Met Office urges drivers to complete 'ten checks' or face £1,600 bill

The Met Office has urged drivers, motorists and road users to conduct 10 quick checks on their cars - or face whopping £1,600 charges. Motorists can stave off repair bills - which average out to an eye-watering £1,300 to £1.6k a year for drivers in the UK - with the checks.

The Met Office warns drivers heading off on long journeys to ensure their motors are in tip-top shape and up for the journey. Oil and coolant, batteries, fuel, wiper blades, fan belts, lights, tyres, spare keys and warning lights, as well as spare wheels, were earmarked as key parts to check.

The Met Office said: "Battery problems are the reason for more RAC call-outs in winter than anything else. Car batteries need replacing every few years, according to usage so make sure you get yours checked at your car service.

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"Check the condition of your vehicle's tyres, including the spare if you have one, for correct pressures and legal tread depth. The current minimum legal tread depth for cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3500 kg gvw') is 1.6mm and you risk a fine of up to £2500 and three penalty points per tyre.

"Make sure you know whether your vehicle is equipped with a jack, wheel brace and spare wheel, especially as many new vehicles are now issued without a spare. If they do have them, ensure are in good working order. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, make sure you know where the locking key is. If you have a spare wheel it might be a good idea to practise changing it.

"Also, don't forget to check the pressure of the spare when you check the other tyre pressures on your car. If your vehicle doesn't have one, ensure you are familiar with the tyre repair kit in case you need it or, if that is daunting, make sure you have adequate breakdown cover."

The RAC adds: "Cold temperatures affect the chemical process that produces and stores electricity inside the battery, slowing the battery down and reducing its ability to hold a charge. If you are using your car regularly for short trips, it may be worth charging your battery at least once a week during the winter months, particularly if it is more than three years old."