Winter is upon us, so we've put together a checklist of essentials to help keep your car running safe and well this winter.

Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs. We can replace most blown bulbs in a matter of minutes at our premises.

Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight. We can recommend some excellent local garages to get you tyres replaced.

Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked at Deeside Motor Factors and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.

How to jump-start a car with jump leads:

1. Position the two cars:
   
   • Move another car with a similar size engine (Car 2) close to your car (Car 1) so that the engine bays are close together.
   • Move all metal objects out of the way of both batteries and remove loose clothing.
   • Check that both batteries and your jump cables aren't damaged.
2. Connect the red jump lead:
   
   • 
Connect the red jump lead's crocodile clip to the positive (+) terminal on Car 2's battery
   • Connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal on Car 1's battery
3. Connect the black jump lead:
   
   • 
Connect the black jump lead's crocodile clip to the negative (-) terminal of Car 2's battery
   • Connect the other end to an earthing point on Car 1
4. Start the engine:
   
   • 
Start Car 2's engine.
   • Wait about 5 minutes and then start Car 1.
   • Remove the clips in reverse order to the above.
5. Run or drive the car:
   
   • 
Run or, preferably, drive Car 1 for at least 15 minutes to let the battery recharge and allow it to start on its own.

Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.

Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection.

Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades.

Safety – we also recommend that motorists carry a torch, first aid kit, warning triangle and hi-viz vest for personal safety if you do happen to breakdown over these dark evenings.