PREPARE THE CAR FOR WINTER

Be aware of cyclists at all times -Pedal Right Cycling in Buncrana

GET THE CAR READY FOR WINTER

Winter is certainly upon us and road conditions at this time of year need to be closely monitored. Modern cars, with their traction control systems, efficient heating and window demisting systems and ABS brakes are much better able to cope with hazardous driving conditions than the cars of 10 or 20 years ago. As a result, there is the danger of being lulled into a false sense of security when driving in poor weather, particularly when it’s freezing and wet. For instance, it is worth noting that ABS brakes, while almost always an advantage in poor weather, do not increase the available grip. So here are a few tips and pointers that will reduce the likelihood of either accidents or breakdowns over the cold winter months.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE YOU SET OFF

Clear all snow from the car, including the lights.
De-mist and de-ice your car fully before starting your journey.
Take a blanket, Wellington boots, a spade and warm clothing.
On longer journey take some food and a flask with a hot drink.
Tell someone at your destination that you're coming and which route you will be taking so they can alert the emergency services if you don't turn up.
Be prepared to take more time over your journey.

11 THINGS TO KEEP IN THE CAR

A fully charged mobile phone
A Scraper and de-icer.
A warm coat and a blanket (in case you’re stranded).
A first aid kit.
A warning triangle
A can of spare fuel.
A fire extinguisher..
A torch.
A high-visibility jacket or vest.
A tow rope
Jump leads

DRIVING TIPS

When it’s icy, or there’s snow on the ground, multiply stopping distances by 10. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin and do manoeuvres gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you’re skidding. Don’t panic.If you get stuck in snow, rock the car gently to free it. If you get stuck, call for help and stay with your car.
In fog, slowdown and use your dipped headlamps. Don’t follow the taillights of the car in front or you’ll probably end up travelling too close to it.The roads might not be frozen close to home, but conditions can change quickly on the journey so take care. Keep an eye on the exterior temperature gauge if your car has one.
When making long journeys in poor weather conditions, take a break more often than you normally would. The extra concentration needed will make you tired more quickly.
Other drivers may not know as much as you think you know about winter driving techniques. Give them lots of space.


ALL IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE

Cars have a harder time during the winter so it makes sense to do some basic checks. These checks are advisable all year round, but more so in the winter. If you are in any doubt about how to check certain elements of the car, then a professional garage is the answer. These are things that a good garage mechanic will check for you that you might not be aware of:

Anti-freeze strength. Generally, there should be more anti-freeze in the cooling system in the winter than during the rest of the year.

Windscreens: Windscreen washer reservoir should be well topped up with appropriate screen wash containing anti-freeze additives. The wiper blades will need to be in good condition, they should be replaced if they’re worn.

Batteries: Dead batteries account for a large percentage of breakdown services’ call-out lists. This is because cold starts place an extra strain on the car’s battery, as does the increased use of the headlights and demisters. If your car is sluggish to start in the morning, consider replacing the battery.

Tyres: Low tread or unevenly worn tyres are dangerous, particularly during the winter months. A tread depth of around 3mm is recommended to be safe. Don’t forget to check the spare, too.

Air Con: Even in winter air-conditioning needs to be used for at least an hour a week. This allows the coolant in the system to lubricate all of the moving parts and prevents the build-up of elements, which can corrode pipe work.

Fluids: It’s especially important that you continue to regularly check all of the fluid levels, lights and tyre pressures through the winter. If you find something awry, fix it before you set off.

OTHER DANGERS

Cyclists and pedestrians are put at extra risk through winter, particularly children on their way home from school. Drink-driving is another hazard of winter as the festive season gets underway.Slow down, especially around schools, to give yourself more time to adjust to the reduced visibility in the dark and poor weather. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists that are far harder to spot in murky winter weather.Get your children some reflective clothing that helps them to stand out when they’re walking or cycling. It doesn’t have to be unfashionable. Be patient with cyclists and give them a wide berth in case they suddenly swerve to avoid standing water or potholes.Don’t drink and drive. It’s far safer not to drive, even after just one drink. Indeed, there’s no failsafe guide for working out when you might be over the limit - it depends on your height, weight, age, metabolic rate and what you’ve had to eat and your stress levels.It’s very easy to still be over the limit the morning after a party, so don’t be tempted to drive when you wake up. If you really pushed the boat out the night before, you might well need to leave the car keys on the hook until lunchtime or beyond.

