Motoring experts at A-Plan Insurance have urged motorists to follow five simple tips to prepare their vehicles for winter.
Colder temperatures and wet weather can cause havoc for cars with motorists more likely to suffer damage.
However, road users may be able to protect their vehicles by following basic storage rules and a series of checks.
Read a dashboard
According to A-Plan Insurance, only 52 percent of motorists know how to correctly identify their car warning lights.
This means there are dozens of road users across the UK who are unaware of what the 12 most common symbols mean.
A-Plan Insurance added: “If any of the red lights appear, that is an immediate warning to take your car to a garage so it can be fixed. If a yellow light appears, it can still be serious but not as urgent so take the vehicle to be checked as soon as possible.
“Preparation is essential in winter as breaking down in the darker months with less visibility can be more dangerous.”
Check tyre tread depth and pressures
Motorists can face hefty fines for failing to meet legal tread depth standards. The law states that each tyre must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, but it is recommended to change them at around 3mm.
A-Plan Insurance advises drivers to check their tread depth by placing a 20p coin in their tyre grooves.
If the outer band of the coin is still visible, it is a clear indication that the tyre needs to be changed as soon as possible.
Road users can check their tyre pressures by placing the palm of their hand on the rubber. Generally, an under-inflated tyre will feel soft, which indicates that action is needed.
Check the battery
According to A-Plan Insurance, battery issues are the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns in cold or wet weather.
Cold temperatures slow down the processes within the battery, which limits its ability to hold a charge.
They added: “Cold weather can also cause condensation to form as the freezing air meets the hot air surrounding the battery and engine. This condensation can then cause corrosion, which damages the components.
“If the car sputters when the ignition is started or the red warning light flickers, the battery needs to be replaced.”
Don’t keep a car stored all winter
Experts advise against storing a vehicle in a garage all winter. Instead, motorists should make sure to regularly start their vehicle and go on a short 15-20 minute drive whenever possible.
A regular trip will keep the battery and engine healthy and ensure that the car’s oil is kept at a workable consistency.
Check the lights and fluid levels
Headlights are vital in winter, as commuters often leave for work when it is still dark.
A-Plan Insurance recommends that motorists ask a friend to stand outside and check the headlights, brake lights, and indicators as often as possible.
They added: “While performing these checks, inspecting the fluid levels in your car can also help reduce the risk of damage. Checking the anti-freeze and oil levels can help keep the engine running, and these are simple to top up without visiting a garage.”
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