Prepare Your Car for Winter with These Essential Checks
During the cold winter months, CRASH Services see a significant rise in breakdown call-outs. So if you want to avoid being stuck on the side of a road,
Top 5 Winter Driving Tips to Prevent Breakdowns:
Battery
Batteries do not last forever, and those that are more than 5 years old will struggle more in the cold weather. So, if you know your battery has not been replaced or checked in a while, book it in to avoid any unwanted faults occurring in the future.
Fuel
Due to the disruptive weather and the increased amount of traffic on the roads, there are higher risks of delays. Make sure you always have at least a quarter of a tank full of petrol, so you aren’t caught out if stuck in a huge traffic jam!
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is very important for winter driving. It’s important to check the coolant levels on a regular basis. This will prevent the water in the cooling system from freezing when temperatures plummet. Make sure it is at the correct level, and if it isn’t, then top it up with the right type of antifreeze for your vehicle. The concentrate will need to be diluted so it is a solution of half concentrate and half water.
Tyres
With slippery winter driving road conditions, you need to have at least a minimum of 3mm tread on all tyres. It is also advised that you check the tyre pressure against the manufacturers’ guidelines
Lights
From driving in the rain, sleet, mud, snow and any other winter weather, your car will become noticeably dirtier than usual. Clean the lights to make sure you remain as visible as possible at all times.
If you need breakdown recovery and assistance simply call Granite Breakdown (a division of CRASH Services) and they will come to your aid. Granite Breakdown covers you across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well as having home-start as standard. Call now on 028 90 029457
How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident
At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.
After an accident, our expert team will take care of:
- vehicle recovery,
- collision investigation,
- organising repairs,
- providing a replacement vehicle,
- liaising with insurance companies and
- legal and medical
And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.
Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.
Why Choose CRASH Services?
- Established in 1996
- Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
- No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
- Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs
- 99% Customer Recommendation Rate
Our Mission is Simple:
“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”
Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?
Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today
CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is winter particularly hard on cars?
Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, tyre pressures, fluid levels, visibility, and overall vehicle reliability. Winter weather also increases the risk of breakdowns, especially if routine maintenance has been neglected.
- What should I check on my car before winter arrives?
A winter vehicle check should include:
- Battery condition
- Tyre tread depth and pressures
- Antifreeze levels
- Screenwash levels
- Lights and wipers
- Brakes
- Oil and coolant levels
- How does cold weather affect my car battery?
Low temperatures reduce a battery’s performance and make the engine harder to start. Older batteries are particularly vulnerable during winter and may fail without warning.
- How old is too old for a car battery?
Many car batteries last between three and five years. If your battery is approaching this age or showing signs of weakness, it’s worth having it tested before winter.
- Why should I keep my fuel tank topped up during winter?
Keeping at least a quarter of a tank of fuel can help ensure you’re not caught short during delays, traffic jams, road closures, or severe weather conditions.
- What does antifreeze do?
Antifreeze helps prevent the coolant in your engine from freezing during cold weather and protects the cooling system from corrosion and overheating.
- How often should I check my antifreeze levels?
It’s a good idea to check coolant and antifreeze levels regularly throughout winter and before any longer journeys.
