It is important to be sure you are prepared for poor driving conditions caused by snow and ice.

Before you set out on a long journey and on a regular weekly basis make sure :-

Battery
This is the most common cause of breakdowns, especially in winter when electrical loads are higher. Cars that do short journeys on cold mornings are most at risk, so either make a regular long journey with minimal use of the car's electrical items or arrange to trickle-charge the battery from time to time.
If your car's been struggling to start, it may well be the battery, so get it checked and replaced, if necessary (particularly if it's more than five years old) to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.
Fuel
Winter weather and traffic jams can cause unexpected delays, so it's sensible to keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in your car and fill up when it gets low rather than waiting till the warning light comes on.
Lights
Check and clean all lights regularly (at least weekly) not forgetting brake and number plate lights. The handbook will show you how to replace bulbs if required though some headlight bulbs might require a visit to the garage. Carry some spare bulbs suitable for your vehicle.
Oil
Cars can consume as much as a litre of oil every 1,000 miles. Check the oil level regularly (your handbook will show you how).
Tyres
Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. At least 3mm of tread depth is recommended for winter motoring, to more effectively clear water, but when tyres are at the legal minimum of 1.6mm they are only 55 per cent effective compared to new tyres, significantly increasing stopping distances.3
Windscreen
Dazzle from low sun can be a problem at this time of year. Improve vision significantly by making sure that the windscreen is clean – inside and out. Keep a good quality pair of sunglasses within easy reach and a rubber blade (ice scraper) to clear condensation from side windows.
Windscreen washer fluid
Use a 50 per cent mix of a good quality screenwash and water to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Don't use ordinary engine antifreeze or washing-up liquid and do check the handbook carefully to ensure you fill the right reservoir.
Windscreen wipers

Blades will last for two years at the most. New blades clear the screen more effectively and reduce the dazzling effect of the sun as a result so now's a good time to renew worn blades.

• Its also useful to carry a blanket, a small shovel and torch.
• ALWAYS carry a charged mobile 'phone whenever possible.

We will check fluid levels and tyres for you free of charge, if you are unsure how to do so - no appointment is necessary during our normal opening hours