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.

Peugeot

Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer, initially founded in 1810 as a manufacturer of coffee and bicycles that went on to build internal combustion engine cars from 1890.

How popular is Peugeot in the United Kingdom?

With possibly its strongest model line-up in years, Peugeot is looking to turn around its current dip in vehicle numbers on the UK roads today. After a steady rise over the decade from 1995 to 2005, from 1.1million to 2.1million, the current tally has slowly dropped to a mere 1.8million—a strong total despite the depreciation in numbers.

A mixed range of sensibly priced cars

With 21 standard vehicle models available from the full Peugeot line-up, that’s a lot of choice when buying a car.

Without doubt, it’s their SUV offerings that are leading the way; the innovation and technology applied to these stronger models will hopefully be developed through the rest of the range, bringing them into line with what the buying public expect from their motoring today.

The modern Peugeot: executive styling in the making

Catering for city driving, Peugeot has smaller models available that include the 108 city car and the 208 supermini, next up is the 308 hatchback, and then the majority of the models in today’s line-up is their range of SUVs.

However, the 508 saloon, featuring fastback type styling, has grown into an attractive low-slung 5-door coupé. More cars like this could enhance Peugeot’s positioning away from the mid-stream and into executive status.

The historic and iconic Peugeot 205 GTI

It was in the 1980s when the 205 was introduced and seemed responsible for turning around the success of the company. The supermini model was applauded for its style and handling, which led to sales topping 50k units a year.

In 1984 the GTI was launched with a 1.6-litre engine; soon followed by a 1.9-litre model. The high-performance hatchback set standards in thrill-seeking for younger drivers everywhere.

Could the new range of SUVs be responsible for another similarly styled comeback for the French giant?

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