MOTORISTS driving home for Christmas this month (December 2018) are being advised by a car and motorcycle maintenance firm in Somerset to ensure their car is in top condition before making the journey.

Autoserv Car & Bike in Weston-super-Mare is offering free advice to drivers, so they can make sure their vehicle is roadworthy before travelling to see family and friends.

Steve White, Director of the company on Pottery Close, said:

“Breaking down during the Christmas period and having to wait to be recovered in the cold is no fun for anyone so we are reminding motorists to check their vehicles before starting their journey.

“We know this is a busy time of year, so it is easy to forget to inspect your car before travelling long distances. However, it is essential to do this to protect yourselves, family members and other road users.”

Autoserv Car & Bike is offering people the following advice:

• Check the battery as one of the most common causes of a winter breakdown is battery failure. Batteries usually need replacing after five years.
• Make sure there is more fuel than you anticipate using for your journey in case of unexpected delays or diversions
• Check the coolant level and if it is low top it up with a mixture of water and antifreeze. If you are unsure get a professional to check it and top it up as required.
• Inspect wiper blades for splits and damage and replace them if necessary.
• Check and clean the lights and keep spare bulbs in the car just in case
• Inspect tyres for damage such as splits or bulges and make sure to get them checked by a professional. Check the pressures every fortnight and for safe winter driving tyres should have at least 3mm of tread.

Steve added:

“We also have a range of winter tyres available at the outlet. The tyres use a tread rubber compound and pattern specifically designed to retain flexibility in low temperatures. They give good braking performance on snow and ice, as well as on wet roads in cold conditions.

“As motorists are likely to be travelling longer distances during the Christmas period, we are also advising drivers to take regular rest breaks at a suitable location so as not to become tired behind the wheel.

“We also recommend that people double check their route before setting off and listen to traffic updates regularly.”

Autoserv Car & Bike specialises in providing customers with tyres, exhausts, batteries, MOTs, fixed price servicing and vehicle repair work.

To find out more about Autoserv Car & Bike on Pottery Close in Weston-super-Mare, please call 01934 620 160 or visit www.autoservwsm.co.uk.