Winter in Welkom, Free State, challenges drivers with frosty windscreens, foggy mornings, and slippery roads. Gerry Couvaras, with 40 years of experience at SA Driving School, shared vital winter safety tips on GoldFM 104.3. His practical advice, tailored for Welkom’s motorists, helps learners, parents, and seasoned drivers keep vehicles roadworthy and passengers safe. Here’s how to tackle Free State’s winter roads confidently.
Safely Defrost Your Windscreen
Welkom’s cold mornings often frost windscreens. Gerry warns against using boiling water, which can crack glass due to thermal shock. Instead, apply lukewarm water, tested with your elbow for safety. To prevent frost, cover your windscreen with a cardboard sheet at night—a time-saving trick that protects your glass and wiper blades.
Clear Foggy Windscreens Effectively
Foggy windscreens impair visibility in winter.
- Turn on the air conditioning: It will help to reduce moisture in the air and cool the space, thereby preventing condensation.
Boost Visibility with Headlights
Winter’s early sunsets demands extra caution. Gerry urges drivers to switch on low-beam headlights at dusk, ensuring visibility to others and reducing crash risks. This aligns with Department of Transport guidelines. When parked, turn off headlights to avoid a flat battery—a simple habit for reliability.
Keep Your Windscreen and Wiper Blades in Top Shape
Clear visibility is non-negotiable. Clean your windscreen inside and out, as dirt buildup obscures your view, especially under sunlight or oncoming headlights. Gerry advises checking wiper blades for streaking or squeaking—signs of wear—and replacing them every 6–24 months to handle Welkom’s winter rains effectively.
Ensure Tire Safety
Tires are critical on Welkom’s varied roads, from Matjhabeng’s streets to rural gravel. Gerry recommends inspecting sidewalls for cracks or bulges, often caused by underinflation. A humming noise may signal uneven wear—visit a tire shop promptly.
Check tire pressure when cold, using the driver’s door placard for laden or unladen values. Match tire speed ratings—“H” for up to 210 km/h, “Z” for higher—to your vehicle. While Gerry prefers South African-made tires like Dunlop for local conditions, certified imports are also safe if standards-compliant.
Invest in Quality Tires for SA Roads
Cheap imported tires may tempt budgets, but Gerry advocates for tires designed for South Africa’s harsh roads and climate. Local brands handle Welkom’s potholes and temperature swings better, offering durability and safety for Free State drivers.
Interact Professionally with Traffic Officials
Gerry suggests Welkom’s traffic offices may be quieter in winter, ideal for license renewals or roadworthy tests. Approach officials courteously with all documents ready for a hassle-free experience, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.
Your Winter Safety Checklist
- Defrost with lukewarm water or a windscreen cover.
- Turn on the air conditioner or open a window to help remove the fog.
- Switch on headlights at dusk; turn off when parked.
- Clean windscreens and replace worn wiper blades.
- Check tire pressure, wear, and speed ratings.
- Choose SA-tested tires for local roads.
- Be respectful with traffic officials.
About SA Driving School
Gerry Couvaras has trained thousands of South African drivers, earning trust with his road safety expertise. SA Driving School empowers Welkom motorists to navigate winter safely. For more tips or to book a lesson, follow SA Driving School on social media.