We’re offering you free advice, so you can make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before travelling to see family and friends this year.

Breaking down during the Christmas period and having to wait to be recovered in the cold is no fun for anyone, so please check your vehicle before starting your journey.

We know this is a busy time of year, so it is easy to forget to inspect your car before travelling long distances. However, it is essential to do this to protect yourself, your passengers and other road users too.

We’re offering the following advice:

– Check the battery as one of the most common causes of a winter breakdown is battery failure. Batteries usually need replacing after five years.

– Make sure there is more fuel than you anticipate using for your journey in case of unexpected delays or diversions.

– Check the coolant level and if it is low top it up with a mixture of water and antifreeze. If you are unsure get a professional to check it and top it up as required.

– Inspect wiper blades for splits and damage and replace them if necessary.

– Check and clean the lights and keep spare bulbs in the car just in case

– Inspect tyres for damage such as splits or bulges and make sure to get them checked by a professional. Check the pressures every fortnight and for safe winter driving tyres should have at least 3mm of tread.

We also have a range of winter tyres available at our branches.

These tyres use a tread rubber compound and pattern specifically designed to retain flexibility in low temperatures. They give good braking performance on snow and ice, as well as on wet roads in cold conditions.

A lot of people say they don’t have the time or money to get their car checked in preparation for the colder months.

However, it is a crucial thing to do, because if something goes wrong, you could end up spending more money on getting your car fixed. You could also end up paying for someone else’s vehicle if you are in an accident.

Throughout January we are giving you the chance to get a free winter check for your car.

The check will include the condition of a vehicle’s battery, fluids, lights, tyres and wipers, as an empty screen wash bottle, worn out wiper blades or tyres can easily lead to a road accident.

Flat batteries are very common in the colder months and are one of the most common causes of a winter breakdown, so we recommend replacing your car’s battery after five years.

It is very important to always check that the lights are clean and working to ensure maximum visibility. It is also worth making sure you have spare bulbs in the car just in case.

To add to all this, we recommend you put together a winter driving kit including a torch, warm clothes, a de-icer, a shovel and blankets.

It’s also a good idea to have spare clothing in your car and sensible waterproof footwear because, even if you’re on a short journey, the weather can turn and you could run the risk of being stranded.

If you are undertaking any urgent journeys where snow is expected, make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have a pair of wellington boots, food and a flask containing a hot drink in the car, just in case you become stuck.

To find out more or to book your car in for our free winter check-up this January, please get in touch with us.