With winter rapidly approaching, FG Automotive have some useful tips for motorists:

Check tyre conditions, pressures and depths. A minimum 3mm tread is recommended for driving in winter weather.

A 50-50 mix of both water and anti-freeze is required in the cooling system throughout winter weather and can help prevent hundreds of pounds worth of engine damage. Never mix the types of antifreeze. Traditional anti-freeze should be changed every two years.

If your fan belt squeals once the engine has started the cylinder block or water pump could be frozen. Stop the engine and allow it to thaw out.

Run the air-conditioning on hot to help demist your windscreen as it will dry out condensation in the system which can cause corrosion. You should also run it on hot or cold for five minutes a week at least, even through winter. This will drive lubricating refrigerant around the system and keep it ticking over.

Consider changing to winter or all season tyres – these have greater silicone content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and gives better grip in cold wet conditions.

Contact us for a free winter health check on your vehicle which includes brake, battery, light and tyre check, all tyre pressures will be adjusted as necessary and oil and screen wash levels topped up free of charge.