MOTORING: Hope for the best and prepare for the worst during winter

When it comes to motoring through the winter it’s always best to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Here’s some things you can do to prepare for bad weather.

Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection.
Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold – get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.
Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.
Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs.
Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight.
Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades.
Screen wash – use a 50 per cent mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.
Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.