British motorists are being warned the big freeze could cause increased car part failures with the cost of an average repair bill reaching £408.

The figures outlined by Warranty Direct reveal car parts are 283 percent more likely to fail in freezing weather.

Between December and February ignition coils are almost three times more likely to fail compared to the months between June and August.

The insurance company analysed 50,000 automotive policies showing thermostats were also more to fail in the winter months due to the added pressure of cold weather when motorists try to start their cars.

They showed there are 277 percent more breakdowns between December and February with an average cost of £204.16.

“This just goes to show that it pays to make the extra effort with car maintenance once the temperature turns chilly,” warned Duncan McClure Fisher, Warranty Direct spokesperson.

“As well as potentially messing up people’s New Year plans, or leaving drivers stranded in freezing weather, the garage bills these failures can cause are not what anyone wants.”

Fifty car parts were identified as more likely to breakdown in winter which could cost motorists repairs of up to £1,100 at a time of year cash is already in short supply due to Christmas shopping.

Fuel injection pumps were also shown to be high on the list of parts which are more likely to fail in freezing conditions with more than double than in summer, and these cost on average £321.91 to replace.

Central locking, heating and wiper motors are also more susceptible to the cold driving conditions of winter.

Where to Buy Cheap Car Parts Online

If your car has broken down or you need to replace damaged car parts due to the ice and snow try looking online for cheap car parts.

The big freeze is causing a new wave of thefts as thieves steal cars or car parts when motorists leave their cars unattended to defrost.

According to new research by Sainsbury’s Car Insurance, as many as 461,000 people in the past five years have been victim of this crime, with an average of 92,000 people a year.

More than one in five of these victims did not get their cars or car parts back after they were stolen.

“Motorists must take care not to leave their vehicles vulnerable to opportunistic thieves,” said Ben Tyte, Sainsbury’s Car Insurance head.

“When it’s freezing outside it can be tempting to leave the engine running to speed up the defrosting process while you nip back inside to finish getting ready, but this could have terrible consequences.”

Tips for Defrosting your Car

If you are worried about being late in the morning for work because of the extra time it takes to defrost your car take a look at these tips.

While it is a good idea to start the engine straight away to warm it up and get the fan heaters defrosting the ice on the window, make sure you do not leave your car unattended.

Scrape away the top layer of snow which is usually soft and then get a pan of tepid water to pour over the windscreen, ensuring your windscreen wipers are defrosted to then help move away the defrosted ice.

Make sure you use antifreeze and de-ice all of your windows and lights before setting off on your journey.  It is also important to make sure the snow on top of the car is removed so it does not fall onto the windscreen while you are driving and obscure your vision.

If you have had any cars parts stolen recently, and are looking to replace them, try searching online for quality car parts at discounted prices.

New research suggests British drivers are not preparing car parts adequately for winter driving, making it more likely they will need assistance on the road.

The AA conducted a survey prior the latest bout of snow and found 44 percent of drivers had done nothing to prepare for the winter weather.

They also showed 51 percent expect road gritting to be better than it was last year, 41 percent expect salt gritted roads to be the same as last year, and seven percent think it could be worse.

Areas such as Scotland and the North East were more likely to think gritting would be worse, with nine percent and 10 percent respectively.

“We are concerned that some drivers have not made enough preparations for the severe winter conditions on the roads,” said Edmund King, AA president.

“Highway authorities will be under great pressure as their dwindling salt supplies are stretched as the arctic spell continues.”

Car Part Preparation

The research revealed 39 percent have put a shovel and blanket in the boot of their car should they break down and have to spend the night in the car.

Nineteen percent had bought a sturdy pair of walking boots, and six percent had made arrangements with friends and colleagues to stay at theirs should they be unable to get home.

A further four percent had bought all season tyres, three percent winter tyres, and one percent snow chains, while 12 percent had taken other measures and purchased additional car parts.

Male drivers were most likely to have done nothing to prepare for winter, 45 percent in total, and 51 percent of those aged 25-34 years old.

While those over the age of 65 years old were least likely to have done no preparation, standing at 40 percent of this age group.

The onset of freezing temperatures is causing havoc on Britain’s roads making it important motorists adapt their Christmas travel plans.

The AA revealed many have already started their Christmas getaway journeys when schools broke up on the 17^th December.

The busiest day on the roads is expected to be today – Thursday 23^rd December – with 76 percent of respondents in the survey of 15,927 members to drive on this day.

Christmas Eve will see 70 percent of respondents take to the roads while on Christmas day the majority intend on staying put, or as 28 percent plan, drive only up to 19 miles.  Just over half will venture out on Boxing Day.

A third of AA members are expected to travel up to 100 miles each over this period, while 51 percent intend to travel up to 49 miles to see family and friends.

