North Canterbury News: June 15, 2023

Motoring Guide
DRIVING
TO THE
CONDITIONS
What does
that mean?
It’s anoen used phrase …. “People need
to drivetothe conditions”. But what does
that actually mean?
Not assuming that conditions on our roads
are the same from day to day, orfrom one
season to another is certainly agoodplace to
start. But even when weather conditions are
the same, drivers should take note of the road
surface they are travelling on.
Forthosewith alove of all things roading they
will know there are three main surface types
used on New Zealand roads and highways;
asphalt, chip seal and unsealed surfaces.
Asphalt –This surface is oen the favourite
of vehicle drivers and cyclists, as it is smooth
and produces alow level of noise when driven
over. It also provides agood level of grip
in dry conditions, however, and here’s the
‘driving to the conditions’ part, it has reduced
skid resistance when it is wet. So, wet roads
and asphalt means slow down.
Chip seal –This surface consists of athin
layer of stones set in tar. When in good
condition it has arough appearance but over
time and withfrequent use it can endupquite
smooth. So while the skid resistance is okay
when itisingood condition, beware of the
smooth patches as you drive, as it also has
reduced skid resistance. So, smooth surfaces
means slow down.
Unsealed roads –These roads offer very low
skid resistanceatall times as the road surface
is loose under your wheels. It’s agood idea
to always reduce speed on unsealed roads,
and even more so in summer when dust can
obscure the vision of another driver, stones
can bethrown upand chip windscreens and
dust can impact residents living onunsealed
roads. So, unsealed surfacesmeans slow down.
As we come into the colder, wetter time of
the year, the key message for driving on
all roads and driving to the conditions is
‘slow down’.
Alongside reduced skid resistance which
equals longer braking distances, black ice,
flooded roads and poor visibility are all
conditions that require slower speeds.
Allowing yourself more time to react to a
hazard and stop in the distance required is a
lot easier if your speed is lower.
As we go into winter when fog and sunstrike
can make visibility challenging, remember
to turn your headlights on, keep your
windscreens clean and watch your following
distance. These are all important parts of
driving to the conditions.
DOIG AUTO ELECTRICAL
is now
Petrol & Diesel
Use your SuperGold card or
supermarket docket for 12
cents off Petrol & Diesel only
2555486v1
Providing North Canterbury with
dependable, trustworthy service
and repairs for more than 20 years.
• Insurance approved &recommended
• Guaranteed workmanship
• Members of the MTA &CRA
• Friendly professional service
• Latest modelloan cars
From minor scuffs to structural
damage. We fix it all!
46 Newnham Street Rangiora
Phone 03 313 4113
www.straightnpaint.co.nz
with the same great team
and same great service
For all types of
auto electrical services,
diagnostics, spare parts and
battery replacements
Full workshop and mobile
service available
20 Blackett Street, Rangiora
Phone 313 4144
2563582v1
Owned and operated by Rodin Cars is
Mt Lyford Lodge, an ideal destinationfor a
Sundaydriveless than 2hrs from Christchurch.
Stonegrill, All daymenu, local produce, craftbeer
and our very ownRodinGold on Tap.
Group bookingswelcome.
Camp sitesalsoavailable.
Formoreinformation please contact:
Ph: 0274119 840
Em:hello@mtlyfordlodge.co.nz
www.mtlyfordlodge.co.nz
Get your Rodin CarsClothing at
www.rodin-cars.store
2525651v7
COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR SERVICE
WOF
Light Engineering
Tune-ups
Repairs
Lube-Oil changes Ride-on Mowers
Full Diesel Service Pick up &Delivery
Brakes &Clutches
Sell &Sharpen
Motor Work
Horse Clippers &
Warranty Work
Sheep Shears
Oils &Automotive Accessories, Postal
Services, Hot Pies, Sandwiches, Rolls,
Groceries and Sweet Treats
For your convenience
Sefton Garage
571 Upper SeftonRoad, Sefton
North Canterbury.Ph03312-9713
FOR ALL YOUR LIGHT
AND HEAVY
TRANSPORT REPAIRS
Breakdown &After Hours
Service Available
Phone 03 313 6361
0275 200 711
307 Flaxton Road, RANGIORA
brooktrucks@xtra.co.nz
2524471v8
KEEP OUR
COMMUNITY SAFE
KEEP IT CLEAN –
SEE CLEARLY
Good visibility when driving is key to staying safe.
In foggy conditions, dust on awindscreen makes it
easier formoistureinthe air to hang onaffecting your
visibility.
The cleaner your windscreen and windows, the more
visibility youhave. Thebetter you can see, the better
for everyone.
Find out more about road safety in your community
waimakariri.govt.nz/roadsafety
It’s ateam effort to reach zero deaths on our roads.
As aCouncil we are committed to creating safer roads in our District.
2560736b
R A N G I O R A
COLLISION CENTRE
previously known as
North CanterburyCollision Repairs Rangiora
NEW NAME, NEWLOOK,
SAME GREAT TEAM
Visit us for your Panel &Paint Repairs
Make an insurance claim &choose
RANGIORA COLLISION CENTRE as your repairer
YOUR CAR, YOUR CHOICE!!!!
Vehicle repairs to all makes and models including
commercialand fleet repairs as wellastrucks,
campervans,caravans, and boats.
Loanvehicles available
Contact the team on 03 313 6966
639 Lineside Road, Southbrook