Half of all drivers will experience some form of breakdown problems with their vehicle this winter, many of those related to weather conditions.

"Frosty, wet or cold conditions can play havoc with a vehicle's reliability," says Green Flag's Nigel Charlesworth. "Components responsible for charging the vehicle - fan belt, alternator and battery - are the most common causes of problems."

To help motorists avoid the winter breakdown blues, Green Flag has identified potential faults linked to winter weather, and the steps you can take to reduce their occurrence.

Cold weather and non-starts
Batteries have a reduced efficiency in the cold. The starter motor may require a greater load from the battery to start the engine. It is good practice to have a battery checked before the winter months. Many garages will do this free of charge.

Cold weather and frozen door locks
Moisture freezing inside the door lock barrel can sometimes make it very difficult to unlock the car. Spraying de-icer or a lubricant into the lock often helps.

Damp and flooding
Flooding is a term that is often related to damp. This refers to fuel entering the cylinders without being ignited, and resulting in the spark plug becoming saturated in fuel. In these conditions, it is good practice to start the vehicle without operating the accelerator. Parking in a garage, and using oil sprays on the ignition system before attempting to start the vehicle can also reduce damp problems.

Snow and heavy rain - defective wiper blades and arms
Snow and heavy rain put extra strain on the car's wiper motor system. Ensure that the blades are in good condition, with no splits. You should de-ice the screen completely and ensure the blades are not frozen to the screen before operating. Failure to do so may result in the protective fuse blowing. It is also worth adding an anti-freeze inhibitor to the screen wash fluid container.

Other essential maintenance

Tyres - with water, snow or ice on the roads, checking the condition of the tyres is essential. It is good practice to have a minimum of 2mm tread throughout the whole circumference and diameter (legally cars, light vans and light trailers must have a tread of at least 1.6mm). The pressure is also very important, not only to reduce wear, but also for effective braking and suspension. If in doubt get them checked by a garage.

Anti-Freeze - it is essential that the cooling system has the correct amount of anti-freeze in it. Modern engines use a coolant additive to stop the system freezing, but it is also important in reducing corrosion. The consequences of not having enough coolant protection may be as serious as needing a replacement engine.

Next: The winter breakdown top ten