WHETHER you use your car for work and necessary journeys only, or simply because you love the feel of the open road everyone needs to go the extra mile to ensure safe motoring through the winter.

The cold conditions and dark evenings mean there are a variety of measures you can take to avoid a last minute dash for the bus if the engine won't start.

More importantly, as wet and icy roads become more common through the coldest months, visibility is reduced by fog and the hours of daylight are short, it is vital you take extra care to stay safe.

But there are a number of easy precautions that can be taken to ensure your car is in tip-top shape and will not leave you stranded from carrying out simple preventative measures at home to booking the vehicle in at a garage for a winter service.

The AA, RAC and Green Flag all offer practical advice on how to stay ahead of the weather.

Q Fuel. Making sure you have plenty of fuel before you set off on any journey is a good place to start, as well as telling someone where you are going if it is a longer journey.

Q Equipment. It is wise to carry some extra items during the winter so that, if the worse happens, you can help yourself. An ice scraper and de-icer, torch, jump leads and a warm coat all feature highly on the list, alongside a first aid kit and warning triangle which can be carried all through the year.

Q JOURNEY TIME. The AA advises leaving a little extra time for journeys in colder weather, to allow for slower speeds and hold ups.

Q DE-MIST. And while we have all found it frustrating to have to wait for the windows to de-mist before setting off, it is essential to be patient and wait - squinting to see through a tiny section of the windscreen is extremely dangerous. Although slightly more time consuming, there are some essential running checks to be made to help the car stand its ground through the long winter months.

Q BATTERY. Motoring in the dark, using headlights, heaters and other equipment, will take its toll on the battery which will struggle to recharge completely. The average car battery should last around five years. It is necessary, therefore, to have a mechanic check its condition if it is nearing this age. But if you decide to replace it, remember to make a note of the radio and alarm codes as you will need to re-enter them afterwards. If, typically, on the coldest day of the year and when it is important you arrive somewhere on time the car won't start, the AA advises you to turn the key in five-second bursts, allowing 30 seconds in between for the battery to recover. If the battery is healthy, it is a good idea to check the terminals and smear them with petroleum jelly to stop corrosion setting in.

Q TYRES. Take a few minutes at the weekend to check your tyres for wear and tear. The legal minimum depth of tread for each tyre is 1.6mm although experts recommend at least 3mm for driving through the winter. The spare tyre should also be included in the check you never know when you might need to use it.

Q ANTI-FREEZE. Anti-freeze must be changed every two years due to the deterioration of the corrosion inhibitors. Refill to the correct level during alternate winters not enough in the tank can lead to cracks and overheating in the engine's cylinder block.

Q BULBS. Also, make sure all the car's bulbs are clean and in good working order. They should also be realigned if necessary so they allow you to see properly and don't dazzle other drivers. Not everyone is aware that faulty bulbs or incorrectly used lights could lead to a ce fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation advises the following easy checks: Q Check all windscreen wipers for wear and replace blades if necessary.

Q Ensure all heaters and ventilation systems are in working order, to minimise misting.

Q Spray a damp inhibitor into the door locks to prevent them seizing up.

Q Keep the car's ignition system dry by purchasing a suitable aerosol spray for the ignition leads and distributor from you local garage or forecourt.