What is a winter health check?

A winter health check is a series of tests and safety checks carried out by a trained mechanic. These checks include assessments of your tyres, fluids, lights and battery and are a great way to prepare your car for colder weather and frosty conditions.

Ford

The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. One of the most long-standing giants of the motoring industry with an estimated asset wealth of around $256 billion, Ford became a popular household name throughout the UK in the 1960s with the introduction of the Ford Transit, the Ford Escort and the Ford Capri.

How popular is Ford in the United Kingdom?

With the Ford Fiesta consistently winning accolades as the best selling car in the UK, it’s no surprise to hear that in 2018 there were approximately 5.5million Ford cars on the roads by the end of the year.

With a proven track record for good value and sensible, practical driving, along with a dealership just around every corner, Ford has developed a method of sustaining great sales by giving drivers just what they need.

Popular well-priced cars with a sturdy reputation

There’s a Ford car for practically every sensible driver. Actually, there are a few Ford cars for the more daring driver too. Take a look at the history of RS and Cosworth models, both making an impact in the world of rally driving and touring car racing.

While they’re better known for providing family transport that includes the Ka, the Fiesta and the Focus, Ford also produces the lavishly equipped Edge SUV, and also the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers too.

And for something quite a lot less mainstream, Ford deliver some muscle

From a very traditional and mainstream marque, it’s refreshing to see that they still deliver a great big slice of larger than life America—and the latest model Ford Mustang is no exception. If a Mondeo or a Focus isn’t really your thing, and even the RS models aren’t sporty enough, then the new Mustang’s brawny delivery of sleek lines powered by its 5-litre V8 engine could be just the thing. Failing that, the Ford GT supercar with its twin-turbo V6 won’t fail to turn heads. All £420k of it.

Does a winter health check replace my car service?

No, you should still keep up with your car's regular servicing schedule, regardless of whether you get a winter health check. A winter health check does not include as many checks as a service, but is a great way to prepare your car for the cold. The checks will still be carried out by a trained technician and will go a long way in ensuring your car remains safe and roadworthy.

What does a winter health check involve?

• Antifreeze level check and top up

• Oil level check

• Screen wash check and top up

• Tyre tread and pressure checks

• Wiper blade condition check

• Battery load test

• Full lights check

What are the signs that my car needs a winter health check?

It's always a good idea to ensure that your car is safe and reliable for the colder season by having it looked at by a trusted mechanic. Even if you think there are no issues with your car, the winter conditions can prove challenging for many vehicles. Some tell-tale signs that your car should be checked are:

• If your car struggles to start

• Your tyres have been slipping of skidding more than usual

• You've noticed issues with your engine's performance

• Your car lights aren't as bright as they used to be

• You've noticed issues with your wipers or screen washing system