Winter driving tips from the Mahony Fleet Driver Support Team.
Winter brings adverse weather conditions and extended periods of darkness, making driving conditions more hazardous. Taking several simple precautions can ensure safety on Irish roads during winter. Mahony Fleet Driver Support has outlined some of their top tips for drivers to ensure their vehicles are prepared for winter driving.
1. Check your tyres. Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so they must be maintained correctly. Tyres should have at least the minimum legal thread depth of 1.6mm, but they need to be changed before they get worn. Tyres must be at the correct pressure to give the driver the best chance in extreme conditions. Mahony Fleet drivers can call any Best Drive tyre depot and have their tyres checked.
2. Use your lights. As we enter the winter months, the days become shorter. All drivers are advised to use dipped headlights during the day so they are easily seen. Headlights and taillights should be in working order.
3. Safe Distance. It takes longer to stop a car in winter weather, so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the car in front. Review your driver’s manual to understand how safety assist technology such as an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) can help you drive in harsh weather conditions.
4. Visibility. Motorists often do not de-fog or de-ice windows and mirrors correctly, compromising visibility. This winter, ensure that windows and mirrors are completely clear from obstruction before driving, and carry a deicer and screen scraper in your car. Do not use boiling water, as this can crack the windscreen.
5. Beware of “Black Ice.” Black Ice is one of winter’s biggest hazards because it is difficult to see. Watch out for sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees, and near high walls.
6. Be prepared. During these winter months, drivers are advised to carry several essentials in the boot of their car, especially if they travel long distances.
- High visibility vest
- Appropriate footwear in case you need to leave your vehicle, e.g. boots
- A hazard warning triangle
- Spare wheel (Check that your spare wheel is in good condition and fully inflated. Some cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure you know how to use it.)
- Tow Rope
- De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks)
- Spare bulbs
- First aid kit
- A fire extinguisher
- A working torch
- A blanket, additional clothing & some food and water
7. In the event of a breakdown. Drivers must ensure their vehicle is well off the road and not obstructing other vehicles. The driver should also put on their hazard warning lights. If the vehicle breaks down on the motorway, pull in as far as possible, alerting traffic behind you with hazard lights. The driver should leave their vehicle, get behind the barrier (on the embankment) and contact Mahony Fleet Driver Support on 01-8660520 for assistance. If the accident occurs outside of normal office hours, call 01-8660520 and select the “Breakdown Assistance” option.
8. Stay current. Listen to local weather and traffic reports. Pay heed to weather warnings and unsafe, dangerous driving conditions.
9. Car defrosts: A popular method of quickly defrosting your car involves turning on your heater at its highest setting, keeping the air conditioning on, turning off recirculation, and opening one of your vehicle’s rear passenger windows just a bit.
Most EVs, PHEVs and some ICE cars, now have a companion app that helps you control defrosting without stepping outside. If you have any questions about the above driver tips, our Driver Support Team will happily answer them. They can be contacted by phone at 01-8660520 or via email at driversupport@mahonyfleet.ie.