BREAKDOWNS WHAT TO DO

If your car is regularly serviced, you'll be unlikely to suffer the inconvenience of a breakdown. However, it may still happen and if it does, it's as well to be aware of the most common causes - and some of the more obvious solutions.

Suspect 1 - Flat Battery

In the colder months, we put more strain on the battery than at any other time, by powering our heaters, de-misters, windscreen wipers and lights. Short journeys, such as the quick trip to work, or to the shops, can bring about the downfall of many motorists, as the battery, drained of its full strength, fails to recharge in the short time between departure and destination.

Action

Have your battery checked before the cold weather sets in. Ideally, you should check it once a month during the winter. Always remember to turn your lights down or off when driving in full daylight and in clear visibility, and double check they're turned off before leaving the car.

Suspect 2 - Frozen Engine

In very cold weather, the engine can freeze if precautionary measures are not taken. Motoring organisation Green Flag reports that it deals with around 3,000 cases each winter where engines have seized, the radiators having been starved of anti-freeze. One Boxing Day, a desperate motorist had poured neat anti-freeze over his ice-covered radiator and water pumps, but to no avail. The car had to be towed away, and left to slowly defrost in the warmth of the opera...