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, consider winter tyres or chains.

Check out our range of Carters Tyres before you travel Click Here for more

WIPERS AND WASHER FLUID

Streaky blades reduce visibility. Replace them if needed and use quality washer fluid. A splash of diluted methylated spirits can help prevent freezing in colder zones.

DEMISTERS AND HEATING

Your heaters, demisters, and air conditioning all help keep windows clear. Make sure they’re working properly — you’ll need them most on cold mornings.

WINTER SAFETY KIT

Heading out of town? Pack a torch, phone charger, warm clothing, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. Better to be overprepared than caught out.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Don’t skip servicing — winter conditions can turn minor issues into major problems fast. Book your Winter Safety Check today with your local Automotive Solutions member - Dakin Auto Services Stay safe, stay seen, and keep your car ready for whatever winter throws your way

Can You See Clearly? Why Windscreen Visibility Matters in Winter

Winter mornings in New Zealand can mean misted-up windows, low sun glare, and sudden fog patches — and poor visibility is a major risk factor on the road. A fogged or streaky windscreen might seem like a small inconvenience, but it seriously reduces your reaction time, especially in low light or wet conditions.

Here’s what to watch for and how to keep things clear:

Worn Wipers:

Wiper blades don’t last forever. If they streak, chatter, or leave smears, it’s time to replace them. Winter grime needs clean, even contact to be cleared properly.

Washer Fluid:

Plain water won’t cut it in winter — it can freeze on the glass or fail to lift road film. Use a proper screen wash with anti-fog or anti-freeze additives for the best results.

Demisters and Air Con:

If your windows take forever to clear, your demister or A/C system might need a service. A working A/C dries out the air, helping clear fog fast — even in cold weather.

Interior Film Build-Up:

A greasy film can build up on the inside of your windscreen over time, especially if you smoke or use silicone-based dashboard sprays. A clean with a good glass cleaner can make a huge difference to clarity.

Tip:

Always keep a clean microfibre cloth in your glovebox — it’s a lifesaver for emergency demisting! Don’t drive blind this winter — let us help you stay safe and see clearly.

Stay Gripped Winter Tyre Tips for NZ Roads

NZ’s winter roads can be unpredictable — from wet city streets to icy high country highways. Your tyres are what keep you in control, so don’t take them for granted.

Check the Tread:

Tyres should have at least 3mm tread for winter driving, though 4mm or more is better for safety. Worn tyres are a major risk on wet or icy roads.

Mind the Pressure:

Tyre pressure drops in cooler temps, which affects grip and fuel efficiency. Check them every couple of weeks and before long trips.

Rotate and Align:

Winter is a good time to rotate your tyres and check your alignment — uneven wear can impact traction and increase fuel use.

Do You Need Winter Tyres?

For most areas, standard tyres with good tread are fine — but if you ltravel to regions like the Central Plateau, Otago, or Mackenzie, or you’re heading to the mountains, winter tyres or snow chains may be necessary. Not sure what condition your tyres are in?

Drop into Dakin Auto Services for a quick inspection — we’ll make sure you’re set for safe winter driving.

Wendy's One-Pot Winter Beef and Vegetable Stew

Here’s a hearty, simple winter recipe that’s perfect for cold evenings — no fancy ingredients, just wholesome comfort: Serves 4–6 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 1.5–2 hours

Ingredients

600g beef chuck or stewing steak, diced
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cups beef stock
1 cup water
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

Read all instructions first.
Shout at your husband.
Toss beef in flour with a little salt and pepper.
Shout at your kids.
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches. Set aside.
Shout at your husband.
In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Shout at your kids - they should've listened the first time.
Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir for 2–3 minutes.
Shout at your husband.
Return beef to the pot. Add stock, water, tomato paste, and thyme.
Shout at your husband to shout at the kids.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, until the beef is tender.
Shout at your husband for not shouting at the kids.
Stir occasionally. If using peas, add them in the last 10 minutes.
Shout at your husband and the kids to get to the table.
Taste and season. Serve with warm bread or over mashed potatoes.
Ingnore all even numbered steps and give your husband and kids a cuddle.

Tip:

This tastes even better the next day — perfect for leftovers, freezing or shouting your Levin based mechanics!