![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/24\/590x\/secondary\/winter-car-driving-4985423.jpg?r=1695994672874\")
<\/p>\n
A-Plan Insurance added: \u201cIf any of the red lights appear, that is an immediate warning to take your car to a garage so it can be fixed. If a yellow light appears, it can still be serious but not as urgent so take the vehicle to be checked as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreparation is essential in winter as breaking down in the darker months with less visibility can be more dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Check tyre tread depth and pressures<\/h3>\n
Motorists can be slapped with hefty fines for failing to meet legal tread depth standards. The law states each tyre must be at least 1.6mm but they should be changed around the 3mm mark.<\/p>\n
A-Plan Insurance warns drivers should check their tread depth by taking a 20p coin and placing it inside their tyre grooves.<\/p>\n
If the outer band of the coin is still visible it’s a clear indication that the tyre has to be changed as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
Road users can check their tyre pressures by placing the palm of their hand on the rubber. Generally, an under-inflated tyre will feel soft which indicates work is needed.<\/p>\n
DON’T MISS <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n According to A-Plan Insurance, battery issues are the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns in cold or wet weather<\/p>\n Cold temperatures slow down the processes within the battery which limits its ability to hold charge.<\/p>\n They added: \u201cCold weather can also cause condensation to form as the freezing air meets the hot air surrounding the battery and engine. This condensation can then cause corrosion which damages the components.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the car sputters when the ignition is started or the red warning light flickers, the battery needs to be changed.\u201d<\/p>\n Experts have warned against storing a vehicle away in a garage all winter. Instead, motorists should make sure they regularly start their vehicle and go on a short 15-20 minute drive whenever possible.<\/p>\n A regular trip will keep the battery and engine healthy and ensure that the car\u2019s oil is kept at a workable consistency.<\/p>\n Headlights are vital in the winter with commuters often leaving for work when it is still dark.<\/p>\n A-Plan Insurance claims motorists should ask a friend to stand outside and check the headlights, brake lights and indicators as often as possible.<\/p>\n They added: \u201cWhile performing these checks, inspecting the fluid levels in your car can also help to reduce the risk of damage. Checking the anti-freeze and oil levels can help to keep the engine running, and these are simple to top up without visiting a garage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018I\u2019m a car expert – drivers should never follow popular TikTok trend\u2019[LATEST] <\/strong>
Drivers urged to never follow simple social media hack which could \u2018damage\u2019 cars[ANALYSIS] <\/strong>
\u2018I\u2019m a mechanic – Petrol and diesel drivers can destroy car with simple error'[COMMENT] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/24\/590x\/secondary\/winter-tyre-pressures-depth-4985424.jpg?r=1695994672924\")
<\/p>\nCheck the battery<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t keep a car stored all winter<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/24\/590x\/secondary\/car-headlights-check-4985422.jpg?r=1695994672983\")
<\/p>\nCheck the lights and fluid levels<\/h3>\n