THERE is no denying a wintry edge is already creeping into the air.

And for car owners, this should be a signal that it's time to make extra sure that everything on your motor is in good working order for the winter.

While regular checks are advisable all year round, cold and wet weather can present cars with extra problems that could lead to a breakdown.

And as dictated by Murphy's Law, this is likely to occur at the least convenient moment possible.

But aside from booking your vehicle in for a service, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself safely on the road through the winter.

One of the most important parts to check is the tyres, which the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) recommends are replaced when the tread depth reaches 3mm, even though the legal minimum is 1.6mm. The depth of tread is especially important in wet conditions as they are designed to pump water from the surface of the road and provide maximum grip.

"Tyres should be checked regularly to make sure they have plenty of tread," said Jo Hayton, after sales manager at Hargreaves Vauxhall on Kendal's Mintsfeet Road.

"Car brakes can be as little as 55 per cent effective when the tyre thread is at 1.6mm so it's even more imperative to check tyres in winter when cold, wet weather can make driving conditions hazardous.

"It's the reason we are backing the campaign by the AA and ROSPA to raise the legal limit to 3mm."

While it is important to maintain the anti-freeze level throughout the year, The AA recommends drivers take the opportunity to check its concentration before the winter to prevent the coolant from freezing.

The association also suggests using a good screenwash additive through the winter, as water alone may freeze in cold snaps and is less effective at clearing away road grime.

Many people may put off having minor repairs to bodywork carried out. But damage should be corrected as soon as possible before winter to prevent rust setting in, said Jo Hayton.

"The roads are gritted frequently through the winter and this can also have a corrosive effect on the underside of the vehicle," she added.

Regular servicing added to home checks will help to keep a car on top form, although some garages offer free vehicle checks for concerned motorists.

Jo Hayton said: "Our technicians can compile a vehicle condition report, free of charge, for those who want to know how healthy things like the battery, tyres and exhaust are on their car no matter what make it is.

"It's important to prepare for the winter now to be as sure as you can that you're not going to have any trouble with the car when, after all, nobody would choose to break down when it's cold and dark outside."

l CHECK UP: Vauxhall will assess the condition of your vehicle.