In today’s economic climate it might be tempting to skip regularly servicing your car to save cash. But having your car regularly serviced reduces the risk of your vehicle developing major problems and will save you money in the long term. Knowing that your vehicle is well maintained will also give you the peace of mind that it won’t break down when you most depend upon it, particularly as winter sets in. Regular car servicing not only means you can avoid costly repairs in the future, but also extends your vehicle's life and resale or part-exchange value.

In addition, regular servicing will save you money on fuel costs as a poorly performing car will use up more petrol. It will also mean less wear and tear on your car parts. As winter approaches and the bad weather makes driving more hazardous it is really important to make sure your car is well maintained and protected against the elements.

Road salt, snow and frost can all damage your vehicle so you need to pay particular attention to the exterior of your car as well as its mechanical parts. Road salt in particular can cause major damage to the car’s exterior and undercarriage. As well as regular servicing you should also take a few simple steps to protect your car from damage this winter. Make sure you wash your car regularly to remove all the surface debris, including the wheels, doors and paintwork. Completely remove all traces of shampoo before drying and polishing to allow the sealant and wax to work properly.

Make sure you add a protective wax to the paintwork and wheels to protect them from the elements. Perform regular checks on your vehicle to ensure it is well maintained for driving safely in winter conditions. Ensure your tyres are inflated and have sufficient tread left. Bald tyres won’t grip to the roads properly and can cause you to skid or aquaplane in wet weather. Make sure your oil and brake fluid levels are correct. If the brake fluid is leaking then it won’t apply enough pressure to the brake pads making it harder to slow down. If you have a significant leak then your brakes could fail altogether.

Make sure you have sufficient antifreeze and screen wash. The extra salt on the roads can cause your windows to get dirty making it harder to see in bad weather. Ask your garage to check your wiper blades and replace them if necessary. Driving in winter can be difficult enough without struggling to see through grimy windows!

Check all your lights are working properly so that you can see, and be seen, on the roads particularly in the dark or when visibility is poor due to sleet or heavy rain. Using lights, heaters and windscreen wipers puts added pressure on your car’s battery. Have it tested, particularly if it is more than a couple of years old. Leave extra time for your journey in bad weather and carry an emergency kit, including a shovel, torch, ice scraper and warm clothing should you break down.