Winter Towing Guide: 12 Tips to Get Season Ready
Winter in Australia is more than just pleasant snow and sipping hot chocolate. Especially for people who need to tow, it transforms highways into a hard test…a test of nerve and physics for winter towing.
According to the Australian Transport Research Forum, road incident rate spikes significantly during winter months due to wind, snow, and ice. These elements affect road infrastructure and increase crash risk. So, how can you prepare against winter towing risks? How can you be winter-ready?
Brisbane Towing and Recovery has prepared a list of 12 tow tips and recommendations that will act as an ultimate survival kit for towing on wheels during winter.
Here’s the quick version for those in a hurry:
What are winter towing tips to consider?
- Mind your tyre pressure and tread
- Illuminate the path properly
- Check battery health
- Ensure brake system integrity
- Check fluids and antifreeze
- Master weight distribution hitch
- Practice fitting snow chains
- Expand your following distance
- Inspect safety chains and hitch
- Adjust your speed
- Monitor weather updates
- Use fog lights correctly
Who should I hire for winter towing in Brisbane?
You can count on Brisbane Towing and Recovery for professional assistance during colder months. Our experienced tow operators guarantee safe and efficient tow truck services to get you out of any tough winter spot.
Let’s dive into the towing ideas to keep you towing straight through frost and fog:
What are Some Towing Tips for Australian Winters?
Here’s what you should keep in mind to make your towing journey successful on Australian roads during chilly months:
Mind your tyre pressure and tread
The air during winter is thick and cold. This leads to a great drop in tyre pressure. Make sure not to guess but check it before you hitch up. More importantly, examine your treads’ depth. When you are on wet, slushy or icy roads, tread is your lifeline as far as traction goes.
Should the rubber look worn or uneven, immediately replace it before the season arrives.
Illuminate your path
During winter fogs and heavy storms, visibility goes down to zero. Make sure that all lights on your towing truck, car, caravan, or trailer are running exceptionally well. This comprises brake lights, indicators, and number plate illuminations. Keep some extra bulbs in your glovebox.
Having a lit rig does not merely mean that you can see the road; it also means that those around you can see your vehicle or winter towing load before it is already too late.
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Battery health check
Vehicle batteries hate the cold. Extremely low temperatures increase electrical load and highly affect battery capacity when starting the engine. Prior to the winter season, a towing professional must inspect the battery health of their vehicle and clean the terminals of any corrosion.
Afterall, the last thing you would want is to find yourself stuck in your tow truck somewhere on a freezing mountain pass with a dead engine and trailer on the back.
Brake system integrity
Towing simply translates to the addition of great weight. And winter translates to the addition of slippery physics. So, you must check the braking system of your vehicle. Make sure it is flushed and topped up with fresh fluid.
Adjust brake controller manually to get lower traction for the trailer. Remember, the distance of stopping on the ice can be tenfold longer than on dry pavement. Therefore, you have to have razor-sharp, responsive brakes.
Check fluids and antifreeze
Your engine is the workhorse of the tow truck’s operation and winter is the ultimate stress test. Monitor your coolant levels, and make sure that the mixture is appropriate for cold conditions so that the block does not freeze.
Also, use less viscosity engine oil when driving in very cold Australian regions for winter towing. This way, your truck’s engine will start easily on those icy mornings.
Master weight distribution hitch
An appropriately installed Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is a must for winter towing. It keeps steering and rig level constant. Trailer sway is a possible calamity on snow or ice. Adjusting your WDH will make it possible to achieve the perfect load balance.
If the nose of the tow vehicle is pointing up, then your steering traction is already compromised before you even touch the gas.
Practice fitting snow chains
According to the Department and Main Roads, the use of chains by individuals is the law in most of the alpine regions in Australia. Their installation is a compulsory requirement when directed. Don’t wait until you are knee-deep in slush to read the instructions.
Practice installing snow towing chains during the daytime (when it is sunny in your yard). Knowing exactly how to wrap the chains over your tyres will save you time, stress and frozen fingers.
Expand your following distance
Brisbane Towing and Recovery follows the three-second rule for summer towing. But we suggest doubling it for winter towing. Six or eight seconds between you and vehicles ahead, at least. When one cuts into that gap, step back immediately.
When carrying a heavy load, one can’t ascertain how a trailer will react to a sudden brake on the black ice. Space is your BFF in such a scenario.
Inspect safety chains and hitch
Salt and grit found on the snowy roads are infamous for causing corrosion on metal parts of your tow truck and trailer. Examine the trailer hitch, safety chains, and electrical plug for rust or damage.
Make sure that the hitch pin is fitted and safety chains are crossed under the coupler appropriately. It is these mechanical links that keep your trailer attached in case your main ball fails. Don't let rust be the weak link.
Adjust your speed
Another useful winter towing tip to consider. Speed is the BIGGEST killer in winter towing. Tow truck operators should drive their vehicles as if they are eggs on the passenger seat. High speed produces heat in the tyres.
Although this may sound fine, it can cause snow to melt around the tyres, creating a layer of water beneath them. This is also called tyre-hydroplaning, which, with a trailer, is not controllable. Slow down. Stay in lanes with already laid tracks and arrive alive.
Monitor weather updates
Australian weather is a trickster between June and August. Be sure to check the Bureau of Meteorology and local road authority applications before you head out for a tow. In fact, think beyond just looking at temperature. Also, check wind chill and snow forecasts. In case a great storm is on its way, the most prudent towing choice is usually to postpone departure.
Use fog lights correctly
One of the biggest mistakes made, especially by amateur drivers during winter towing. Use your fog lights wisely. In thick winter fog, high beams may literally reduce your visibility by scattering the moisture particles and making you blind.
Turn on low beams instead. Cut through the gloom with fog lamps. Make sure that they are properly directed; they must not shine in the eyes of passing traffic.
Winter Towing Guide for Australia: Final Words
There you go!
We are done sharing some useful winter towing tips. The cold season brings unique challenges that demand extra caution and preparation. But by applying aforementioned tips and recommendations, you can make sure you and your load reach the destination without a hitch.
For individuals looking for professional towing services during winter in Brisbane, consider hiring BTR. We got tow operators who know how to handle the frost. Call us on 0438 155 555 for quick assistance!
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