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.

According to latest figures winter tyres are in short supply with stockists not expecting deliveries until January.

Christmas journeys will be made even more hazardous for those hoping to swap their car tyres to winter ones to enable their car to handle better in freezing conditions.

What Car? revealed more than 87 percent of stockists do not expect to have any more winter car tyres until the New Year.

Some outlets claimed the bad weather was slowing their deliveries and were hoping to have tyres by the end of the week.

“If climate change is going to bring us much colder winters, we believe the Government should look at making a tyre change compulsory in winter,” said Steve Fowler, What Car? Editor-in-Chief.

“It would help to ensure that the country keeps moving safely and that motorists have more grip and confidence behind the wheel.”

Research by the AA also showed the regions in the UK where motorists were more or less likely to fit winter tyres.

Twelve percent of drivers in Scotland, nine percent in the North East, nine percent in Wales, and nine percent in Yorkshire and Humberside were likely to have bought winter or all season tyres this year.

Motorists in Northern Ireland were found to be the least likely to put a shovel in their car in preparation of getting stuck in snow, 26 percent, while 49 percent in Scotland were likely to have done this.

Those the least prepared were Londoners with 53 percent admitting to have done nothing while those in Scotland were the least likely to have done nothing at 35 percent.

Buy Car Tyres Online

If you were considering buying winter tyres, or need to change existing ones due to wear and tear you should consider looking online.

If the current cold snap continues Britain may run out of road salt to grit ice-ridden roads, making it more important for motorists to check car parts are up to the task of driving in these conditions.

Due to the early onset of below freezing weather, many local authorities are unprepared and as a result will be unable to provide enough salt to make roads safe to drive on.

David Quarmby, leading transport strategist, told the Telegraph local councils should conserve supplies to help with these current conditions.

Britain is currently experiencing the heaviest snowfall since 1965, and although we are used to having snow, the severe conditions currently seen are causing supplies to be used up more rapidly.

The country had 1.25 million tons of road salt on December 13^th before the latest onset of snow according to the Department for Transport, but a spokesman declined to tell the Telegraph how much had been used.

Make Sure Car Parts Survive the Winter

Although many people are worried their car parts will not be able to handle the snow and so are checking them or replacing them frantically before driving, you should also consider how the snow and salt may erode them too.

While the snow and freezing temperatures causes certain car parts to stop working, such as windscreen wipers stuck to windscreens, salt can cause rust to appear.

Make sure you give your car a wash once the snow has melted to get rid of any salt residues which could damage vital car parts such as engines, or body work.

If you require any replacement parts try looking online for cheap alternatives as many online stockists offer quality car parts at discounted prices.

Spare tyres, engines, suspension parts and many more bits you may require inside and out of your car can be purchased this way.

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.

Those working between Christmas day and New Year will benefit from quieter commuter traffic research predicts.

From the data last year from Trafficmaster, expects commuter traffic to reduce following its peak on Thursday 23^rd December.

Although last year the AA came to the aid of more than 3,400 members on Christmas day showing it was not completely without trouble on the road.

It is also expected that the Highways Agency will lift or suspend many road works across the country over the Christmas period to make travel as smooth as possible.

“Drivers should keep their speed down, stick to the gritted main roads where possible, and allow plenty of extra time for their journey, even if they’re staying closer to home,” said Paul Leather, AA Breakdown 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.”

However, the research also predicts there will be abnormally busy traffic around retail outlets in the two days before Christmas due to the recent bad weather, which may have prevented some people from doing their shopping earlier.

Christmas Eve should see these journeys depleting by three in the afternoon as many return home early from work to start the festive celebrations.

Car Part Damage Caused by Traffic

Getting stuck in traffic is not just stressful for you the driver but also your car as is it has to either keep running without moving, or stop and start at a slow speed.

The main problem is cars tend to overheat when stuck in heavy traffic – this is especially common in older cars which have not been designed with an electric cooling fan.

If the engine starts to overheat try and divert the hot air into the driving space by turning the fan heat up.  Once the car is moving again the airflow should fix this problem.

However, if any car part is damaged from this type of driving try looking at online stockists for replacement parts.

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.

The call for winter tyres to be made compulsory continues as British motorists struggle to drive in current weather conditions.

