Let’s face it, while there’s never a good time for our cars to break down or need repairs, it always seems worse when it happens in winter. Cold, wet weather makes being stuck by the roadside or having to rely on public transport that much worse. To minimize the chances of it happening, there are a few simple tasks you can do. As well as preventing some problems before they happen, they’ll help you spot other potential issues so you can get them resolved quickly. Keep an eye on your windscreen Inspect your windscreen, other windows and lights regularly to make sure there are no cracks. If you spot any, get the glass fixed or replaced as soon as possible....

However well-prepared you are for driving in winter, there’s always a chance you’ll find yourself stranded. Even if your car is regularly serviced and well maintained, you could still suffer a breakdown, have an accident, or be forced to stop by sudden bad weather. It’s always a good idea to carry an emergency breakdown kit just in case the worst should happen. It’s easy to put together and, once assembled, can be left in your vehicle – where it will hopefully stay unneeded! What you put in your emergency winter breakdown kit may vary according to where you live and the kind of weather you’re likely to experience. As a minimum, though, we’d recommend you include the following items. A...

As well as often being unpleasant, driving in winter weather also means we need to adjust some of our habits and behavior on the roads. Snow, ice and heavy rain all affect surfaces, and our cars react differently than in the dry. In extreme conditions you might prefer to stay at home or defer your journey, particularly if you’re an inexperienced or nervous driver. That might not always be an option, though, so here’s our advice to help you stay safe on the roads this winter. Before you travel The more prepared you are, the less stressful your journey is likely to be. Of course, there’s a difference between nipping out to the local supermarket for groceries and traveling several...

Most of us are already preparing for harsher weather as we move into the colder months of the year. Winter brings its own challenges for motorists, both on and off the road. Lower temperatures and wet conditions can take their toll, with electrical faults and mechanical issues rearing their heads. You can’t prevent every problem, of course, but you can take steps to reduce some of the risks. It’s a good idea to look after your vehicle anyway, but the last thing you want is a lengthy wait by the roadside until your breakdown service arrives – or the repair bill that comes afterwards. You could take your car to a garage for a pre-winter check and service, but if...