No matter how mild the autumn has been, we all know that winter is not far away.  The main cause for car problems in winter is down to battery failure, something that is so easy to avoid just by carrying out some simple checks.

Start off by cleaning off the battery terminals and then driving the car down to any shop that sells car batteries or a garage which will test it for you.  Most outlets offer this service, and if you need a replacement, you’ll be in the right place to get one.  It may feel like an unnecessary expense if your car’s been going fine all summer, but if there’s any doubt when you have it tested, buying a new one before any crisis point is reached will be money well spent.

Until you’ve replaced a battery you’re not 100 per cent sure about, then keep a set of jump leads in the car. It’s doubly important to take care of the battery if you drive one of the many eco cars UK showrooms now have on offer, especially if it’s an electric-only vehicle.

Next on the list for winter protection is to really clean your car, then wax it well.  The most important areas to clean are the underneath including the base of the doors and wheel arches.  It’s these areas that get punished most by the salty grit that is put down on roads during icy periods, and salt clinging to your car is an invitation for rust to set in.  Even when it’s the last thing you feel like, go outside every couple of weeks during the winter and jet wash the car clean.  A wax polish will help protect the bodywork until the next cleaning session.

Frozen fluids are something you want to avoid – so check the anti-freeze level in the radiator regularly through the winter.

The safest way to ensure trouble-free motoring during winter is to drive a brand of car that personifies reliability – like Honda.  The Japanese car manufacturer has won the status of most reliable car manufacturer in the UK for the past six years.