DIAmond Advanced Motorists is urging the government to raise awareness of the benefits winter tyres make to driving in cold conditions.

They state the public perception is that they are use predominantly for use on snow, whereas the reality is they also provide cars with better handling and braking capabilities when the temperature drops below seven degrees Celsius.

Temperatures in autumn and winter tend to be mostly below this figure so fitting these tyres would be appropriate.

“The economic benefits of vehicles fitted with winter tyres are overwhelming,” said Steve Garrod, DIA general manager.

“There’s a simple solution to many of the problems British road users are currently experiencing – and the government should be more far-sighted in encouraging drivers to fit winter tyres.”

Car Part Maintenance

The AA recently found 44 percent of drivers have done nothing to prepare their motors and certain car parts for severe conditions on the roads this winter.

They showed only three percent had bought and fitter winter tyres, explaining why the country has experienced high breakdown levels recently.

If you have not checked your car before taking to snowy and icy roads take the time ensure everything is in good working order.

If you require any replacement parts such as spare tyres, windscreen wipers, bumpers or even engine and suspension parts all these can be purchased online.

These online stockists hold a large supply of quality car parts for varying make and model cars, so you will always find what you are looking for.

They also come at discounted prices most of the time so you need not worry about money at this time of year, when most people’s purses are stretched to the limit in preparation for Christmas.

Latest statists reveal the number of people owning four or more top-end cars is on the increase.

According to Aviva – car insurance provider, some of their clients own more than 30 high quality cars showing owning multiple motors is no longer something only the A list do.

They showed that these car collections are often more cared for like a treasured piece of art rather than for transport, as staff are employed to look after them for their owners.

The average vehicle mileage is 5000 miles a year for these multiple car owners motors, which is two thirds of the national average.

“The popularity of owning a collection of high value cars is growing among the wealthy of the population generally – it is not simply the preserve of A-list footballers and pop stars,” said Scott Leonard, Aviva high net worth underwriting manager.

“High value cars can be assets that appreciate in value too – some classic cars with famous prior owners have changed hands for millions of pounds.”

This rise is in part thought to be due to investors looking to find new ways to invest their money in the current economic climate as collectable cars hold their resale value.

A typical prestige car amounts to a value of £350,000 which is just over 69 times the value of the average new family car.

Top 10 Prestige Cars

The top 10 prestige cars quoted for in 2010 are:

Porsche

Bentley

Aston Martin

Ferrari

Jaguar

Mercedes

Range Rover

Maserati

Lamborghini

Rolls Royce

Buy Prestige Car Parts Online

If you collect high value cars and require a replacement car part to ensure it retains its value, try investigating online stockists.

The types of spare parts available on the internet range from second hand parts to top end replacement parts for cars such as Porsches and Bentleys.

The TyreSafe organisation which aims to raise awareness of tyre care and maintenance has welcomed new vehicle manufacturers to the team.

Toyota and Lexus have joined TyreSafe to help engage and educate drivers into good car tyre practice, and have started highlighting the critical role that tyres play in safe driving with a winter weather tyre programme.

This scheme will inform Toyota owners of the safety benefits of fitting winter tyres to help with grip on snow and ice.

“Tyres remain one of the most critical elements affecting driver and occupant safety,” said Steve Settle, Toyota & Lexus customer services director.

“We hope that through our membership of TyreSafe more drivers will pay attention to the condition of their tyres, helping to save even more lives.”

Car Tyre Safety Tips

Before you drive this winter make sure you have checked your car parts and especially car tyres to ensure they will endure the harsh driving conditions.

If your windscreen wipers are broken for example this could significantly affect your vision when either rain or snow cannot be removed quickly or efficiently, which could result in an accident.

Cold weather and getting stuck in traffic can also cause cars to overheat so if your thermometer starts creeping up divert the hot air by turning up the heat inside the car, it should keep the temperature in the engine down until you start moving again.

For car tyres check regularly for tread depth and tyre pressure.  For the tread the easiest way to check you are above the legal limit is to use the 20p test.

The tyre should have a tread depth of 1.6m across the central three quarters of the entire circumference.

If you can see the outer band of the 20p coin when inserting it into a groove then it is illegal and you should have a professional check them.