Is your car ready for the Christmas break?

Sub-zero temperatures, high snowfall and gridlock on the roads. Sound like a winter from hell? Well according to the Met Office, that could be what’s in store for the UK this winter. With Christmas just around the corner, the last thing motorists need is a breakdown, so Mondial, Croydon based customer service and breakdown assistance provider, recommends a little planning to avoid Yuletide mishaps.

December 28th 2005 and January 3rd are predicted by Mondial to be the busiest days for calls for roadside assistance. Indeed, calls are expected to increase by 75% on these two days as everyone returns to work after the Christmas break only to find their neglected vehicles won’t start or breakdown mid-journey. Mondial warns that motorists who fail to plan ahead are more likely to break down, be left stranded or be involved in an accident. Taking simple measures will help ensure you and your vehicle get through Christmas and the winter months unscathed.

Mike Webb, Managing Director of Mondial UK explains: "The hard truth is that many emergency roadside assistance calls could be avoided if motorists prepared their vehicle properly. Flat batteries account for one in five winter breakdowns, which could easily be avoided with proper maintenance. Batteries rarely last more than five years and drivers should regularly run their vehicle to keep the battery charged rather than leaving it idle over cold weekends or winter breaks – remembering not to drink and drive of course."

"Our research also reveals that wheel and tyre issues are amongst the most common causes of assistance. It is essential that drivers check their tyre pressure and tread depth to reduce the chance of an accident on icy roads."

"Freak snow storms often catch motorists unawares, but they need to get into the habit of good car maintenance. Something as simple as a torch and a blanket can be invaluable in an emergency situation, but more motorists think of a bag of boiled sweets for the journey before they consider something as essential as a first aid kit and a shovel. We advise all motorists to ensure they have a reliable roadside assistance provider – it could be a lifeline out on the road on a cold winter night."

Mondial urges motorists to act now to ensure they can survive the severe winter weather being predicted. Winter driving doesn’t need to be risky – a little preparation and good breakdown cover means drivers are safe in the knowledge they won’t get left out in the cold this Christmas.