Free winter car check

As the evenings draw in and the winter temperature begins to drop, good car maintenance becomes even more crucial to ensure safe motoring.

In order to help motorists get the most from their vehicle this winter and, more importantly, stay safe on the region’s roads, DriveSafe has teamed up with Nationwide Autocentre to offer motorists a free 11 point winter car inspection.

The free inspection, which usually costs £25, is designed to diagnose and prevent 11 of the most common winter car care problems. The inspection includes, amongst other things, a thorough check of the engine’s anti-freeze, battery, starter and charging function, lights, wiper blades, tyres and oil, all designed to keep cars in safe driving condition.

Karen Delaney, communications manager at DriveSafe, commented: “During the winter months, ice, grit, cold temperatures, heavy rain and frost all have the potential to affect a car’s performance. As a result, it is crucial that motorists maintain their vehicle at this time of year, to limit the possibility of unnecessary accidents and hefty repair bills.”

Motorists are also being encouraged to look after their own vehicle by avoiding reckless de-icing such as pouring hot water onto windscreens and turning heaters on full, which can cause windscreens to crack.

Duncan Wilkes, managing director of Nationwide Autocentre, commented: “Thorough car care is important at all times, but particularly during the winter months when motorists face hazards they may not be experienced in tackling. The free 11 point car check is being offered as a way of ensuring that motorists in the region are keeping their cars in the best possible condition for tackling seasonal driving dangers.”

To claim the free inspection, visit nationwideautocentres.co.uk/wintercheck.