With the severe cold weather set to continue for another week, people around Ireland are bracing for more bitterly cold mornings ahead.
Drivers are waking up to vehicles covered in thick frost and are using nifty hacks to defrost their windscreens quickly.
However, experts have shared another important task all motorists should do before they start their car on a winter mornings
Car owners have been warned they should search underneath their car and around their wheel arches to prevent accidentally harming animals - who could have crawled underneath to hide away from the cold.
READ MORE: Met Eireann issue Status Orange warning for Ireland as severe chill of -10C to set
Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have warned drivers to be vigilant and keep an eye out for cats in particular
A sleeping cat could be seriously injured or even killed if a motor pulls away before they have had a chance to flee.
Each year thousands of cats are killed and injured on UK roads and the experts say many of them may have been sheltering against the cold under vehicles.
And it's not people who own a cat who should be on the lookout before they get behind the wheel, as experts warn that pets don't just target their owner's vehicles for shelter.
Hiding underneath cars and vans allows cats to feel protected against cold winds and biting frosts. They can also gain warmth from the vehicle's engine if it has been recently running.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: "No driver wants to be responsible for the death of somebody's beloved pet cat.
"But on these cold mornings, it's important to bear in mind that someone's furry friend may be peacefully slumbering under the car.
"We're asking every driver to spend a couple of minutes checking for any pets that might be lurking around the tyres or under the car.
"If you do find a cat under the car give it a nudge or shoo it away before turning the engine on and gently pulling away.
"It's important for all drivers to be aware of this and not just those who own cats. After all, cats don't just target their owner's cars for a snooze. Any vehicle is fair game to them."
Commenting on the awful consequences of the mistake, Tim added: "Accidentally harming a neighbour's cat could seriously damage relations with the neighbour themselves and could lead to all kinds of bitterness and other issues.
"So it really is worth taking a few minutes each morning to make sure there are no cats under the car. Unlike dogs, it isn't a good idea to let sleeping cats lie."
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