Icy Irish roads, freezing windscreens, and frosty mornings can create real safety risks. Preparing yourself for frosty driving conditions early and driving with care can make a world of difference. But even with all the caution in the world, accidents can still happen. That’s where we come in, to give you peace of mind when you drive with our Car Insurance cover.
Frosty mornings can turn even the shortest drive into a challenge.
Whether you're heading to work, doing the school run, or running errands, freezing temperatures can impact your vehicle's performance and road safety. Taking a few minutes to prepare can prevent breakdowns, avoid accidents, and keep you and your passengers safe.
Here are some essential frost-ready driving tips to help you stay safe and stress-free this season:
Keep an eye on your car’s tyre pressure
A quick check can save you from breakdowns in difficult weather conditions. You will find the correct number of pounds per square inch (PSI - the air inside your tyres) on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or inside the fuel cap. But if that’s not there, you can use this tool to find your tyre pressure.
Fuel up: cold weather increases fuel consumption
Prepare your car during colder snaps by filling up on fuel before setting off on your journey. Between lights, air conditioning, and windscreen wipers, fuel can run out faster when driving in colder months. Stay mindful of fuelling up ahead of longer car journeys. Always look around to find the cheapest fuel near you.
Cold weather drains car batteries quickly
Cold weather can cause your car battery to work overtime. Because of this, it’s important to know the signs your car battery is on the way out. If you notice a slow engine start, dim headlights, or find yourself relying on frequent jump-starts, it’s a sign your battery may need replacement soon. In newer cars, a warning light will usually appear on the dashboard. Watch this video to learn how to test your battery yourself with a multimeter.
Keep a shovel and grit to hand
Treat paths and driveways early in the evening to prevent ice from forming overnight. A slip on the way out to the car is never a fun moment. Take your time during freezing temperatures and get ahead of the game by keeping up with weather warnings and freezing temperatures on Met Éireann. Shovels are also handy after frost or snow.
Defrost safely: use an ice scraper
With some spray de-icer and an ice scraper, you can clear ice from your car in no time! Just remember your woolly gloves when you do this. Avoid using boiling water at all costs during freezing temperatures, on your windscreen and windows, as this can crack frozen or very cold glass.
Even with a short stay at an event or while you’re doing the shopping, our cold Irish weather can cause quick ice to form on your car. To avoid being stuck with your heating blaring in the car park of your local shopping centre, patiently waiting for the ice to melt off... make sure you have an ice scraper and a spray bottle of de-icer stored in the boot of your car, along with some gloves, at all times.
Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended
Don’t leave your car running unattended, even in cold weather, while defrosting it. If you need to warm up your car, stay with it, or wait until it reaches a safer temperature to drive, as thieves will target an unattended car, even in your front garden.
See and be seen
Driving visibility is important in any weather conditions. The correct use of your lights and having all your lights working is a must in frosty weather conditions. Functioning lights help you to see clearly in front of you and for others to see you.
How to handle black ice
Black ice is notoriously hard to see when driving, especially during the darker evenings. Try slowing down your driving, especially on rural roads where ice and grit may not have been spread on the road. To spot black ice, watch out for shiny patches on the surface of the road ahead. In newer car models, your car will alert you to black ice, especially on shaded roads, bridges, and untreated surfaces.
Keep a clear vision
When driving in icy conditions, ensure your air conditioning is working well. Use your aircon to pump warm air towards your windscreen, keeping it clear as you drive. Even in the colder months, your air conditioning helps remove moisture from the air, preventing windows from fogging up. If you find your windows fogging up as you drive, leave your air conditioner on low to keep your windows clear and visibility high.
Longer stopping distance
Slow your driving right down and remember, in these adverse driving conditions, your stopping time is doubled. If you are worried about being late, call ahead and remember that everyone will be understanding of longer commuting times in bad weather conditions. The most important thing is to keep yourself and others on the road safe.
How to respond to a car skidding?
In icy weather conditions, your car can lose control when it can’t get any grip on the road. In the unfortunate event that this happens to you, you can take these steps;
- Look where you want the car to move to.
- Slowly come off the accelerator, but don’t jam on the brakes.
- Turn your steering wheel in the direction the car is skidding. This will help you regain control of the steering.
Don’t let icy or frosty weather conditions catch you out.
Cold weather means we must be more cautious on the roads. By following these tips and staying alert, you can navigate the cold conditions safely.
While insurance can’t change the weather, having the right car insurance can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.
And if the weather still has your mind frozen on how to get around in these temperatures, remember that OUTsurance Car Insurance is designed to give you peace of mind while you drive. We’ll handle the car insurance so you can focus on enjoying the important things in life.