There are wetand icy roads, strong winds and reduced visibility due to rain or snow. It's nowonder that accidents are more likely to occur during the winter months. Plusyour car has to work harder in cold conditions making breakdowns more common.

Although wehave a general idea of when to expect wintry conditions to arrive, the weather canbe unpredictable. Evidence of this is in the increased number of flash floodsand storms to hit Britainin the last few years.

So don't getcaught out, prepare your car for winter. Make sure it is legal and meets safetystandards before winter arrives. Take your car in for a full service asrecommended by the . You can takeadvantage of the winter inspection deals some garages offer to get your coolingsystems, brakes and fluid levels, disc and drum, shock absorbers, and steeringcondition checked by a qualified car mechanic.

Thereare also car maintenance checks you can do in preparation for winter. Get yourcar ready with these useful tips.

Tyres

Yourcar tyres need more tread in wet and/or icy weather. You should have a treaddepth of at least 3mm on your tyres. Make sure you know the correct tyrepressure for your car as recommended by the manufacturer.

Battery

Carbatteries generally last between 2 and 4 years. Make sure your car battery isfully charged. If in doubt, replace it.

Radiator

Ifyou don't want your radiator to freeze this winter, check the anti-freeze. Again,if in doubt, replace it.

Windscreen wipers

Checkfor wear and tear on your windscreen wiper blades. Make sure your windscreenwipers will last the winter. If not, fit new ones. You can also include awinter additive to your windscreen wiper water bottles.

Windows and mirrors

Shorterdays and bad weather conditions are synonymous with winter. For drivers thismeans significantly reduced visibility. You can't change the weather but youcan keep your windscreen clean and clear of any snow and ice. Before you headoff down the road, make sure your windows are demisted.

Lights

Formaximum visibility on the road, test your lights to see if they are working atfull strength. If not, get them replaced. You can also carry some spare bulbsin the car just in case you need to replace one on the road. Keep your lightsclear of snow, ice and a build-up of spray.

Emergency kit

Probablythe most irritating thing about breaking down is that you never know when it?sgoing to happen. With an emergency kit in your car, at least you'll beprepared. The Highways Agency and the government's  campaignrecommend you include the following items in your emergency kit:

?        Icescraper and de-icer

?        Torch

?        Warmclothes and a blanket

?        A pair ofboots

?        First-aidkit

?        Battery jump leads

?        Shovel(if it looks like snow)

?        Food anda warm drink in a flask

?        Sunglassesto protect your eyes from the low winter sun

In case of an accident

Likethe weather, sometimes accidents are out of your control. That is why you should always have theright so you don't get left out in the cold.