See all Motoring AdviceThe hazards of winter driving aren’t just about ice and snow; Ireland’s seemingly never-ending rain, low temperatures and gale-force winds all do a number on your car, and that’s before we factor in the long, dark evenings that bring poor visibility and higher risk of collisions, simply because it can be harder to spot hazards.
But enough of the scaremongering. If you haven’t yet winter-proofed your wheels, don’t worry—there’s still time. Taking a few easy steps now to protect your car’s exterior, windscreen and tyres could save you heaps on repairs and help keep you safer on the road. So, here’s a handy guide to get your car ready for whatever the Irish winter throws its way.
Battery and engine care
Get tested: Mechanics generally recommend changing your car’s battery every three years, though with less frequent use, you might get up to five years. A quick test at a garage will reveal if it’s time for a replacement, ensuring your car won’t let you down on a frosty morning.
Keep it warm: Much like us, car batteries work best when kept warm. If you don’t have a garage, try a car cover or park in a sheltered spot. Even facing your car east can give it a head start: as the sun rises it will ever so slightly start warming up the car.
Keep terminals clean: Dirt, grime and corrosion build up on battery terminals, making it harder for the battery to do its job. A scrub with a mix of baking soda and water helps keep them clean, keeping your battery running strong.
Exterior and paint protection
Protect your paintwork: Start with a good wash, including underneath, and dry the car completely. A coat of synthetic wax or sealant will provide a winter shield against rain, snow and road salt, keeping your car’s finish intact.
Tackle lower panels: After waxing, remember the lower sections of your car—like behind the wheels, the rear wing and the front grille. These areas take the brunt of winter grime, ice and salt, so give them extra care.
Care for your tyres: Apply a tyre cleaner with UV protection to help shield the rubber from wear. Cold temperatures and exposure to winter weather can quickly damage your tyres if they’re not protected.
Rinse off road salt: Driving on salted roads? Try to rinse the car’s underbody whenever possible. Salt can corrode metal parts, so regular washes help protect against long-term damage.
Visibility and safety checks
Check all lights: From headlights to indicators and fog lights, winter driving is all about visibility. Make sure every bulb is working, and the lenses are clean, so you’re fully visible in rain or fog.
Inspect your wipers: Wipers take a beating in winter, especially after a summer of sun exposure that can dry them out. Replace them if cracked or streaked; good wipers make a massive difference on wet, murky days. It’s generally recommended to replace windscreen wipers every 12 months.
Top-up screen wash: Fill your reservoir with screen wash designed for winter use. Unlike plain water, screen wash won’t freeze in the tank and clears grime, salt and bugs more effectively.
Clean inside and out: A smeared or dirty windscreen intensifies the glare of the low winter sun, making driving dangerous. Use a high-quality glass cleaner on both the inside and outside. Keep sunglasses handy, too, and use your sun visors to cut down on glare.
Use a de-icer: A kettle of hot water might be tempting, but it can crack the windscreen. Keep a can of de-icing spray in the car for frosty mornings—it’s safer and quicker.
DIY de-icer solution: If you prefer a natural approach, make your own de-icer at home. Mix three parts white vinegar with one part water and spray it on your windscreen as a defroster or preventative measure on cold nights.
Tyre considerations
Winter tyres: If you regularly drive in remote or hilly areas, or your commute includes country roads, winter tyres can make a real difference. Designed to maintain grip and stability in low temperatures, they’re marked with a snowflake symbol and perform better below seven degrees C. However, in Ireland, winter tyres are not legally required, and for most drivers, especially those in cities, all-season tyres generally offer sufficient grip.
Fit all four: Winter tyres need to be fitted to all four wheels to avoid unbalancing the vehicle. This is crucial to maintain proper stability on icy or wet roads.
Mind the tread depth: Though the legal minimum is 1.6mm, tyres with a tread depth of less than 3mm struggle to clear standing water, which increases the risk of aquaplaning. If your treads are wearing thin, consider a replacement.
Check tyre pressure: Cold air contracts, meaning your tyre pressure might drop in winter. Under-inflated tyres reduce grip and handling, so check regularly and keep them properly inflated to stay safe.
Be prepared
Bring jump leads: Keep jump leads or a portable battery charger in the car just in case—just ensure they’re suited to your vehicle type.
Prepare an emergency kit: Pack a simple emergency kit with essentials like a blanket, waterproof jacket, torch, first aid kit and spare bulbs. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you’re stuck waiting for assistance on a cold, dark roadside.