Winter motor insurance checklist ensures safer driving

Christelle Fourie, Managing Director of MUA Insurance Acceptances

The cold and icy weather conditions during the cooler winter months in South Africa increases the likelihood of accidents occurring. As a result, motorists are urged to ensure that their motor vehicles are prepared to handle the change in season by conduc

This is according to Christelle Fourie, Managing Director of MUA Insurance Acceptances, who says one of the most important checks motorists can make in winter involves the condition of the tyres. “A tyre tread below the legal limit of 1.6mm significantly increases the likelihood of an accident occurring, especially in wet weather, and could result in an insurance claim being rejected if the insurer determines the cause of the accident to be as a direct result of poor tyre maintenance.”

Fourie says alongside routine tyre checks, there are a number of other important checks that motorists should carry out before travelling in wet and unpredictable weather conditions.

“One of the most common causes of motor vehicle breakdowns in winter is a weak battery. Due to colder conditions, engines require more battery power to start up. By checking the strength of the battery and replacing it if necessary, motorists can avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.”

She says when driving in wet, icy conditions good visibility is also paramount. “Something as simple as the replacement of worn wiper blades can drastically reduce the chances of an accident occurring. Good wiper blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Wiper blades that leave streaks or miss spots are worn and need to be replaced.”

Being visible to other drivers on the road is also very important during misty, foggy or rainy weather conditions so it is important to ensure all lights are in working order, says Fourie. “Your lighting system should be at peak performance during winter. Light bulbs do not just burn out, they also dim over time, making it difficult to see, and to be seen, in dark and wet conditions. Therefore, any burnt out or dim bulbs should be replaced immediately.”

“Coolant levels should also be checked in winter as colder temperatures shrink gaskets and could result in a fluid leak. The addition of an antifreeze solution to a vehicle ensures that the coolant remains in liquid form to carry out its core function of cooling the engine. Make sure the level is full and the mixture of water and antifreeze is close to 50/50.”

She says one of the most important components of a motor vehicle is its brakes. “It is a good idea to have the brakes checked by a motor mechanic for any wear and tear to ensure that the vehicle has the best chance of stopping when needed in wet or icy conditions. Motorists can conduct their own test by listening out for any metal to metal or squeaking sounds when applying the brakes. If the brakes are making these sounds, they would need to be replaced immediately.”

“By conducting the above mentioned safety checks before driving in wet and icy winter conditions, motorists better mitigate the risk of being involved in an accident and also reduce the likelihood of any insurance claims being repudiated,” concludes Fourie.