Make your car safe for winter weather

With the evenings drawing in, it's a sure indication that winter is just around the corner. Hopefully we do not witness the same sub-zero temperatures and difficult driving conditions that we experienced at Christmas last year. If we get a repeat of that type of weather, motorists are advised to have their vehicles checked to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. There will be an extra demand on the engine due to the increase in use of lights, heating and wipers etc. Many of the garages in Cavan have special offers on car services for the winter and motorists should avail of them now. Winter tyre check John McGauran of Agri-Gear in Bailieboro said: "With the winter fast approaching, we will again be faced with slippery wet roads, frost and, if the last two winters are anything to go by, snow and ice." The tyres on your vehicle are your only point of contact with the road, in slippery conditions they are essential for getting you safely to your destination, negotiating bends and bringing your vehicle to a stop in an emergency, explains John. He's advising the following check on your tyres: • There are wear indicators between the threads on your tyres, if the tyre is worn down to the indicator replace it immediately • Check the tyre for visual signs of damage or cracking, if you are unsure go to your local garage or tyre dealer • Check for uneven wear across the width of the tyre, this could indicate alignment problems and should be dealt with immediately • Check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, this can cause uneven wear and excessive fuel consumption, it can also effect the stability of the vehicle on the road. For winter driving, Agri Gear highly recommends the use of Nokian winter tyres, while being essential on snow, ice or frosted roads they are also excellent in the cold wet conditions of an Irish winter. Nokian are one of the worlds leading tyre manufacturers and set the standard for winter tyres. The Nokian WR A3 and WR D3 tyres offer: • Absolute grip and excellent handling in all winter conditions • Stable and easy to control even at high speeds • Rolls lightly, saving the environment and fuel • Slush Blower. The slanting, staggered front edge of the block enhances wet and ice grip. The Slush Blower blows water and slush away from the tyre grooves "For a full tyre health check call to Agri-gear, we offer a complete tyre service, a wide range of tyres, modern fitting facilities, balancing and 3D alignment. Be safe on the roads this winter whether it be in the wet or on snow," advises John. Phone 042-9666444 or email sales@agrigear.net. 40 years serving motorists Erne Motor Works, main Toyota dealers in Cavan, was established by Hugh and Mary Fitzpatrick in November 1971 and will shortly be celebrating its 40th anniversary in the motor business. With this experience and thousands of happy customers over the years manager, Pete Reilly, stresses the importance of regular servicing for your vehicle. It is even more significant as the winter season approaches with lower temperatures, poor visibility and dangerous road conditions. It is vitally important to have your vehicle undergo a full service and safety check. Erne Motor Works' comprehensive winter service includes a full 32 point check list including tyres, wipers, battery, lights, coolants, etc. plus a free NCT check and car wash. Erne Motor Works has fully trained and experienced technicians plus the most modern equipment to look after all motoring needs. Pete points out the importance of having your vehicle serviced by a main dealer using genuine spare parts. A full service history also increases the value of your used vehicle. Erne Motor Work provides a winter service and a safety check for as little as €120. To arrange an appointment contact Tanya or Neal. Excellent offer from Donnery Opel Martin Quinn from Donnery Opel on Dublin Road, Cavan town, is delighted with the response they have received for their fantastic €99 service offer, which has been running for the past few weeks. "In these hard pressed times consumers are always on the look out for good bargains and motorists especially have witnessed dramatic rising fuel costs over the past 12 months." Donnery Opal are currently offering a car service for €99 on all makes and models. The deal also includes a complimentary vehicle health check and mini valet for all petrol models from 1.0 to 1.6L. They are also offering a car attended car-wash for €4. According to Martin, customers are very satisfied with the service. This is a great offer and should not be spurned. For further details or to book contact 049-4331999 and ask for Ciaran or Carolyn. Cavan Windscreen Centre With winter fast approaching it is important that motorists check windscreens for wiper marks and chips. Wiper marks can cause a glare which make for very unsafe driving conditions on a wet evening. Chips can become cracks when winter frost arrives as glass can crack completely in adverse weather conditions. Cavan Windscreen Centre (Mr Windscreen) are recommended by most major insurance companies for direct billing and have over 20 years experience in fitting automotive glass. Cavan Windscreen Centre carry over 900 replacement glass for all makes of cars, commercial, plant and agri and can offer a next day service for most select automotive glass which can be hard to source. Jacksons Garage, Cavan Jacksons Garage Cavan Ltd is launching its winter offers on November 1. Jacksons will be continuing its €109 service but it will include a free winter check, including antifreeze, tyre check, focus headlights and a 25-point safety check. The garage is also giving a 20% discount on tyres, batteries and wiper blades. With the cold winters ahead, they are accepting orders for snow tyres, which will be available soon. So be prepared for the cold spell and don't be caught out, let Jacksons Garage Cavan give your car the anti-flu injection! Brady's of Arva Brady's of Arva is offering an outstanding service for all Volkswagen models for just €99 registered in 2007 or before. For for that price, Brady's will ensure your vehicle receives all the TLC it truly deserves. The service includes the following elements: oil filter and change, free wash and vacuum, and 34-point health check. The Volkswagen service stamp is only available from a registered Volkswagen dealer. Volkswagen is dedicated to offering its customers the best possible after sales care and is committed to providing outstanding value and service. All services carried out at a Volkswagen registered dealership include the Volkswagen 10 point Service Promise, exclusive to the Volkswagen Dealers Network. Terms and Conditions apply. 1. Volkswagen €99 Service offer is available to all Volkswagen owner/drivers. 2. This service offer consists of an oil and filter change, including a multi-point vehicle inspection, car wash and vacuum, check for any outstanding service actions. 3. This service offer is inclusive of VAT @ 13.5%, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other Volkswagen service or parts offer. 4. This service offer is restricted to four-cylinder petrol (normally aspirated) and four-cylinder diesel (turbo-charged or normally aspirated) engines up to 2.0 litres. Please contact your authorised Volkswagen Service Centre for a quote on vehicles that falls outside of the terms and conditions of this promotion. 5. This service offer is available at participating authorised Volkswagen Service Centres only. 6. This service Offer will finish September 31, 2011. 7. Volkswagen Ireland reserves the right to make amendments to the content of the offer at any time at the discretion of the company. For more information please visit the website on www.volkswagen.ie