Tips for safe winter motoring

If you're planning a journey or even just a long day out on the roads this winter, the last thing you need is to be spending your hard-earned time off on the hard shoulder.

To avoid this you need to make sure your car is in top condition and able to cope with cold temperatures and long periods of driving without leaving you and your loved ones in the lurch.

Ideally you should get your car into the garage for a full service according to the manufacturer's guidelines, though if a service is not due for a while and you’d rather not splash out, then make sure you check the following to avoid winter misery:

Tyres

First of all check that the pressure of your tyres matches the recommended levels in your car's manual. Remember that you will need to increase it if you are going to have a full car and be carrying luggage.

Check all tyres, including your spare, for excessive wear, splits and bulges. Replace those that are damaged – it may save you from a blowout mid-motorway. Don't forget to also check your jack – a spare's no good to you if you can't fit it!

Also, while you're at it, look out for any signs of uneven wearing which could indicate wheel misalignment and lead to bigger problems later on.

Windscreen and wipers

A dirty, dusty or fly-strewn windscreen can cause eye fatigue, which means a higher risk of an accident. Check that your wipers are in good condition and that your screen wash is full. If heading out on a long journey, perhaps consider taking a spare bottle with you.

Brakes

Carefully test your brakes for any sticking or irregular noises, and make sure that it's not taking you too long to slow down. If they haven't been changed within the past 12 months or 15,000 miles, get them seen to at your garage.

Also make sure that brake fluid levels are up to where they should be. If in doubt check the manual and if they're going down too quickly and you suspect a leak, again, get the car to a garage for a check-up.

Coolant

Check that the level of coolant in the radiator reservoir bottle is sitting somewhere between the minimum and maximum levels.

If it's not and you need to top it up, be sure to let the engine cool down fully first and make sure you open the radiator cap slowly; the cooling system is under pressure and you don't want to be sprayed by scalding coolant.

Other under-the-bonnet checks

Have a good look at any hoses that you can see; make sure that none of them have become spongy, hard or cracked.

Check belts that drive the alternator, power steering and fan belt, to ensure that none are cracked or loose.

Check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum levels on the dipstick and if it needs topping up, check your manual to see which type the manufacturer recommends.

If, after all your preparation, you're unlucky enough to have your engine overheat and steam starts rising out of the bonnet, pull over and turn the engine off.

Wait until the engine has cooled down fully before you touch it, which could be around 15 minutes or more. Whatever you do, don't pour cold water over it as this is likely to crack the engine block.

Remember when making these checks – if in doubt refer to your car manual and if there's anything you're still unsure of, play it safe and take your car into a garage for a check-up.

Right, that's the car checked over. Now for some tips for a stress-free journey.