Protect your vehicle from the cold-snap

With a freezing winter on the cards, drivers need to protect their cars from the icy conditions which the UK is likely to experience.

Will Thomas, head of motor at Confused.com, suggests steps which drivers could take in order to avoid being left out in the cold, or financially squeezed, this winter:

Make sure that car batteries are charged: batteries use more energy in the winter, as they are increasingly powering lights and heaters; it is therefore important to ensure that batteries are well-charged before long journeys. The average life of a battery is approximately five years, at which point it may be worth thinking about a battery replacement, rather than risk breaking-down in the freezing cold.

Check the tyres before a journey: it is important that tyre tread is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm, as it determines grip which is important on frosty roads; however, Confused.com would recommend 3mm, for that extra peace of mind. Tyre pressure is equally important, as not having the optimum tyre pressure not only means that grip will be reduced, but it will also mean less efficient fuel consumption. It is therefore worth checking the pressure regularly at petrol stations.

Keep Jack Frost at bay: it is important to top up the anti-freeze in the radiator before long journeys; this will only cost a couple of pounds, but could save drivers hundreds of pounds by avoiding cracked engine block repairs. Frozen windscreens are another side-effect of winter weather, and can always be relied upon to make drivers late for work.  It is a good idea to make sure that the windscreen washer fluid is topped up, preferably with added anti-freeze.

Avoid being blinded by the light: late sunrises and early sunsets mean that visibility can be a serious issue for drivers, during the winter. In addition to making sure that windscreen wipers are working efficiently, and that the fluid is topped up, it is imperative that windscreens are in good condition; scratches, both inside and out, and dirt can accentuate the startling effect of the sun's dazzle.

"Winter is a potentially hazardous time for motorists. As well as being more vigilant in these conditions, motorists need to plan their journeys in advance. Leaving home ten minutes earlier, in order to de-ice the windscreen, will save that potentially dangerous mad rush to work. As well as the obvious danger of careless driving, accidents could also cost motorists financially; on average, a driver with three points will see premiums leap by 7%, rising to 25% for six points, and 50% for nine points. While nobody is perfect, we would advise motorists to take more care when driving, especially in winter months."