With winter quickly approaching, the AA has released a list of safety checks in order to keep drivers moving this year. Winter is the AA's busiest time, with call outs up by 26 per cent in December compared with the company's quietest period over the last 12 months.
A large percentage of wintertime callouts are for drained batteries. Noel Keogh, Head of AA Rescue says, "Your car's heater will be in constant use, and your headlights will be on a lot more too, placing more demand on your car's battery than at other times of the year." The AA therefore urges drivers to replace worn batteries sooner rather than later, ensuring that the colder temperatures don't cause starting issues.
Braking and tyre problems are also more dangerous during winter months. After a survey on 1,000 vehicles was conducted by the AA over the past year, a staggering 51 per cent had problems with either one or both of these parts, some which needed immediate attention. Whilst tyre tread is legal down to 1.6mm, the AA recommends keeping tread above 3mm, especially during winter weather.
Anti-freeze and washer-bottle levels, windscreen wipers and functioning light bulbs are also mentioned by the AA; as is to prepare a winter driving kit. The organisation recommends carrying a scraper and de-icer, a small shovel, a de-misting cloth and some kind of traction-aid (e.g. a small bag of sand/gravel) at all times.
On a more positive slant however, Ireland's drivers can be assured that 210,000 tonnes of salt have been stock piled - 3.5 times the normal required amount. Keogh says, "Winter can always surprise you, but we are ready for it."