Motorists across the country need to begin the process of preparing for winter and this means taking the time to give one's vehicle a thorough inspection ahead of the freezing days that are sure to come in the months ahead.

Chief examiner at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Peter Rodger commented: "It's time to do the final preparations for winter. Rain, fog, frost and snow are all typical British weather hazards. A few minutes now could save lots of problems later."

As such, the IAM has issued a number of tips to all vehicle owners concerning the areas on which they should focus when it comes to vehicle maintenance ahead of the winter months.

Primarily, visibility should be one of the top concerns for drivers heading into the darker months of the year and this means ensuring they can both see and be seen when taking to the roads.

This means carrying out a thorough inspection of a vehicle's lights, ensuring they are all working properly and if this is not the case, then any offending bulbs should be quickly replaced, while electrical systems should also be checked to ensure the problem does not lie in this area.

Another significant issue motorists will face in the coming months is that of adverse weather, and snow, rain and ice can have a considerable impact on handling and braking.

To ensure a vehicle will respond how the driver wants it to when faced with these adverse conditions, owners should examine the state of their tyres, looking for any areas of excessive wear and tear, as well as ensuring tread depth remains above the legal minimum of 1.6 mm.

Individuals wishing to see an improved performance during the frostier months might also like to consider an investment in winter tyres, as these items are specifically designed to provide better grip and handling when the temperature falls.

Finally, the IAM advises motorists should take the time to top up fluid levels in their engine – most notably their anti-freeze and engine oil – before the freezing weather sets in.