Car care checklist for an Irish winter
Battery, tyres, screen-wash, anti-freeze, lights — what to check before the cold snap.
Irish winters are mild compared to mainland Europe — but they’re long, wet, and dark. Here’s a 7-point check to do at the end of October before the cold snap hits.
1. Battery health
Most car batteries fail in cold weather, not summer. Cold reduces capacity by 30–50% — a battery that was marginal in October is dead in January. Get a battery test (free with mobile mechanic) before the temperature drops.
If the battery is over 4 years old, consider proactive replacement.
2. Tyres
- Tread depth: ≥3mm on a 20p test
- Pressures: cold pressure check at the manufacturer-specified figure
- Age: no tyre over 6 years old without close inspection
- Spare tyre or repair kit accessible
If you live in Wicklow / Cavan / inland counties: consider all-season 3PMSF tyres.
3. Screen-wash and wipers
- Screen-wash topped up with proper concentrated washer fluid — not pure water (it freezes), not just blue water (it freezes too).
- Wiper blades replaced if streaky. €15–€25 a pair.
- Rear wiper, washer jets, all working.
- Heated rear screen tested.
4. Anti-freeze
Coolant is part anti-freeze, part water. The mix should be 50/50 — protects to about -35°C. Cars on tap-water-only coolant will freeze in a hard frost and crack the engine block.
A 5-minute test at the workshop confirms the freezing point. €10 if you’re in for something else; free if you’re just calling.
5. Lights
- All headlights, indicators, brake, fog, reverse, plate lights working
- Headlight lens condition — yellowed lenses cut beam intensity by half (NCT issue too)
- Headlight alignment — €35 calibration if NCT is approaching
6. Engine bay
- Belt condition — cracking or fraying
- Oil and coolant levels
- Power steering fluid (where fitted)
- No visible leaks — drips on the floor where the car parks
7. Boot kit
- Jump leads OR jump-pack (battery jump-pack is more useful than leads — works without a second car)
- Tyre repair kit or spare with jack
- High-vis vest (legal requirement)
- Warning triangle
- Torch (LED, with batteries that aren’t 5 years old)
- Phone charger cable
Want us to do all 7 in one visit?
Book a winter check — €60 includes all 7 points and a printed pass/fail. Phone 01 847 5146.