Do I need winter tires in Australia?

Winter tyres are only necessary when temperatures fall below 7 degrees and for many Australians, a winter’s day can range anywhere between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius (hello far north Queensland). Winter tyres are softer in order to provide enhanced flexibility in snowy and icy conditions.

Can you take a 2WD to the snow?

For rain and very light snow, 2WD will probably work fine, and for most vehicles, front-wheel drive is the preferred setup and is likely to cost less than an equivalent AWD model. (For performance cars, RWD is preferred, but AWD, if available, can increase traction.)

Can you drive on snow without chains?

There is no federal law that requires drivers to carry snow chains or snow tires. California has a similar three-tiered system for requiring chains or snow chains, with four-wheel drive vehicles given more slack than those with two-wheel drive under certain conditions.

Can you leave snow chains on overnight?

You should have no problems leaving chains on your tires overnight. You must have an awful lot of deep snow to need chains? I will add a word of caution though; If you have a front wheel drive car do not use tire chains but instead opt for studded tires.

Are snow socks legal in Australia?

They’re compulsory in every vehicle regardless of what tyres are fitted because they provide even better traction in snow and on ice. Snow “socks”, another “chain” format used offshore, are not allowed in Australia.

What is a car snow sock?

Snow socks (also known as tire socks or auto socks) are textile devices that wrap around the tires of a vehicle in order to increase traction on snow and ice. The woven fabric covers the tire tread and is the contact point between the vehicle and the road.

Is a 4×4 truck good in snow?

4WD systems are good for dealing with very deep snow and for off-road driving. The low range makes it possible to crawl over boulders, up steep hills and through thick mud. Truck-type 4WD is the choice for drivers who live in remote or rural areas where roads are not plowed regularly.

Can you drive a 4×2 in the snow?

4×2 SUVs have very clear weaknesses relative to their 4×4 counterparts. They will have less traction and stability which means they cannot handle off-roading, rain, snow, or ice as well as a 4×4 SUV can.

What do you do if your car is sliding on ice?

In situations where your back wheels are sliding on ice, lift your foot from the brake and gently direct your vehicle in the same direction it is sliding on the ice. Do not try to turn your wheel in the opposite direction, as this could cause the car to spin.

Do chains ruin your tires?

Tire chains for cars should only be used if there is a layer of snow or ice on the road. Using chains on bare pavement can cause substantial damage to both your tires and the road itself. It always pays to be careful when driving in freezing conditions, but chains require a whole new level of attention and care.