5 MINUTES WITH DOMINIC MCDERMOTT

Dominic McDermott lives near Malin Head. He moved here 6 months ago from England with his wife Andrea Carr and their two children. The couple were married in Lagg back in 2000 and always knew they would eventually live in Ireland as they have a lot of connections here. Andrea, (who used to be a restaurant manager) and Dominic have set up a new business called Café Banba selling fresh coffee, hot chocolate and snacks from a three-wheeled Piaggio van. The van is Italian and has a tiny 200cc engine, which is just enough to get it up the hill to Banba’s crown to serve delicious drinks to the tourists who head to the landmark every day. Because the business is mobile, Dominic has also been able to cater for the large film crew on location in the area making the film A Shine of Rainbows.


What music do you like?
I like anything with a 70’s influence and used to run a disco that specialised in that era. I also enjoyed promoting a couple of bands. Melting Moments were an easy listening band and Sisters of Satisfaction who were a group of men dressed up as nuns…

What would you never throw away?
Photographs. I have taken thousands of them over the years and wouldn’t like to lose any of them. I have most of them backed up by at least 5 different methods, just to be sure.

What book are you reading?
Most of my reading at the moment is connected with the business. I am interested in the art of making coffee though and love the subculture that coffee making has - it even has its own name – A Barista, someone who is a cappuccino coffee expert.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I was in the scouts when I was younger and enjoyed a game called Bulldog. It was a very physical game, requiring a lot of running and throwing people to the floor. I am not sure if it is still allowed now though for health and safety reasons.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I am very methodical when it comes to the paper. It’s usually front to back I do have in interest in the GAA. My plumber Danny Lafferty plays for Malin town so I would look at the sports pages if they were playing to see how they got on.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Going to Farrens, the most northerly bar. I was coming to Malin for 14 years before we moved here and the first time I walked in the bar, everyone knew me. You can’t get better than that!

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
A friend of mine took me around the Mars confectionary factory to relax before I went for an interview with Cable and Wireless for a job. The buildings were very close to one another. You had to wear a hair net to go around the chocolate factory and it wasn’t until I finished the interview with the panel of executives that I realised I had a red band across my forehead where the tight elastic had been on the hairnet. I looked like I had a lobotomy. I got the job though…

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I watch Lost, I blame my wife, she put me on to it!

How do you relax?
I used to take flying lessons, which included paragliders and small aircraft. I found that very relaxing.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be an astronaut as I was obsessed with space.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
My ideal holiday is Tuscany and went there a lot when I was younger. There are 25 of us going over for my mum’s 60th birthday.

Your idea of heaven?
It would have to be Malin. We moved here from Worthing on the south coast of England and the only thing I miss are local curry houses. Its 40-mile round trip to get a takeaway!

Your idea of hell?
Commuting to work. I had to commute to London from Worthing 3-4 times a week, which could put nearly three hours onto your working day.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Kylie - both to sing and talk to. I played a lot of her music in the discos. Barry White and Sister Sledge could come along too.

Favourite animal?
Our fluffy ginger cat Bosley, named after a character from the Charlie’s Angels series.

Biggest thrill?
People coming over from England to visit the beautiful part of the world we live in.

The world’s most irritating invention?
Although I need it, I would say it is the mobile phone.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A night in with my family, a DVD and a can of Guinness.

Biggest disappointment?
Not moving here sooner… We have been here 6 months and have enjoyed every second. I am just pleased we did it now though..

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1970’s. I wasn’t quite old enough to experience the big discos.

World’s most useful invention?
The espresso machine and coffee grinder. Coffee loses its taste quickly when it has been ground so it needs to be made into a drink straight away.




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