PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR WINTER - PREVENTION IS CHEAPER THAN CURE

Regular servicing will not only ensure better performance, but an efficient engine should also mean lower fuel consumption, not to mention a cleaner exhaust and greater reliability.

Just a few simple checks on a regular basis would go a long way to preventing many breakdowns in other words, especially in winter. Easy to say; harder to find the time to do. Recognising that fact, the AA for example, has instructed its patrols where appropriate to carry out a series of brief checks at every breakdown. But the frustrating thing for many drivers stranded by the roadside is that the breakdown shouldn't have happened - the motoring associations reckon that around half of their call-outs could be avoided by regular servicing.

In addition, a specific pre-winter service check should ensure that vehicles are in good mechanical and electrical condition to face whatever the season might bring. Basic checkpoints ideally would include everything from lights and tyres to battery and starter motor.

Tyres

Tyres should always be carefully checked as worn treads are illegal as well as potentially lethal - for you and innocent bystanders, as well as other road users. Tyre pressure, too, should be regularly monitored. Up until recently motorists in Britain haven't adopted the Continental practice of swapping tyres in the autumn for winter ones - then swapping back in the spring to summer ones. As a result of recent very cold winters however attitudes are changing with many garages now offering a 'Winter Tyre Fitting Service' where they will sell you a set of winter tyres and store your summer ones free of charge.

Battery

Battery failure is one of the most common causes of breakdown - drained from leaving the lights on, as we all do from time to time - or simply dead, kaput, wiped-out. Many recovery patrols now carry new batteries for sale so that they can solve the problem ...