The last two months have seen many a frosty morning, with temperatures dropping as low as -2.8 degrees in Kilmore, Wallan, and Wandong, and a bitter -5.1 in Seymour at one point in June.
With icy windshields, frozen pipes, frosty paths, and black ice keeping us all on our toes (or our behinds, if you’ve taken a fall in the icy conditions), knowing what to do when frost hits can be the difference between a burst pipe and an uncracked one, so read on for some handy tips!
How to defrost your car
Windshields are notorious for frosting over when the temperature drops, so make sure you have cold or room temperature water (not hot!) on hand to tackle the defrosting. Pouring hot water onto the glass will cause it to crack, so put the kettle down and grab the hose instead. Hose the ice off, making sure to spray the wipers too, which are often frozen to the glass.
If you can’t pour water onto the glass, try working from the inside out. Turn the car on, and while it’s still in park, gently (no more than 1500/2000 revs) press the accelerator every few seconds for a moment or two for a few minutes. This will get the engine hot and heat the car up quicker.
Turn the heating on, direct the heat to the windshield, and wait. This process can be time-consuming, but your car should be toasty warm when it’s time to leave!
How to defrost your pipes
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said the extreme cold of winter could impact the supply of water to people’s homes, something many of us take for granted.
“Most water meters and pipes sit above the ground and are open to the elements,” he said.
“The water sitting inside meters and pipes can freeze when exposed to very cold temperatures. This will result in your property having no water, and can lead to broken or split pipes.”
If you’ve turned on a tap only to find there’s nothing coming out, it’s likely the water in the pipes has frozen. To defrost them, keep your tap in a gentle open position (not a full blast), boil the kettle (yes, you can pick it up now), go to the source (the water mains), and then slowly pour hot water over the pipes until empty.
Alternatively, use a non-flammable source such as a hairdryer (put down the propane torch!) to defrost the pipe inside the house.
Top tip: To prevent pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or place a cardboard box over the water meter.
Driving on black ice
Contrary to its name, black ice is not black but rather clear, with its name arising from its invisible quality on road surfaces. Black ice is often impossible to see, as it blends cleanly into the pavement, but its consequences can be disastrous.
Black ice is more likely to form in the early morning and late at night when temperatures drop, so lower your speed during these hours. Bridges, overpasses, and the road beneath both are most prone to black ice, as the cold air is able to cool both the top and surface underneath the bridge or overpass. Black ice patches are usually no more than six metres long.
It is important to remain vigilant when driving. Pay attention to your surroundings – including other drivers. Avoid tailgating, as this will allow you to see drivers who have hit black ice, giving you ample time to respond. Drivers who swerve for no reason may be doing so due to black ice. If you can see a glossy surface on the road, that may also be black ice.
If you do hit black ice, let the car slide. Avoid braking but take your foot off the accelerator and try to keep the steering wheel straight – this will help to avoid skidding or spinning out. Remember, if you do get into an accident, contact emergency services on 000.
Stay safe and stay warm this winter – we’re in for a cold one!
