Mechanic urges Brits to check one component before December to avoid breakdowns

Drivers have been urged to look out for a certain symptom that could lead to breakdowns (Image: Getty)

Drivers have been urged to check one vital car component before November ends, or else they might face an expensive repair bill over the winter months.

Whilst modern cars are a lot easier to start in cold autumn and winter climates, drivers should make sure that their vehicle is prepared for a drop in temperatures.

Sam Sheehan from the used vehicle retail platform Cinch noted that one of the most effective ways to ensure a vehicle will start in all weather is by checking the battery.

He explained: "Signs that a battery needs replacing include when your car struggles to start (or doesn’t start at all) and underpowered electrics (such as dim headlights or weak heaters).

"If your engine smells like rotten eggs, this could be caused by a potentially dangerous problem with the battery, so make sure to get it checked out as soon as possible."

During colder temperatures, worn vehicle batteries can struggle to start the engine (Image: Getty)

Under normal driving conditions, most vehicle batteries will last between three to six years, being recharged by the alternator during long journeys.

However, like all forms of battery, they do not operate as well during extreme temperatures, such as cold winter mornings. Drivers with an older battery may notice their car struggles to start or does not fire up at all.

As a result, it is vital that motorists with a vehicle that takes longer than normal to start to stay prepared by buying a replacement battery.

Fallen leaves can also clog up the vehicle's drainage system, leading to further complications (Image: Getty)

The company also recommended that drivers looking to avoid costly repair bills during November and the winter make sure to regularly clean the leaves from under the bonnet.

One of the most iconic signs of autumn, falling leaves may look beautiful but can block up the vehicle's drainage system, leading to water flowing over a variety of vulnerable components and leading to serious failures.

Motorists who brace the cold temperatures to regularly wash their vehicles and remove fallen leaves from inside small gaps can save themselves a significant amount of money in the long run.

Finally, cinch suggested that motorists should make sure to check their tyres before the end of November in order to avoid serious accidents in cold weather.

In particular, checking that the tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread can help drivers maintain a good amount of grip in wet weather, giving the tyres deep grooves to sweep away water and avoid aquaplaning.

Drivers should also check the tyre pressures every two weeks, topping them up to the manufacturer's recommended levels if necessary. This can help drivers improve handling and braking while cutting down on fuel consumption and wear.