Tips for Driving in Icy & Winter Conditions
As winter is nearly upon us again, we advise drivers to service their vehicles and carry out a few simple precautions so you can drive safely over the winter months. Don’t get caught out this winter. Make the necessary checks on your vehicle now.
Battery
Cold weather can be hard on your car’s battery. Have it checked to ensure it’s in good condition. If your battery is over three years old, it might be a good time to replace it to avoid breakdowns during the colder months.
Tyre Maintenance
Give your tyres a thorough inspection over the next couple of weeks.In colder temperatures, tyres can lose pressure more quickly. Make sure your tyres are equipped for winter with adequate tread depth to handle icy or snowy conditions. Consider switching to winter tyres if you live in areas with frequent snow and ice.
- Check the pressure in each tyre.
- All tyres should have at least 3mm of tread.
- Check for bulges on the sides of tyres
- Check for signs of puncture, glass, nails or any other objects that could become embedded in a tyre.
Check out our article on tyre maintenance for more tips.
Slow down And Maintain distance
Snow and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, so it’s important to reduce your speed and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Stopping distances can increase in icy or wet conditions, so give yourself extra space to react.
Brakes
Get your brakes checked by an experienced mechanic to ensure all components are in good working order for winter driving.
On slippery roads, it’s important to brake gently to avoid skidding. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), press the pedal firmly and hold it. If your car does not have ABS, pump the pedal gently.
Engine Oil
Low temperatures can cause engine oil to thicken. Make sure your car’s oil and other essential fluids (coolant, brake fluid, etc.) are at the correct levels and appropriate for winter conditions.
When the engine is cold, remove the engine oil dipstick, clean it, and reinsert it. You will see a maximum and minimum marker on the dipstick. If the oil is between these two markers, driving the car is okay. However, if below the minimum marker, you shouldn’t drive the car until the oil has been topped back up.
Lights
Make sure to keep your headlights and indicators clean and working. Replace bulbs if necessary.
Windscreen & Wipers
Give your windscreen a thorough clean inside and out before the winter kicks in, as the low sun can be dangerous to drive if your windscreen is dirty. Inspect your wipers and replace them if they are worn.
Anti-Freeze
Check coolant levels regularly and if required, top up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
It’s always important to have an emergency driving kit in your car. The emergency kit should include a high visibility vest, flashlight, extra batteries, water, de-icer and scraper, demisting cloth, car phone charger and a first aid kit.
Your car winter emergency should include:
- A blanket
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water
- Jumper cables
- A shovel (in case you’re stuck in the snow)
- Sand or salt (for traction)
For more information on winter driving safety visit the Road Safety Authority website.
Stay informed
Keep an eye on weather forecasts and road conditions, and avoid driving if possible, during severe weather. Having up-to-date information will allow you to adjust your plans accordingly.
Not only is it important to prepare your car for the winter, but you should also remember that winter weather conditions can increase the number of road accidents. Having comprehensive car insurance is vital to cover any expenses or losses incurred as a result of a car accident. If you are looking for great value car insurance, KennCo provides all the cover you need. All our car policies come with windscreen cover and 24-hour breakdown assistance with home start.
Looking to Save On Your Car Insurance?
At KennCo, our car insurance cover offers competitive rates and valuable benefits, including a replacement car as standard. Get peace of mind knowing you’re fully covered.
