Getting Ready for an Irish Winter

Here in Chill we believe it is better to be safe than sorry when preparing for winter. Planning ahead for the winter months can save you time and even money. Take a look at our top tips on how to get your car and home ready for an Irish winter.

Preparing your car

Most rescues caused by ice, snow or mud can be avoided by having winter tyres fitted. They are a worthwhile investment for the winter months, especially for those living in rural areas.

The most likely component to fail in the colder weather is the car’s battery. Get yours checked before the winter months arrive to avoid getting yourself stuck with a dead battery. Be sure to carry jump leads in your car in case your battery does fail.

Make sure your heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. With the frosty winter mornings in Ireland this is a must! You should also have your brakes checked before the winter months. Icy roads can be dangerous enough in the winter so having your breaks checked out could save you from potential collisions on the road.

For more winter driving tips check out our blog on preparing your car for winter. Even if you do follow all the tips on safe winter driving there is still a chance you might get stranded. Make sure your car is well equipped, you have plenty of fuel and your phone is fully charged before setting off on your journey.

Preparing your Home

Check your windows for leaks and drafts. Ensure all your windows and doors are properly sealed so no extra heat escapes. A simple solution here is to seal them with caulk, this can be bought cheaply in any local hardware store and will help prevent drafts. This should help reduce your energy bills! If your windows still leak consider replacing them with newer ones. It may be expensive but in the long run it could save you money on heating bills.

Check your insulation. Older houses often have little or no insulation in place. This can lead to loss of heat from floors, walls and ceilings. Insulating your home can be one of the most cost efficient ways of cutting heating costs. Having good quality curtains can also help keep in the heat.

Check heating systems – is your heating system ready for the winter? You should consider having a professional check your heating system before winter each year. If your heating system is old you should think about updating it with a more efficient model.

Clear out the gutters – check your gutters for leaves, sticks, debris etc. and clear them out prior to winter. Clogged gutters can block the drainage of rain or melting snow, which could result in leaks or damages to the foundations of your house.

With the colder weather creeping in already we hope some of our tips will help you out over the next few months! Make sure your car insurance and home insurance policies are up-to-date and check the details of your policy to make sure you are properly covered this winter. Get a quick quote above of give us a call on 01 4003400 for more information.