Protect your car from costly winter crises

Winter is almost upon us, so here are 10 tips to make sure your car is fully prepared for difficult driving conditions.

I think it's fair to say that the weather has been a tad temperamental of late. Recently, many of us have witnessed gale-force winds and lashings of rain - a sign that winter is well and truly on its way. And after last year's snow escapades, anything could be around the corner.

So this means it's time to batten down the hatches and prepare yourself for the winter months.

We've already revealed how you can protect your home, but now is also a good time to start preparing your car for the colder weather and more treacherous driving conditions. So here are 10 top tips to give you a helping hand.

1) Book a winter service

Before the really cold weather sets in, it's a good idea to book your car in for a winter service to find out whether there are any problems. That way, if there are any issues, you can get them fixed quickly and you'll be all set for the winter. After all, prevention is better than cure!

2) Check your tyres

Although your tyres will be checked as part of your car's annual MOT, it's a good idea to check them again yourself in the winter months. If there's any sign of excessive wear and tear on the treads, the tyres should be replaced - you don't want to get caught out on slippery roads. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, but if it's likely to be icy or wet, you should make sure you have at least 3mm of tread depth.

It's also important to check the tyre pressure on a regular basis - preferably once a week. Look in the vehicle handbook, or consult your garage or tyre dealer to find out the recommended tyre pressure.

You can pick up a pack of analogue tyre pressure and tread depth gauges from Halfords from just £5.99.

3) Check the battery

During the colder months you're likely to use your lights and heating far more, which can drain the battery. So make sure you keep your battery fully charged. You could even consider buying a set of jump leads to keep in the car in case of an emergency.

It's also worth checking to make sure all the connections to your battery are secure and that there's no corrosion on the battery. Most batteries last for around two to four years, according to DirectLine, so if you're worried, take your car to a mechanic and ask them to test the battery. If you're in any doubt, it's worth replacing it.

4) Check the radiator

You don't want your radiator to break down, so make sure you check and replace the anti-freeze in the radiator.

5) Check oil and petrol levels

Always ensure you have the correct amount of oil in the engine, as well as sufficient petrol for your journey. It's always best to be on the safe side and allow for extra petrol usage during bad weather as you're unlikely to be travelling at a fuel efficient speed.

And if you want a few tips on how to check oil levels, you can find them here.

6) Check the windscreen wipers

Windscreen wipers can wear down so it's important to check the blades on a regular basis. If they are looking a little worn, replace them - that way you'll be much better off when you're stuck in a rain storm! It's also a good idea to add de-icer to the windscreen washer fluid.

7) Check your lights, windows and mirrors

Make sure all front and rear lights are clean and working, and replace any faulty or blown bulbs. It's worth checking them on a regular basis as road conditions are likely to leave your car far dirtier during the winter.

Similarly, check your windows and mirrors are clean and make sure the windows are de-misted before you set off too.

8) Get covered

Make sure you have the right type of car insurance policy. For example, if you are a young or infrequent driver, a 'pay as you drive' policy could slash 40% off your car insurance bill.

And if you car isn't worth much, savings can be made by opting for third party, fire and theft cover only - as opposed to fully comprehensive insurance. This only covers your liability to others (no cover for damage to yourself or your vehicle). Comprehensive cover, on the other hand, allows you to claim for any damage caused to your car.

Finally, if you don't already have breakdown cover in place, now's the time to get it. After all, no one wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere in the freezing cold with a car that's going nowhere. Breakdown cover doesn't have to break the bank either - AutoAid offers a policy for just £37 a year.

Make sure you keep the details of your cover to hand, including a contact number and your policy information.

9) Keep an emergency kit in the car

It's always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in the car. This should include:

De-icer and ice scraper
A blanket and some warm clothes
Torch and batteries
First-aid kit
Food (such as cereal bars)
A warm drink in a flask for cold weather, or water
A shovel in case of snow
Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the low winter sun
A car-phone charger

10) Alter your driving style

If you've got a long journey planned, make sure you leave in plenty of time in case weather conditions worsen en route. If you can, avoid driving in the evening or at night, and make sure you drive more slowly, particularly if the roads are icy.

You should also expect the unexpected, so be prepared to stop at short notice. Make sure you keep your distance from the vehicle in front, so that you have sufficient time and space to stop. You should also try to avoid slamming on the brakes as this can lead to skidding, or your wheels could lock. Instead, move down a gear earlier and allow your speed to drop without having to hit the brakes.

Get help from lovemoney.com

If you'd like more financial advice regarding your car, lovemoney.com can help.

First, adopt this goal: Cut your car costs

Next, watch this video: Beating the renewal quote is nothing to shout about

Finally, why not have a wander over to Q&A and ask other lovemoney.com members for hints and tips about what worked best for them?

More: Protect your home from costly winter crises | Five ways to slash the cost of your car insurance