EVEN the hardiest motorist will agree this is not the season to be standing by a dark, wet roadside with your bonnet up. Or stuck helplessly in your driveway just minutes before that essential appointment.

The cold winter months are notorious for putting your car under greater strain and while you can’t predict every eventuality, leading automotive electrical specialists Lucas SRE have suggested some top tips that could help you steer clear of your local breakdown service.

Is your vehicle being serviced regularly enough? It can be all too easy to overlook the date. Visiting your local garage for a winter service should help spot immediate problems and ensure any failing components are replaced in good time.

Batteries get a double battering in winter - with the dark, cold weather placing extra demands on your lights, heaters and windscreen wipers, and damp creating potential short circuits in the system.

During your winter service ask your garage to check the battery (contrary to popular belief this is not checked when your car is serviced) and replace it if you cannot rely on it to hold a charge. Also ensure the service includes a check on your alternator, fan belt and ignition system to make sure everything’s in top condition. Lighting up - continual use means you are 30% more likely to blow a bulb in wintertime. To stay legal make sure the bulb in every headlamp (full and dipped beam), indicator, reversing light and fog light is working properly and get breakages replaced same day. It’s also a good idea to carry a spare bulb kit so you can make on-the-spot repairs.

It’s surprising how quickly headlights can be dangerously dimmed by mud, slush and road salt. Clean lights (as well as windows and door mirrors) daily in the worst weather and check for cracks or chips in the light casings that might cause failure.