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With temperatures plunging to freezing, the challenging weather and road conditions can take a toll on your vehicle.

Here’s some great tips from Nev of Nev'll Fix It in Tonbridge that will keep your motor running reliably during the frosty months!

1. Make sure your tyres are in safe condition

Tyres are paramount when it comes to safe driving and it is even more important when there are wet or icy conditions on the roads. As temperature drops, as does tyre pressure and so it is vital to routinely check all four tyres and maintain the level specified in your vehicle's handbook. Ensure that there are no cuts or bulges anywhere. You can even use a 20p coin to ensure that your tyres’ tread depth is comfortably above the legal level of 1.6mm. There’s also the option to fit your car with more safer winter tyres even though they can be a bit more costly.

2. An oil check wouldn’t hurt

Make sure you check your oil level as freezing temperatures can compromise the thickness of your oil. It also never hurts to give it a top-up but make sure you check the handbook if you’re not quite sure about how to do it. It will also let you know what correct oil to use. A common problem we find is people pouring in too much oil so make sure you follow the instructions and put in the correct amount.

3. Make sure your battery is fit and ready

A drop in temperature can have a real adverse effect on the chemical process within batteries that produce and store electricity. That’s a big reason why some cars simply won’t start during winter. The obvious thing to do is replace your battery if it’s more than three years old or shows signs of struggle but there are also some things you can do to keep it ticking over. Making longer journeys than normal (by say 5 to 8 miles) will keep it in a healthy state of charge as will charging it every four to six weeks to keep it in optimum condition if the car is hardly used.

4. Are your brakes feeling spongy or making a grinding noise?

When roads are slippery, it is especially important to have good braking systems. The brakes of your vehicle need to be properly responsive and the pads in good condition. Get your brakes checked by a professional when cold weather sets in, in order to give yourself optimum braking power over wet, muddy or icy road surfaces.

5. The importance of wipers should not be forgotten

Frost on your windshield could damage your wiper blades, making them more brittle. Use a de-icer to melt the layer of snow and ice and an ice scraper to clear your windscreen. You can also top up your windshield washer fluid with a freeze-resistant solution.

6. Are your Antifreeze Levels up to scratch?

Anti-freeze is a coloured liquid that stops the water in your engine's cooling system from freezing during the winter months and is essential for your engine’s health. It should be topped up soon as the anti-freeze level drops below the guide marks or if there is a warning light on your dashboard.

7. Always be prepared for the worst

An emergency kit in a car is always advisable and in winter when you could be potentially broken down or stuck on a road for hours it is even more important to be prepared. Have an emergency kit ready with things like a blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit, extra food and water and even a shovel if you can fit it in somewhere.

Getting your car ready for cold weather is an essential part of proactive vehicle maintenance. Protect yourself and those around you but also protect your car.

For comprehensive winter car care or if you have any concerns, visit Nev'll Fix It in Tonbridge, call 01732 350500 or pay them a visit at 12a Sovereign Way in Tonbridge (TN9 1RS).