Preparing for winter

• Ensure gutters are clear (of leaves, moss, debris etc) so that water can flow through easily. Clearing gutters can prevent damage such as water penetrating into the loft, damp from occurring both inside and outside of your home and helps protect the structural integrity of your home
• Your central heating service provider can provide a valuable pre winter health check which can improve the efficiency of heating
• Bleed radiators, if they’re colder at the top than they are at the bottom, chances are there’s some air trapped inside
• To help keep your boiler in good health when the weather is cold, put your heating on for at least one hour a day. It’s important to check your boiler pressure, which should sit at about one (depending on your boiler) if it’s too high or low – call a specialist!
• Where’s your stopcock? If water in your pipes freezes, the pressure can build up resulting in the pipes bursting. Knowing where your stopcock is located is important, as you can quickly stop the water supply and minimise any damage to the property.
• Be aware of weather warnings and check the Met Office reports
• If there’s a risk of flooding try to move as many possessions into any upstairs rooms. If you have been flooded, please do not enter your property until you know the electricity mains have been switched off and NEVER use electrical appliances as they may be wet!

Preparing your car...

• Check you have enough (if not more) fuel for your journey
• Get your car serviced before winter arrives
• Check the battery
• Keep antifreeze and screen wash topped up in line with your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated and replace them before the tread reaches the legal minimum of 1.6mm - better tread will result in better grip
• Change the radiator fluid in your vehicle every other autumn. A 1:1 mix of water and anti-freeze has shown to give the best protection against both freezing and boil over. Plus, you will have the added benefit of removing harmful acids that build up in engine coolant over time.
• Clean your exterior lights and check that all lights and indicators are working
• Carry an emergency kit in your car in case of a breakdown (mobile phone charger, hazard warning triangle, hi-visibility vest and/or jacket, first aid kit, de-icer and scraper, a shovel, a tow rope, wellington boots or sturdy walking boots, a torch, warm clothes, a blanket, food and drink).