Check your vehicle is regularly serviced by consulting your service book. It can be all too easy to overlook the correct service date. Consider visiting your local dealer for a winter service.

Check the operation of all exterior lights to ensure they comply with any legal requirements. All headlights and indicator lenses must be free from any damage such as cracks or missing glass or plastic. Remember to keep the lights clean.

Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting. Do check windscreen washers making sure that they are adjusted correctly. Screen wash additive should be added to prevent freezing in winter.

Ensure all dashboard warning lights operate correctly. If not, consult your owner's handbook or call your local dealer.

Check oil and water levels. Ensure they are topped up correctly. Pay particular attention to the anti-freeze content of the cooling system. Check your owner's handbook for information on the recommended anti freeze to use.

Inspect your battery electrolyte level topping this up with distilled water if necessary. Do check the battery connections ensuring that they are tight and free from any corrosion. Do not forget that battery acid is highly corrosive to skin and paint work.

Make sure the fan belt is of the correct tension and in good condition, remove, adjust or replace as required. Ensure ignition key is removed from the vehicle before checking.

Tyre condition should be checked, (inc. the spare) for tyre pressure and legal tread depth. The current minimum legal tread depth for cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3500 kg gvw) is 1.6mm.

Note, it is generally acknowledged that the greater the tread depth, the more efficient the tyre is of clearing water in its path, making driving in poor conditions safer.

Inspect the jack and wheel brace making sure you are confident about their use. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, ensure locking key is safely stowed away in the car. It may be useful to practise changing the spare wheel following instructions from your owner's handbook.

Inspect car keys for wear and condition, replacing if necessary. Remember, a worn key will quickly wear out a lock barrel causing the lock to jam. Make sure you have a spare set of keys for your car in a safe place. This also applies to alarm fobs. It is worth noting that batteries in the fob will also require replacement at least twice a year, to maintain operating performance.

Consider the option of air conditioning when buying a new car. This can be useful in winter as in summer to help demist your vehicle quickly and reduce condensation.

Note: If you are in any doubt about these tips consult your owner's handbook or your local dealer.