| With the worst of the winter months fast approaching | | | | causes of break downs, especially during winter, as |
| and many people already organising festive holidays, | | | | we’ll be using extra battery-draining gadgets such |
| conditions are likely to be tough on our cars. If not | | | | as the heaters and headlights much more when it’s |
| properly looked after, our cars could suffer this winter, | | | | cold and dark. Check your battery’s indicator light is |
| which could lead to a breakdown or accident. As the | | | | green or that the battery is still holding charge. |
| weather changes, small or unnoticed problems can | | | | Replacing an old battery and having jump leads in your |
| quickly escalate and cripple your car so it’s best to | | | | car is vital for driving in the winter. |
| prepare for the cold weather over the next few | | | | Tyres |
| weeks before it’s too late. | | | | If your tyres have little or no tread left then you’ll |
| To make sure you and your car make it through the | | | | definitely need to change them for new all weather |
| colder part of the year, follow these simple tips to | | | | tyres (or snow tyres if your region is expected to get |
| ensure you don’t run in to any trouble. | | | | a lot of snow). In the winter there are many different |
| Engine problems | | | | hazards on the road such as ice, slush and snow |
| If your car is stalling or struggling to start at times it | | | | which can seriously affect your car’s handling and |
| may be worth checking what is wrong now as not | | | | braking abilities. Now is also a good time to check the |
| only could the problem worsen in colder weather, but if | | | | tyre pressure of all your tyres, including your spare, is |
| it does, you’ll be sat in the cold weather waiting to | | | | correct. |
| get the car going! | | | | Emergency kits |
| Window wipers | | | | On the off chance that you do breakdown in the |
| If you notice your wipers are worn or leaving streaks | | | | snow, wind or rain, it’s worthwhile packing an |
| then you will likely need to replace them. There are | | | | emergency survival kit in your car. Aside from the |
| winter specific wipers that you can buy if the winter | | | | usual first aid kit, including a warm blanket and some |
| weather is particularly harsh. It’s also worth topping | | | | form of energy food or drink can help when stuck |
| up your washer fluid with solution that will not freeze. It | | | | waiting for assistance. It’s wise to have winter |
| can be handy to have a decent ice scraper and a can | | | | clothing to hand too in case you have to leave your |
| of anti-freeze spray to speed up the process. | | | | car for any reason. In the even that you become |
| Remember, retailers will cash in on the harsh weather | | | | stuck in the dark, whilst daylight hours are at their |
| by bumping up the price of these items so but sooner | | | | shortest, it’s also worth investing in a good quality |
| rather than later to avoid having to pay over the odds. | | | | torch too. |
| Battery | | | | If you prepare for the winter weather now you should |
| Considering how cold it’s likely to get, you don’t | | | | have less to worry about when the cold weather gets |
| want your car to breakdown in biting winds or a snow | | | | here and be ready for driving in adverse conditions, |
| storm. Battery failure is one of the most common | | | | without putting yourself and others at risk. |