“The Christmas getaway is the busiest time of the year on the roads, so if the weather’s as bad as it has been over the last three weeks, it could prove a very challenging time for drivers,” said Paul Leather, AA spokesperson.

“What seems certain, though, is that we’ll have more very cold weather, so even in areas without snow, there will be an ongoing risk of ice.”

Check Car Parts

With 51 percent planning to drive up to 49 miles in the snow, 15 percent up to 99 miles, 34 percent more than 100 miles and six percent more than 500 miles, it is vital you check your car before departure.

The last thing you will want is to breakdown halfway into your journey due to worn down car parts, so ensure they are looked after and any damaged ones replaced.

Cheap car parts can be purchased from online stockists who can deliver the spare parts straight to your front door, so you need not make an extra journey.

Families planning to take to the roads over the Christmas period are being urged to take necessary preparations to ensure safe travel.

The Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents (RSoPA) has outlined some winter driving tips ahead of the journeys people will be taking in the snow.

Winter Driving Tips

Before you set off make sure you keep an eye on weather and traffic reports to plan which route you will take, and if this is the safest one.

If you are worried about driving in snowy conditions consider postponing the journey if it is not absolutely necessary – or look into taking public transport.

Drive as smoothly as possible, keeping breaking to a minimum and try to change gear smoothly so you do not make any sudden movements.

Keep your speed down and leave longer for braking, and if you can try and brake naturally, using the brake pedal as little as possible – also remember to leave more space between you and the car in front.

“As well as smooth driving techniques, safer winter driving is about good preparation – making sure you’re in a fit state to drive, that your vehicle is in good condition and that you’ve planned your journey,” said Kevin Clinton, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents road safety head.

Check Car Parts

Take the time to check your car before you leave the house looking at individual car parts and listening to the noise they make when you turn on the engine.

Tyres should have good tread and should be fully inflated to give the best grip on the road.

Drivers should ensure they are ready to drive and are not too tired as driving on snow ridden roads requires a lot more concentration, and can be quite exhausting.

Always keep necessary items in the car boot to help you if you should get stuck in a snow storm, such as a shovel and lots of blankets and some food.

Motorists admit to having defective car parts a new study reveals with one in three admitting to having damaged windscreen wipers.

With a new wave of bad weather set to hit Britain’s roads motorists are urged to ensure their vehicles are up to the task of facing this, but Kwik Fit shows over 11 million car drivers are making this harder for themselves.

A dirty road spray could put visibility of the road at jeopardy and 56 percent of respondents admitted they do not check their wiper blades from one year to the next.

“In poor winter weather when conditions are already tough the last thing motorists need is impaired visibility,” said Ian Fraser, Kwik Fit chief executive.

“The extra workload placed on wiper blades this time of year can quickly finish them off but replacing them is cheap, quick and potentially lifesaving.”

There are four main wiper blade faults reported in the survey and the main one is where the blades leave smears on the windscreen, accounting for 16 percent of problems.

A further 4.5 million motorists or 13 percent said their blades made a squeaking sound, and one percent reported the wiper blades scratch the windscreen which risks permanent damage.

One million motorists, three percent, said their blades do not clear water away properly.

The study showed motorists under 25 years old were the most likely to have defective wiper blades with 58 percent reporting a problem.

Drivers aged 65 and over meanwhile were shown to take the best care of their wiper blades with 72 percent claiming they are in perfect condition.

Spare Car Parts

If your wiper blades are not in perfect condition for winter it is important you have them replaced so you give yourself the best chance when tackling ice-ridden roads.

Spare car parts including wiper blades can be purchased online for discounted prices so motorists need not worry about dishing out cash which is usually in short supply around Christmas.

Breakdowns during the cold snap have centred on frozen wipers and battery problems according to latest reports.

If your car struggled in the recent cold weather it may be an idea to change some car parts to ensure it does not breakdown unexpectedly when it may not be convenient to do so.

Battery issues have been the number one fault for call-outs according to the RAC since the start of the bad weather, with over 10,000 batteries fitted in the last two weeks.

Many people found themselves unable to start their cars and also had problems with frozen cooling systems.

“With a temporary end to the cold spell in sight, I would remind drivers to make sure their wipers are not frozen to the windscreen when they turn them on,” commented Alan Wilcock, RAC patrol ambassador of the year.

De-icing Car Parts Tips

Although the cold snap has eased, weather forecasters predict a white Christmas making it even more important motorists are aware of how to defrost vital car parts to commence their festive journeys.

The RAC reported that they had had many call-outs where motorists had blown a fuse or damaged the wiper motor by not releasing the wiper-blades.

To prevent this from happening to you, make sure you spray you wipers with de-icer spay or pour tepid water over them to prevent them from getting stuck.

Spare Car Battery Parts

If cost is a problem this close to Christmas try looking online for spare car batteries to replace your existing one, or any other car part you may require.

