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Anyone have any hints and tips or all round general advice for storing your Classic Car during the Winter months? The first one comes to mind is to leave the handbrake off and park in gear to avoid the brakes binding during the extended lay-up period. Also, leaving the windows open slightly to allow air to circulate the interior cuts down on build up of mould on the leather seats, etc

Hi Alfa4 The Mito uses an electric power steering rack which relies on quite a bit of battery power to function. When you first fire up the engine the battery is supplying power to the glow plugs, starter motor and a whole range of other ancillary items. With this demand on the battery the steering mechanism fundamentally has whats left of the power and sometimes it is not enough (less than 10.5 volts will cut the steering assistance as it registers as not enough power). Two things you can do is to check the battery condition and charge level and replace if necessary with the correct rated battery and the other is to cycle the ignition so the glow plugs come on twice on cold days and then try running the engine then to see if the power steering works as it should. Once the engine is running and warm then each start up should be fine and the electric power steering should then work each time.

Hi Alfa4 I have come across the problem before and you'll be pleased to know it is a very simple and cheap fix! The brake fluid will need topping (maybe just very slightly) as the chassis control system senses the level is too low. First time I experienced this I was surprised at how simple yet also how complex the system is to take the fluid level reading this precisely. Top up the fluid to the 'maximum' level but no higher and see if the light extinguishes and does not return. Also, consider that the fluid level may have dropped for a reason! This could be a major problem with a hydraulic component if the level has dropped a significant amount but if only dropped slightly then it is more than likely the brake pads may have worn low. Either way, have the brake components inspected for safety and condition

Welcome John....good choice in cars and always handy to have a fair weather car to hand for when its a bit warmer. I use my BMW Z3 in the winter but with wooly hat and heater blowing hot and still great fun to drive on a cold winters day Good to have you onboard!