Driving to the snow? Here’s what you need to know

The rules regarding the requirement to carry snow chains in winter when driving in alpine regions in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania vary – but they all have one thing in common, and that is to be prepared.

While authorities in Victoria and Tasmania require all vehicles to carry snow chains in alpine regions in winter – to be fitted in the event of a blizzard or when there is heavy snow over the road – the rule book in NSW only insists two-wheel-drive vehicles carry snow chains (for cars such as sedans, wagons, hatchbacks, and light SUVs).

In NSW, it is not compulsory for all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles to carry snow chains in winter – however snow chains are still highly recommended.

Snow chains can be bought or hired at multiple locations on the approaches to the Victorian and New South Wales alps.

And there are numerous chain-fitting bays on the side of the road where they can be safely fitted to the tyres.

Once fitted to the tyres, the chain breaks through the snow and ice and grips into the road.

However when driving with snow chains fitted, the vehicle will shudder and the maximum recommended speed is 40kmh. In some cases it may be prudent to drive even slower than this.

Police increase their patrols of alpine regions in winter.

Highway patrol officers from metropolitan Sydney are often deployed to boost police numbers in regional areas due to the large influx of tourists.

Police in NSW have a new tool to tackle winter road safety this year: the BMW X5.

While police in Victoria have been running BMW X5s (alongside BMW 5 Series sedans) for several years, the BMW X5 only recently earned its police stripes in NSW.

Initially, the BMW X5s used by NSW Police Highway Patrol will be deployed to alpine regions and rural areas where their all-wheel-drive grip will be advantageous.

The BMW X5 will serve alongside the BMW 5 Series sedans used in NSW and Victoria.

And while it won’t necessarily be a direct replacement, expect to see the BMW X5 gradually replace the Chrysler 300 SRT V8 sedan in NSW.

The Chrysler 300 SRT was the last V8 put into highway patrol service in NSW – and the last of the breed are expecting to be retired some time next year.

In the meantime, police on both sides of the border are again pleading with motorists to slow down when heading to the snow, and be especially aware of the possibility of “black ice”.

That is, clear ice that has formed over the road and is not easy to spot, especially in shady corners where the sun hasn’t had time to melt any patches of frozen water.

Driving onto black ice can easily send a car into a spin.

In many cases, even a car’s stability control technology is not enough to prevent a spin – because the surface is as slippery as an ice rink.

Here are some snow-driving tips from NSW Police and Transport for NSW:

• Snow chains are loops of chain that fit over your car’s tyres to provide extra traction in the snow. In certain locations it is against the law to drive without snow chains fitted to your vehicle.

• Police and other authorised officers conduct regular snow chain inspections. If you’re driving in snowy areas without chains, you could be fined.

• In NSW, all Two Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicles entering Kosciuszko National Park between the June and October long weekends must carry snow chains.

• In Victoria and Tasmania, all vehicles – 2WD, AWD, or 4WD – must carry snow chains in alpine regions in winter.

• Some types of tyre configurations may not be able to have snow chains fitted to them. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to see whether snow chains can be fitted to your vehicle.

• Always switch on your headlights – even during the day – as they make it easier for oncoming traffic to see you.

• Ask your mechanic to check if you need anti-freeze in your radiator or a special coolant for low temperatures.

• If you need anti-freeze, match the amount to the capacity of the cooling system. If you don’t add the right amount the engine block, heater core and radiator may crack as the coolant freezes. This may leave you stranded and with an expensive bill for towing and repairs.

• If you drive a diesel vehicle, fill your tank with Alpine Diesel from a service station close to the snowfields. Plan your journey to arrive with plenty of room in your fuel tank for this fuel.

• If you drive a diesel vehicle, fill your tank with Alpine Diesel from a service station close to the snowfields. Plan your journey to arrive with plenty of room in your fuel tank for this fuel.

• Alternatively, you can add an alpine diesel additive to stop your fuel from freezing.

• Dual fuel vehicles (LPG/petrol) should switch to petrol before entering alpine areas.

• Authorities also advise motorists to consider an emergency kit such as the following, in case your car breaks down and you’re unable to call for help:
• Torch
• Blanket
• Tow rope
• Spade
• Set of wheel chocks
• Plastic scraper (for scraping ice off the windscreen)
• Bottles of water
• Waterproof blanket or groundsheet
• Basic first aid kit