Statistics tell us that you are twice as likely to break down in winter, which means keeping on top of your servicing and taking a few steps to prepare for the colder weather can help to prevent a breakdown.

In addition to the Good Garage Scheme Winter Check, we advise you to take some sensible steps:

• Check your breakdown cover – to ensure that you have the relevant cover in place before the weather worsens. 
• Make sure you keep the telephone number of your breakdown service with you or in your car in case you do break down and need someone to come out to you.
• Prepare a winter car breakdown kit for your car – this might include a shovel, charger, torch, blanket, de-icer, scraper plus food and drink supplies.
• Prepare ahead of any long winter journeys by downloading maps, programming your Sat Nav and letting someone else know where you are going.

What can we expect from the roads this winter?

It’s reassuring to read that Highways England have also been preparing for the onset of winter by testing a new fleet of gritters.  The new vehicles are equipped with the latest technology to ensure the automatic spreading of salt, plus improved safety features to help protect drivers, their vehicles and other road users.

It helps to know that if the gritters are prepared and we, as motorists are prepared, then we might get through the winter with less chance of breakdown.

For peace of mind and to get your car ready for the cold weather, book in now for a Winter Check at your local participating Good Garage Scheme garage.

Visit www.goodgaragescheme.com/winter_check to search for a garage in your area.