Preventing a Winter Breakdown

Shorter, colder days approach, and both you and your car are going to start to feel the chill. Winter driving can throw all sorts of surprises your way, from frozen windscreens to tired batteries (both yours and your cars), but a little preparation goes a long way in preventing a breakdown. Whether you’re braving the frosty commute, or planning a wee winter Northern Irish road trip, here’s how to keep your car running smoothly and reduce the risk of getting caught out in the blistering cold.  

Say no to a flat battery! Say yes to running your car every few days. 

Don’t let your car hibernate! Cars often sit idle throughout winter when it’s too cold to leave the house, but not using your car can cause the battery to weaken, leading to a flat battery. Prevent this by starting your car every few days or taking it for a short drive to keep the battery charged and happy. 

In icy or cold conditions, it’s important that your tyres can provide traction and safety, so be sure to check they have adequate tread depth and are inflated properly. Regularly check your tyres throughout winter as the changes in temperature can affect them. 

If you live in an area that gets particularly cold and icy, you may consider changing to winter tyres, which are specifically designed to drive safely in temperatures below 7°C 

Check out our tyre safety blog for more help 

Even if you do everything right, sometimes things still happen. Keep an emergency kit in your boot - it’s one of the easiest ways to turn a bad situation into a manageable one. 

Include: 

• Blankets, extra clothing, and socks 
• Torch 
• First aid kit 
• Long-lasting snacks and water 
• A towel 
• Something for your pets if they travel with you (water bowl, some food or treats, poo bags, a blanket, and a spare towel for them!) 

Other handy items: 

• Snow chains/socks or traction mats are great if you know you are going to be in a lot of snow and ice. Snow chains and socks for your tyres provide increased traction when driving through snow and ice, preventing you from getting stuck. Traction mats give you a non-slip surface to help you get out of snow (or mud, or sand).  
• Jump leads are what you need when your battery fails, and your car won’t start. If you are going to be the only car on your travels, or you are travelling often, you might want to have a portable jump starter with you too, so you can jump-start your car without another.    
• Ice scrapers are essential in the cold months, even if you have a heated windscreen, it can still come in handy (sometimes it just isn’t fast enough when you are in a hurry, or it might not cooperate if you are having car trouble). You might fancy bringing some extra windscreen washer fluid with you to ensure you always have clear windows and can maintain visibility.    

If you’re travelling any distance: 

• Plan your route: before even setting off on your winter road trip in Northern Ireland, plan your route, research the road conditions, check the weather, and note any road closures. Have a backup route in case of any impassable roads.   
• Notify someone: if you are travelling quite some distance in winter weather, it’s smart to share you travel plans with someone close to you, including your route and expected arrival time. Or if you have a smartphone, share your location with someone.   
• Bring supplies: just like any other road trip, you’ve got to have supplies. Bring all your fun things, but remember your winter supplies, just in case. Think warmth.  
• Drive slowly and safely: driving conditions throughout the winter can be unpredictable, so drive at a safe speed, increase the space between you and the car in front, and be cautious on ice or when driving in snow.   
• Stay informed: stick on the radio every so often to keep updated with road and weather updates. 

Northern Ireland offers some breathtaking scenery and views on the various road trips available, such as the Causeway Coastal Route, The Ards Peninsula, Fermanagh Lakelands, The Sperrin Mountains, Strangford Lough, The Mourne Mountains, Lough Neagh, and the Game of Thrones Route (a must-see for GOT fans, exploring many filming locations). Don’t forget to visit historical sites, cosy pubs, and cute cafes along the way. 

SANTA SAYS NO:

• Hot water on windscreen to de-ice (please, please don’t do this) 
• Leaving your car alone, turned on, to heat it before getting in 
• Driving through flooding unless you are 100% positive your car will make it 

Our service advisors at SERE Motors can check your vehicle, top up fluids, and make sure you’re good to go for the colder months. Ask us about SEAT All-In Service Plans or winter checks to keep your vehicle in top condition. 

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