Car insurance experts have reminded motorists in Northern Ireland not to neglect basic car maintenance checks during the darker winter months, after British Summer Time ended at the weekend.

According to over-50s car insurance specialists at RIAS, a fifth of drivers across Northern Ireland and the wider UK put their safety at risk by not taking vehicle precautions in the winter.

Such precautions include regularly checking oil levels, brake fluid, tyre tread, wiper blades and water levels.

Janet Connor, managing director at the car insurance provider, says that now the nation has "waved goodbye to summer", it is more important than ever to spend a few minutes each month checking over cars.

"The darker conditions can make it difficult to judge both speed and distance, so by adjusting to the season and performing regular checks, motorists can avoid both accidents and financial headaches," she notes.

As well as making sure brakes are in good condition and have sufficient fluid, ensuring that tyre condition and pressure are correct and checking the windscreen is clean, clear and has plenty of screenwash, RIAS recommends using high gears if there is snow and ice and allowing extra time for journeys to avoid rushing.