July 2025 - Winter-proof your vehicle and stay safe this season
Winter in Horowhenua (Levin) and Aotearoa brings crisp mornings, foggy windows, and the occasional icy road. Even if your region doesn’t see snow, winter can still be tough on your car and a little prep now can save you serious hassle later HERE’S HOW TO WINTER-PROOF YOUR VEHICLE: BATTERY HEALTH Cold mornings mean sluggish starts and extra battery strain. Short trips don’t give batteries enough time to recharge. If yours is over three years old, get it tested — batteries often fail without warning in winter. SHORT TRIPS ADD UP Cold engines and stop-start driving increase wear and reduce fuel efficiency. If you’re only commuting short distances, take the occasional longer drive to warm everything up properly. TYRE TREAD AND PRESSURE NZ roads — especially rural or shaded ones — can develop black ice or stay damp all day. Good grip is essential. Make sure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread and are correctly inflated. In alpine areas, consid...