1. Tyres - check that they are legal – although the legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, we would recommend changing anything below 3mm for safe winter driving. They must also be in good condition as worn tyres can make your car more dangerous and difficult to handle especially in wet or icy conditions. It is also vital to have your tyres inflated correctly, not only from the safety point of view, but also fuel consumption as tyres that are the wrong pressure will prove more expensive to run!

2. Windscreens- make sure that the windscreen wash is full and contains a good screen wash additive. You will use your windscreen washers far more in the winter months as the roads are much dirtier. It is a legal requirement that your windscreen washing system works efficiently so make sure your wipers are not worn or split.

3. Lights - ensure all exterior lights, including your fog light, are working and are kept clean.

4. Long journeys - many of us make long trips over Christmas and New Year. Make sure you’ve checked your oil - although this is something you should be doing regularly throughout the year as well, and check that your radiator has plenty of water and anti-freeze.

5. Vehicle essentials - keep some de-icer and a scraper in the car, have a torch, blanket, warning triangle and luminous jacket in the boot and make sure you know where your toolkit is and how it works - such as your jack and wheelbrace. It’s handy to know where your jacking points are as well and any tools needed if you have wheel locking nuts.