Drivers are only just realising they face a £10,000 bill for driving on roads in winter even if they break no rules.
As temperatures dip, motorists must make sure there cars are in top shape and that they drive safely to avoid any disasters on the roads.
GettyDrivers are only just realising they face a £10,000 bill for driving on roads in winter even if they break no rules[/caption]
But even if no gaffs are made, drivers could still be hit by a big bill.
The council often puts down grit to combat ice covering the tarmac to make sure cars don’t skid.
This grit can have a devastating effect on cars if drivers aren’t careful.
Graham Conway – managing director of Select Car Leasing – said: “The Met Office is warning of imminent freezing temperatures and snow for the UK, which means councils could soon be spreading salt on roads to reduce the threat posed by ice.
“However, road grit can have a corrosive effect on cars. And if you’re vehicle’s exterior is already in poor condition, you could be facing a hefty repair bill to correct the effects of another harsh winter.
“Salt causes corrosion to paintwork and any exposed metal, leading to the onset of rust.
“Unfortunately this process is quickly sped up if there is any pre-existing damage to your car’s shell.”
If motors have chips, dents, scratches and paintwork damage should be addressed now – before winter really bites, he added.
He claims in total a full respray costs up to £5,000 – and that could double to £10,000 if you have a luxury vehicle.
Graham advises motorists to ensure they always wash their cars after driving on grit-covered roads.
He added: “I’d recommend maintaining a rigorous cleaning regime throughout winter, to make sure salt isn’t left to wreak its havoc.
“Rinse off road detritus as often as you can, paying particular attention to the underside of your vehicle, which might typically go unwashed.
“A pressure washer can be really useful for rinsing the underside of your car.
“And that process could save you from the expense of remedial welding work – which can often be required when road salt has rotted parts of the underside of a car.
“Also, try to avoid driving through big puddles or flooded roads, which could again leave salty water clinging to areas of your car where you don’t want it.
“From an insurance perspective, rust is considered normal wear and tear, which means it generally wouldn’t be covered by a standard policy – which is even more of an incentive to prevent rust from happening in the first place.”
Other motoring tips offered as winter approaches include a B&M “essential” costing just £1.99 and how to tackle frozen windshields.
Tips on demisting windscreens have also been offered, as well as advice on heating up your car in half the time.
And the AA has issued an urgent warning to drivers after being called to rescue many stricken by flooding.
Meanwhile, a woman shared shocking footage of what happened to her car when she was living in it one winter.
And a car insurance expert raised an alert about a rule which could cost flood victims thousands.
Families have also been given advice on how to keep energy bills to a minimum when tempted to heat up homes this winter.