Check your car is covered as the cold snap nears

DAYTIME temperatures are set to plummet towards freezing this week as an Arctic blast reminds us that winter will soon be upon us.

With the cold comes an increase in car breakdowns, but experts say a little bit of maintenance now could save hundreds of pounds in garage bills or towing charges.

Flat batteries are common in winter, so investing £20 in a battery tester is money well spent. If a vehicle has a reading of less than 12 volts when the engine is turned off, it is time for a new battery.

Car manufacturers recommend changing batteries every five years. Even if a battery is in good order, a £20 set of jump leads and a £40 charger can help in the event of a car refusing to start.

Motorists should also check oil levels, water and tyre pressures. With falling temperatures, it is vital to ensure the radiator is topped up not just with water but the right amount of antifreeze.

Even motorists who look after their cars will encounter motoring issues over the coming weeks.

Breakdown cover is a sensible option. With most car problems occurring at home, cover that includes home start is usually the best option. Consumer website MoneySavingExpert ranks AutoAid as one of the best providers of annual, full service cover. It costs £61.49 a year.

AutoAid does not have its own recovery fleet like big brands AA and RAC, but its cover is more than half the price. Equivalent policies from AA and RAC start from £151 and £144 respectively. But most breakdown cover will prove its value if it saves a motorist from paying a £250 fee to have their car towed off the motorway. Motorists with existing cover should always shop around at renewal.