Does your car cope well in the winter?

With the temperature falling, more drivers will be waking up to find their car windows covered with frost.

Winter weather can also prevent cars starting and make driving difficult.

How do you look after your car in the winter? What are your top tips for coping with the cold?

Some of the most common problems include:

Frosty windows

Switch the defroster to the highest setting, turn on air-conditioning and use de-icing fluid and a scraper to remove frost from your windscreen.

If you run out of de-icer you can use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar as an alternative.

One common mistake is to pour boiling water onto icy mirrors, windows or the windscreen. Avoid doing this as it can shatter the glass.

Dead car batteries

Check your car battery if it’s particularly cold or your car has been idle for a few weeks.

It’s also a good idea to check the water tank under your car’s bonnet once a week or before long journeys.

Aquaplaning

‘Aquaplaning’ occurs when your car makes contact with a layer of water too fast, causing the tyres to brush against the surface of water rather than the road.

If this happens, try not to brake hard or steer suddenly. Let the car coast to reduce speed and regain grip.

For more tips and tricks read our top five winter car checks and essential driving tips.

Are you going to check your car this winter? How does it usually cope in the cold?