Driving during the winter months in Ireland can cause unique challenges. With sudden drops in temperature becoming more frequent in recent weeks, Irish roads are becoming increasingly hazardous. Many drivers are finding themselves spending extra time in the mornings preparing their cars for safer journeys.
The below information may help you get your car winter-ready, navigate the roads safely, and select the best tyres for the season.
Choosing the Right Tyres for winter
Choosing the correct tyres can be the most important decision that you make.
Summer Tyres
Designed for warmer, wet, or dry conditions, summer tyres perform well in mild weather. However, when temperatures dip below 7°C, the rubber hardens, compromising grip and making them unsafe on icy or snowy roads.
Winter Tyres
Winter tyres are built for colder climates they maintain flexibility below 7°C and feature a deeper tread pattern for enhanced grip. Winter tyres significantly improve control and reduce braking distances on icy surfaces. If you often drive on rural or untreated roads, winter tyres are recommended.
All-Season Tyres
These tyres are extremely common and offer a versatile option, balancing performance across varying conditions. While they outperform summer tyres in winter, they don’t match the specialised performance of winter tyres on ice and snow. For urban drivers who occasionally encounter icy patches, all-season tyres can be a practical choice.
Managing a Skid
If your car starts to skid, stay calm and follow these steps:
Ease off the Accelerator:
Reduce speed slowly without panicking.
Steer Into the Skid:
To restore control, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid.
Avoid Sudden Braking:
Abrupt braking can make the skid worse, especially without anti-lock brakes (ABS). Apply brakes gently.
Clearing a Frozen Windscreen
Frosty mornings are a common winter frustration causing delays. Here’s how to defrost your windscreen safely:
Turn on the Defrost Setting:
Start the engine and let your car’s heating system gradually warm the glass.
Avoid Hot Water:
Pouring hot water on a frozen windscreen may crack the glass. Using a de-icer spray instead is recommended.
Invest in Proper Tools:
A good scraper and de-icer spray make quick work of frost without damaging the glass.
Prevent Freezing Wipers:
Lift your wiper blades overnight to stop them from sticking to the windscreen and wait until the windscreen is fully defrosted before using wipers.
Safe Driving Techniques for winter
Adjust your driving habits to suit icy or snowy conditions:
Increase distance between cars:
Allow extra space between vehicles. Stopping distances are significantly longer on icy roads.
Use Higher Gears:
Start in second gear when pulling away on slippery surfaces to prevent wheel spin.
Brake Early and Gently:
Begin slowing down sooner than usual before turns or junctions. This will reduce skids.
Watch for Black Ice:
Black ice is hard to spot and extremely dangerous. Drive cautiously on smooth, glossy patches of road.
Maintain Visibility:
Regularly clean your lights to ensure they shine bright, especially in low visibility.
Should you switch to winter or All-Season Tyres?
Although Ireland’s winters are typically mild, winter tyres can be a valuable investment for those driving on rural or untreated roads. For urban drivers, all-season tyres provide a practical alternative, delivering reliable performance during occasional cold snaps without the need for seasonal tyre changes.
Be Prepared and Stay Safe
Navigating winter roads safely involves preparation, careful driving, and the right tyres for your needs. Winter tyres excel in colder temperatures, while all-season tyres offer versatility for urban drivers. Small adjustments, like maintaining a greater following distance and steering into skids, can make a significant difference.
Stay cautious, stay alert, and don’t let winter catch you unprepared.
Disclaimer: This guidance is for informational purposes only. KennCo Insurance accepts no liability for losses arising from reliance on the information provided.
For more information on getting your car winter ready visit: https://www.kennco.ie/getting-your-car-winter-ready/ or the Road Safety Authority website.