In addition to your regular winter service, Green Flag recommends you check the following yourself to reduce the risk of a winter breakdown:

• Battery- it's good practice to have the battery checked before the winter months. Most garages will have a battery testing service that will give a visual display to show the customer the condition of the battery. Many garages will do this free of charge.
• Anti-freeze- check the anti-freeze content of the washers and cooling system to ensure they are at the correct level. Check your car's manual for guidance.
• Tyres- check for adequate tread depth, pressure and general condition, and don't forget the spare wheel.
• Lights- make sure all the lights are working properly: headlights, indicators, fog lights and hazard warnings. Also check the interior lights, which you may need if stuck in the dark.
• Windscreens- check the wiper blades are free from cracks and tears and replace if necessary. Also ensure that the washer bottle is topped up to maintain good visibility, especially in foggy conditions.
• Oil- don't forget you should check this at least once a month.

Next: Carrying those essentials