ATS Euromaster is offering fleets a free 10-point safety check to ensure cars are safe for winter driving.

The firm has highlighted concerns that many drivers approach the winter months with dangerously low levels of grip from their tyres and as a result will check that tyres, brakes, shock absorbers, oil, lights, windscreen wipers and batteries are all operating correctly at any of its 530 centres nationwide. Department for Transport data shows that braking distances will double, at least, in wet conditions, while icy conditions can increase stopping distance by up to 10 times.

Nick Gregg, group managing director at ATS Euromaster, said: ‘No-one who’s aware of the UK’s climate should be surprised at the hazardous driving conditions we face during the winter months. Government legislation requires car tyres to have a minimum of 1.6mm. We strongly advise all fleets to replace their tyres well before they become this worn.’