Winter driving tips

For the want of a couple of hours and a few pounds, that lack of antifreeze or a worn tyre could prove expensive or even fatal, so here are our top winter driving tips:

Car Checks
You can carry out most checks on your car yourself when you?ve got a spare few minutes. Some of them may require a small amount of expertise, so speak to a mechanically-minded friend or relative, or the local garage. There may well be more checks depending on your car, so you should check your owners? manual, but here are some of the essentials:

• Ensure your antifreeze has been changed recently
• Make sure the windscreen washer bottle is topped up - use screenwash additives to stop freezing
• Check the washer jets for direction and clogging
• Ensure your oil has been changed and that the levels are topped up.
• Ensure your tyres have plenty of tread, are free from nails or gouges and are inflated to the correct pressure
• Check the battery terminals are free from corrosion - petroleum jelly will prevent this
• Make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition
• Check all exterior lights work properly and are free from dirt
• Make sure your wing mirrors are clean
• Check your heated rear screen works correctly
• Get your alternator belt checked - slack belts will cause a flat battery
• Make sure spark plugs are free from carbon and the gap is correctly set
• Make sure the battery levels are topped up (unless it is a sealed unit)
• Check the heater is working properly so misting is minimised
• Spray a damp inhibitor (such as WD40) into the locks to prevent seizing
• If the dashboard displays any warning lights, get them checked out
• Make sure you always have plenty of fuel