Winter Car Maintenance Tips from Leading Car Parts Provider 247 Spares

• Essential winter driving car maintenance tips for second hand cars • Holding off on essential car maintenance to save money could end up being more expensive than getting the work done • Find inexpensive second hand car parts online While most of us will be looking to make money savings wherever possible in-light of the Government’s Spending Review, leading car parts website www.247spares.co.uk is warning cost-cutting motorists not to neglect basic car maintenance if they want to stay safe on the roads. Research shows that almost half of all car owners have admitted to neglecting the car maintenance of their vehicles since the economic downturn began in order to save money. But in doing so they could be putting themselves and other road users at risks, particularly as we enter the winter months when road accidents increase due to poorer driving conditions. But with Halfords recently reporting an increase in sales of car maintenance products and sales of car parts increasing 50% since 2009, UK motorists are evidently keen to keep their cars roadworthy and are increasingly indulging in DIY car maintenance. Alex Khan, Director of Communications, 247Spares.co.uk, explains; “Cutting the cost of motoring is naturally a top priority for many cash-strapped Brits at the moment, but skimping on basic car maintenance can not only be dangerous, but actually be a false economy, too, as an unsafe vehicle is more likely to be involved in an accident than a properly maintained vehicle.” “Also, as we enter the winter months it is increasingly important to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving, too, as more accidents occur when there is poor visibility on the road. Every motorist should check their oil, tyre pressure, brakes, windscreen wipers and lights before winter sets in and make sure that they have anti-freeze added to the cooling system.” “Basic car maintenance can save motorists a considerable amount of money. If, for example, your vehicle is in need of new brake lights or tyres to make ready for winter, the good news is that these essential car parts are inexpensive to buy new or used online and can with a little bit of know-how be fitted without the need of a mechanic.” Operating in 180 locations, with an inventory in excess of 9 million car parts, including over 90,000 dismantled cars dating from 1985 to the present day, 247 Spares can supply all major car parts for all makes of car throughout the UK. From brake lights to windscreen wipers, car tyres to brake pads, for all of your winter car maintenance needs, order online at 247 Spares today for next-day delivery. Sainsbury's Finance research published recently indicates that for the period September, 2010 to February 2011 5.89 million people will be looking to buy a second-hand car, up by 172,000 on the previous six months' figure. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows 7.425 million of the 31.167 million cars on UK roads are aged between three and six years old. This figure is likely to grow as a result of the economic downturn. 247 Spares has put together the following car maintenance tips for winter driving in a second hand car: • Check your brakes work properly, particularly in wet and cold conditions and make sure that there is sufficient brake fluid. • Make sure your tyre tread is good enough for winter driving and ensure that your tyre pressure is correct. • Check your lights – faulty headlights, brakelights and fog lights can be dangerous when driving in adverse weather conditions. If your lights don’t work, buy new ones immediately. • Always make sure the windscreen is clean and clear, and that there is plenty of screenwash – check your wipers work properly too, if not buy replacements. • Winter mornings can cause problems with older car batteries so if your car battery is old, think about buying a replacement. • Patch up any leaks: Looking under your car after it has been parked for a few hours will typically let you know if your car has any leaks. If there are leaks, either look at how you can patch it up or look for the cheap car parts you need online to make the necessary repairs.