us today at dotsure.co.za. You can also explore our car insurance options to learn more about how we can help you drive stress-free this winter. 

     

  • VET ADVICE: HOW COLD WEATHER AFFECTS YOUR PETS

    VET ADVICE: HOW COLD WEATHER AFFECTS YOUR PETS

     

    Keeping Your Pets Safe During Winter

    Dr Hayley Du Toit is a veterinarian at the Tzaneen Animal Clinic in Limpopo, and she’s been a vet for almost 20 years!

     

    How does the cold weather affect pets?

    “Our pets definitely feel the cold just like we do. If they have any joint issues, they will experience more pain and stiffness during the colder months. Pets with less body fat and thin coats will also be more sensitive to the cold weather.”

     

    What are the signs of “winter blues” pet parents can look out for?

    “Pets don’t always show pain as we would expect them to. So, it can sometimes go unnoticed by pet parents. They may be less active, lie in their beds more, be less friendly than normal, and you might even see that older pets wet their beds (this is because they are trying to avoid going out into the cold and wait until their bladders are really full).”

     

    Do you have advice on how to help pets through the colder months?

    “Provide warm beds for your animals, and enough for each of them. We see more dog fights in winter as they compete for the prime sleeping spot. If you have a senior pet, please take them to your vet for a check-up to see if they have arthritis, which can be managed. There are a multitude of options that your vet can prescribe to keep your pet as pain-free as possible.”

     

    Learn More About Our Vet of the Month (VOM)

    Dr Hayley lives on a farm in Tzaneen with her husband and son. She works predominantly with pets, but their practice sees animals of all shapes and sizes.

     

    When did you decide to become a vet?

    “While I was taking a gap year, after school.”

     

    Do you have any pets?

    “We have four dogs, a Great Dane, a Border Collie, and 2 crossbreed rescues. We also have 2 cats and a parrot; they are also rescues! Oh, and about 20 chickens who keep my kitchen stocked with eggs.”

     

    Any last thoughts on the topic?

    “Please give your pet the option of sleeping indoors!”

     

  • AVOIDING WINTER DRIVING HAZARDS

    AVOIDING WINTER DRIVING HAZARDS

     

    Stay Safe on the Roads This Winter

    Our country’s winters are generally mild, but various regions experience different weather conditions. Whether you’re facing rain, fog, or the rare event of snow, it’s crucial to be prepared and to adapt your driving to stay safe.

     

    Stay Informed

    Before hitting the road, check weather forecasts to stay informed about any warnings or alerts. If severe weather is predicted, consider postponing your trip, if possible. Being aware of weather conditions allows you to plan your journey more safely.

     

    Slow Down

    Even in mild winter weather, slow down to match the road conditions. Avoid using cruise control on slippery surfaces and maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles. This gives you ample time to react to unexpected situations.

    On wet or icy roads, avoid sudden changes in speed. Accelerate and brake gently to prevent skidding. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during emergencies. This helps maintain control and reduces the risk of accidents.

     

    Ensure Clear Visibility

    Rain and fog can significantly reduce visibility on the roads. Keep your windshield wipers in good condition and use them when necessary. Turn on your headlights to improve visibility for yourself and other drivers. Additionally, use fog lights or low beams in foggy conditions to help others to see you.

    You can combat glare by using polarised sunglasses, lowering your visor, and keeping your windshield clean. Slow down to adjust to changing light conditions and be mindful of sudden changes in visibility. If you need to pull over, do so safely and use your emergency lights to alert other drivers.

     

    South African drivers can minimise the risks associated with driving in winter road conditions by always prioritising safety and staying informed.