With bitterly cold temperatures already here, and snow forecast for later in the week, the RAC says not enough drivers are carrying out basic checks on their cars to reduce the risk of breakdown or worse.

Research of 2,000 motorists conducted by the RAC found that more than a third (38 per cent) said they check their car's oil at best every two months with seven per cent saying they wait until a warning light comes on before they do anything - despite too little oil risking causing dangerous and expensive engine damage. Less than a quarter (24 per cent) check their oil as often as the RAC recommends, which is at the least every two weeks and before long journeys.

Tyres that are damaged or are low on tread can make driving extremely unsafe, especially on icy and snowy roads. But 37 per cent check their tyres at best once every two months, and at worst less than once a year. Tyres that are damaged or are low on tread can make driving extremely unsafe, especially on icy and snowy roads.

Tyre pressure should be checked every fortnight and before long journeys. But only a third (32 per cent) checked them that often, with less than a fifth (18 per cent) leaving it until at best every three months, and at worst less than once a year. Correctly inflated tyres can reduce the chance of a blow-out and significantly improve fuel efficiency.

Windscreen wipers are the most neglected, despite the crucial job they do in keeping a driver's view clear, especially when the weather is cold and roads much dirtier. Thirty per cent of drivers said that they wait until the wipers stop clearing the windscreen properly before checking them. This represents a genuine road safety risk as drivers are unlikely to carry spare wiper blades in the car should one fail.

RAC patrol of the year Chris Burgess said: "The prolonged cold snap now gripping the country means that the risks of vehicles breaking down increases significantly. During the snowy conditions in December we saw breakdown volumes increase by around a fifth in some parts of the country, so it really does pay to make sure your car is prepared before setting out."

Richard Leonard, Highways England Head of Road Safety said: "Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

"Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel."