Copyright independent
The clocks have gone back and the evenings are instantly darker. Many of us will now find ourselves commuting almost entirely in the dark and these long winter nights of reduced light, glare from other vehicles and slippery autumn roads make night-time driving a challenge. Darkness reduces your ability to judge distance and speed, it also makes it harder to spot pedestrians, cyclists and animals, particularly on unlit rural roads. Glare from oncoming headlights can also strain your eyes and cause temporary blindness. That’s why it’s so important to ensure both you and your car are ready for the darker months. What should I check on my car? Your lights are critical to both seeing and being seen so always remember to regularly check every bulb, headlights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators and replace any that have blown. Aim to check your lights at least weekly in winter as even a single failed headlamp can seriously reduce your visibility and confuse other motorists about the width of your car. You should also give your windscreen and mirrors a good clean, both inside and out. A dirty windscreen can massively increase glare at night, especially from approaching headlights. How important are tyre checks? There is no underestimating just how important your tyres are. Incorrect tyre pressures can cause excessive wear and poor handling, and underinflated tyres are particularly risky on wet or icy roads. Check your pressures at least once a month and ideally every two weeks. The correct levels can be found in your owner’s manual or on a label inside the fuel flap or driver’s door. The legal minimum for tread depth is 1.6mm, but changing tyres before they reach 2–3mm offers far better grip and shorter stopping distances. Also look for any cracks, cuts or bulges, and don’t forget to check your spare. What else should I be aware of? Watch out for vulnerable road users children, cyclists, and the elderly who are harder to see at night. Slow down in built-up areas and on country lanes, and always dip your headlights for oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling other cars. Top tip: Be especially vigilant on Halloween night. Many children will be out in dark costumes and may not be paying attention to traffic, so reduce your speed and take extra care. If you have any queries, contact Geradline Herbert via email: sundaymotors@independent.ie
