'Vehicle checks vital after coldest winter for 30 years'

Car and van insurance policyholders worried about the ill-effects of the recent freezing weather on their vehicles might want to have their autos checked over by an expert.

Vehicle manufacturer Vauxhall is calling upon UK drivers to have their cars looked at to make sure they have not been damaged by the coldest winter in more than 30 years.

Virtually the whole country has seen some snow in recent months, with temperatures dropping as low as -17 degrees C in Scotland. Meanwhile, weather experts are forecasting further snowfall in some areas, so car insurance policyholders might want to make sure their autos are well prepared.

"Regular servicing and checks are vital for trouble free motoring, particularly after the extreme conditions this winter has thrown at the UK's motorists," a spokesperson for Vauxhall Aftersales commented.

The firm is offering a MasterFit check for £35, which includes a free Winter Car Care Pack containing essential items such as a window de-icer, an ice scraper, de-misting pad and antifreeze screen wash.

Technicians carrying out the examination can help motorists reduce their chances of being involved in incidents and breakdowns, the spokesman suggested.

"They'll also remind you that using air conditioning is not just for summer as it's the best way to de-mist your car - now is a good time to make sure your air con system is working properly," he added.

Vehicle expert Glass's discovered last year that almost half of motorists had put off having their vehicles maintained because of the recession.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group