While Ireland might be dreaming of a White Christmas, the cold and frost can take a toll on the nation’s cars. Recent NCT data indicates that 54% of drivers in Meath are likely to fail their NCT, and with colder weather and longer journeys ahead, drivers are being encouraged to get their tyres, lights, oil levels and brakes checked to stay safe and avoid breakdowns on Christmas drives.
Nearly 18% of motorists in Meath are also driving cars over 15 years old, which can mean extra time spent defrosting windscreens and waiting for heaters to warm up. Newer vehicles often come with winter-friendly features such as heated mirrors (and seats!), automatic climate control and improved efficiency. These are all handy on frosty mornings when it’s time to see the in-laws, and the last thing we need is to stand in the cold with an ice-scraper before we can get on the road.
“Christmas journeys to see friends, families and loved ones are often some of the most important drives of the year, and we want people arriving safely and stress-free, whatever the weather,” said Peter Pedlow, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. Nobody wants to spend Christmas Eve changing a tyre on the M50 when they could be spending that time with loved ones.”
“Older cars can be more vulnerable in winter conditions, so a quick service or check-up can make all the difference. For some drivers, this could also be the right moment to think about upgrading to something newer and more reliable.”
Sources: NCT Online, DataGov.ie, SIMI
