Yep access, good idea to check the antifreeze properly but the voltmeters to check the state of the battery don't tell the whole story. Most good battery sellers should have a "Drop Tester" which does a more reliable test on the battery and shows how it is likely to stand up to the greater drain on it's resources during the winter season.

By the way, for anybody buying a replacement battery for a car they intend keeping for 5 years or more during which you would probably exchange your battery twice, there is a replacement called an Optima battery (red top for normal car/SUV use) They throw out far more cranking power to start the vehicle and seem to have a life expectancy of on average 8 years even in hot climates which destroy batteries much quicker than the UK's temperatures. Optima do cost more but save on breakdown times and costs. (no, I am not an agent for Optima guys!)

Despite my awarding winning lack of knowledge about cars it's always a good idea to get your battery checked on a regular basis and anti freeze checked about now. I know Felicity, you are thinking how "useful" why didn't he read my article? I did but as no garage I have ever asked to test the aforementioned without prompting like me politely saying "Putting your fingers in the antifreeze and saying that's fine and er... turns over nicely so the battery's ok" isn't doing it for me... Antifreeze test can be done in about 30 seconds with sucky thing going different colours and battery checker just needs hooking up to show state of battery.

Ice, fog, snow… winter is a difficult time of year for drivers. But what can you do to prepare for the cold weather? Felicity King-Evans navigates the potholes in the road while taking care to avoid the kerbs…

Click here to read Felicity’s article