Most online stockists hold a variety of different make and model parts so motorists can simply order the part online or over the phone and the part is delivered straight to their front door.

For the fourth consecutive month the number of used cars sold has risen reflecting the tone of the nation seeking out bargains in the current economic downturn.

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association revealed used car finance increased seven percent by value and 11 percent by volume in October, compared with the same time last year.

This rise is believed to be due mainly to the Government’s scrappage scheme which led to a shortage of quality used cars and car parts.

Since this scheme and the 15 percent VAT rate ended, consumers have been forced to search the used car market to replace their motors.

“The continued revival of the used car market reflects a return to ‘traditional’ buying habits as buyers look to manage their budgets by seeking out affordable cars and finance,” said Paul Harrison, Motor Finance head.

New car sales dropped by 11 percent compared to October 2009 although the market had grown by 22 percent in the last twelve months.

The number of people buying private new cars on dealer finance exceeded 50 percent for the first time since July last year.

The business car finance sector remains volatile however the number of cars bought on finance fell by 11 percent in October compared to the same time last year.

Used Car Parts

The public sector spending cuts and the changes to the benefit bands will impact the majority of society renewing further the used car industry as people turn to cheaper options.

Owning a car is expensive enough without having to buy spare parts to replace ones which have become worn down due to the age of the car.

However, if you are unable to afford a new or used car you could try rejuvenating your current one by obtaining cheap car parts from an online stockist.

UK motorists were questioned about recent automotive issues in a new survey to gauge public opinion in this arena.

Motoring Matters’ monthly report analysed the frequency, tone sentimentality and consensus of posts made online by the public across a variety of news channel, car part message boards, and motoring forums.

November’s top five discussed or debated issues were:

1                     Rising vehicle labour costs

2                     Big Brother speed cameras due to launch in 2013

3                     Closure of the M4 bus lane

4                     Robowardens

5                     The big freeze causing transport chaos

The first and main point of concern was the rise in vehicle labour costs which have increased by about 5.81 percent in a year.

Franchised dealers charge £90.59 up from £87.19 last year, while independents stand at £55.90, up from £52.69 in 2009.

The new wave of speed cameras are set to hit the roads in 2013 – which will also monitor tax disks, insurance cover and if you are wearing a seat belt or tail-gating someone, along with speeding.

Around 80 percent of those questioned were against this new system claiming it would make Britain closer to becoming a Big Brother like state.

The closure of the M4 bus lane has sparked a mixed view, with some angry about the increased pollution it will cause while others are pleased with the reopening of the 3.5 mile stretch for all vehicles.

The news that traffic wardens will be equipped with new camera headsets and DVLA hand-held computers was also not well received.

The latest snow blast has made many question Britain’s ability to handle these situations when the 3,300 gritters failed to treat the roads in time.

Make Savings with Cheap Car Parts

The cost of motoring is becoming more expensive, so if your vehicle requires a replacement car part to cope with the harsh weather conditions try investigating online stockists who supply them at discounted prices.

A new report shows the top 10 cars that have retained their value best from their original list price three years ago.

The vehicle valuations authority, Glass, revealed the car that had retained the highest value, at the top of the list, was the Volkswagen Tiguan (168bhp) SE 4Motion 5d 0 with a 68 percent residual value, and a £2,394 average annual depreciation of £2,394.

In second place came the MINI 1.6 Cooper 3d, 65.9 percent with a depreciation of £1,462, followed by the Honda CR-V 2.2 CTDi (138bhp) SE 5d, 64.3 percent with a depreciation of £2,356.

“Whilst the nation is in the grip of austerity measures and cost-cutting, it seems that used car buyers are opting to pay the highest prices – relative to original list price – for cars that reflect their chosen lifestyle and image,” said Adrian Rushmore, Glass’s managing editor.

Seven out of ten of the top 10 places were occupied by 4×4s or SUVs which have shown, despite fuel price hikes, that their car parts have performed well in the used car market.

Superminis meanwhile did not feature at all on the top 10 list due to the Scrappage Scheme coming to an end meaning demand exceeded supply so buyers opted for a used model instead.

The average trade value in the top 10 list was £16,500, making the retail selling price close to the £18,500 figure.

Following the top three places the list continued:

4^th Land Rover Freelander 2 GS Td4 auto

5^th Audi Q7 3.0TDI (237bhp) Quattro S Line Tip

6^th Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7 TD (190bhp)

7^th Audi TT Coupe 2.0T FSI (197bhp)

8^th Nissan Qashqai 1.6 (113bhp) 2WD Visia

9^th Land Rover Range Rover 2.7TD Sport (187bhp) S Auto

10^th Audi A5 2.7 TDI (187bhp) Sport Coupe Multitronic