Driving through a New Zealand winter comes with its challenges—icy roads, unexpected snowfalls, and reduced visibility can turn even a simple trip into a tricky one. Preparing your car for winter and fine-tuning your driving habits for snowy or icy conditions can make all the difference. To help you stay safe and confident on the road, we’ve put together this quick guide with tips to make winter driving in NZ a little less daunting.

Preparing Your Car for Winter

Winter car

Before the cold truly sets in, you need to make sure your car is up to the challenge. Start by checking that all lights are functioning properly—headlights, brake lights, and indicators are especially important as winter days are darker, and visibility can be poor. Upgrading to winter-specific wiper blades and using freeze-resistant windscreen washer fluid can also make a huge difference when driving in heavy rain, frost, or snow.

Your tyres are your first defence against slippery roads. Check that they have enough tread depth to provide traction in wet and icy conditions. If you're regularly driving in snow-prone areas, switching to winter tyres can improve safety, particularly in regions like the South Island’s high country, where temperatures remain low for long periods. Snow chains are also a must-have if you're heading through alpine roads or up the ski fields—conditions can change quickly, and being caught unprepared isn’t just inconvenient; it can be downright dangerous.

It’s also wise to check your car’s cooling system to ensure you have enough antifreeze, as this prevents the engine from freezing on particularly cold mornings when the temperature can dip below zero. Keeping your fuel tank at least half full is a good habit, not just for emergencies but also to reduce condensation inside the fuel tank, which can cause issues with starting your engine. If you drive an electric vehicle, plan ahead by ensuring your battery is charged, as cold weather can affect battery performance and reduce your range.

Driving in Snow and Ice

Winter driving requires a more cautious approach. Slowing down is one of the best things you can do, as it will help you avoid wheel spin, prevent skidding, and gives you more time to react. Sudden braking, rapid acceleration, or sharp turns can easily cause a loss of control on icy roads, so brake gently and use smooth movements.

Before setting off, always clear your windscreen of ice or snow using an ice scraper—never rely on your wipers alone, as they can freeze and become damaged. If you're driving early in the morning or in the evening, be aware that roads may still be slick from frost, especially on bridges and in shaded areas. Using your headlights during the day can improve visibility, but in heavy snow or fog, dip your lights to reduce glare for both you and other drivers.

Keeping a safe following distance is even more important in winter. On dry roads, the two-second rule works well, but in icy conditions or snow covered roads, double that to at least four seconds to allow for longer stopping distances. Even roads that look clear may have black ice, particularly in areas where the sun hasn't yet reached.

Driving With Chains

winter driving tips

While many New Zealand drivers won’t need to carry snow chains, they’re essential for those travelling through places like the North Island’s Central Plateau or the South Island’s alpine passes, including the Lindis, Lewis, and Arthur’s Passes. If you’re heading to a ski field, it’s good practice to carry chains, as conditions can change rapidly.

If you've never used snow chains before, take the time to practice fitting them before you actually need them. Trying to figure them out in freezing conditions on the side of the road isn't ideal. When attaching chains, make sure your vehicle is parked on a level, safe area away from traffic. Fit them snugly over the tyres, drive forward a few metres, then check they’re secure before continuing.

Remember that chains will affect your car’s handling and braking, so keep your speed low—generally under 50 km/h—and avoid sudden movements. Remove them as soon as you return to clear roads to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

How to Attach Snow Chains

  1. Positioning: Before you begin, park your vehicle on a level, safe area away from traffic. Apply the parking brake to secure the vehicle.
  2. Lay Out the Chains: Remove the chains from their packaging and untangle them. Lay them out on the ground to ensure there are no kinks or twists in the links.
  3. Placement Over the Tyre: Drape the chains over the top of the tyre, making sure they are centred. The chain's ends should hang evenly on both sides of the tyre.
  4. Securing the Chains: Begin by hooking the chains on the inner side of the wheel first, then secure the outer side. Some chains have a locking mechanism, while others might require manual fastening. Ensure the fit is snug to prevent the chains from slipping off while driving.
  5. Drive a Short Distance: After attaching the chains, drive forward a few meters to allow the chains to settle. Stop again to make any necessary adjustments to ensure the chains are snug and secure.
  6. Check Regularly: Regularly stop to check the chains for tightness and correct positioning during your journey. Loose chains can damage your vehicle’s tyres and bodywork.

Remember, driving with chains will affect your vehicle’s handling and braking capabilities. Keep your speed down (generally not exceeding 50 km/h) and avoid abrupt manoeuvres. Snow chains are a temporary solution for driving on ice and snow and should be removed as soon as you return to clear or only wet roads to prevent road damage and undue wear on the chains themselves.

Maintaining Roads in Winter

Our road maintenance crews work diligently throughout winter to keep our roads safe and drivable, using grit, salt, and anti-icing agents like Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA). While these treatments improve traction, they don’t eliminate the risk of ice completely and might actually increase your risk of skidding due to the loose material on the road.

Stay informed of road conditions through local news or transport websites. Roads may be fully open, restricted to certain vehicles, or completely closed depending on the weather. Never attempt to drive on a closed road—it's dangerous and puts both you and other road users at risk, as well as the emergency services that need to come and rescue you if you have an accident.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you break down or get stuck in winter conditions, your first priority is safety. If possible, pull over to a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights to stay visible. In remote areas, it’s usually best to stay with your vehicle rather than walking for help, especially if the weather is deteriorating. Keep warm by using your car’s heater in short intervals, but always make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keeping an emergency kit in your car during winter is always a good idea. A blanket, torch, phone charger, snacks, and extra warm clothing can make all the difference if you have to wait for assistance. It’s also wise to check road conditions before setting out, as major highways can sometimes be closed due to heavy snow or ice.