Harsh weather conditions invariably lead to wear and tear, but drivers can control this, and extend the life of their vehicle through regular servicing.

Routine maintenance is no optional extra. Keeping your car running at its optimum ensures it is safe and efficient, all the time and it could provide a breakdown.

Keeping windows demisted and passengers warm in the cold weather puts a strain on a car battery and electrical system. The cooling system, in turn, might be affected by deteriorating radiator hoses, and, as the weather gets warmer, this may cause overheating if not checked now.

During the cold season, windscreen wiper blades will have operated over frozen screens contaminated by dirt and grit. These pose a serious safety problem as small grooves are cut into the rubber, causing streaking. This hinders the overall ability to clean the screen effectively and is particularly dangerous at night when oncoming traffic lights further distort the vision. Any chips in the screen can usually be satisfactorily repaired, providing the repair is done quickly, otherwise a new screen will be needed.

Tyres too, will have suffered undue wear, and steering may also need realigning, especially if you have knocked the kerb while parking.

The exterior of the car may need some attention where salt, snow, chemicals and grit might have lodged in the underside and wheel arches. The dirt needs to be removed as quickly as possible to prevent any corrosion.

Other elements of a vehicle which need some attention include:-

Renewing engine oil and filter; Inspecting spark plugs; Checking idle speed and mixture; Checking drive-belts for tension and condition; Checking coolant levels; Inspecting brake pads; Lubricating hinges, door lock catches; Checking headlight alignment; Checking brake pressure; Inspecting and lubricating handbrake cable; Checking exhaust system for condition; Checking suspension brushes, shock absorbers; Checking tightness of wheel bolts; Checking rear wheel alignment; Inspecting tyres thoroughly.

Face the Spring confidently. Get your car serviced today and ensure every trip is one of sheer motoring pleasure.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.