Motorists: don’t ‘wing it’ this winter

Kwik-Fit today urged motorists not to ‘wing it’ this winter as research commissioned by the company found that 1.8 million (7%) British motorists make no attempt to check that any part of their car is prepared for winter driving conditions. Half of all motorists (50%) fail to check their battery and over two thirds (37%) ignore the condition of their windscreen wipers.

In response Kwik-Fit has pledged to give away 150,000 litres of screenwash, engine oil and antifreeze – the equivalent to 1,000 bathtubs full – in a bid to keep people motoring safely this winter.

David White, customer service director at Kwik-Fit, commented: “Scenes of stranded vehicles left by the side of the road during bouts of cold weather are all too familiar and many of their owners would do well to remember that prevention is better than the cure. Indeed, experts estimate that over half of all roadside recoveries can be avoided by simple car maintenance.”

Kwik-Fit’s generous offer is part of a nationwide free winter check-up programme aimed to educate motorists that the best defence against a breakdown is preparation. Motorists can visit the company’s centres without an appointment to claim up to one free litre of engine oil, screenwash and antifreeze as required by their car. In addition Kwik-Fit’s expert fitters will check the condition of a motorist’s car battery, tyres, lights and windscreen washers free of charge – unlike many other companies who will levy a fee for a winter check up.