noname

Thanks Steve. Unfortunately I have to rely on garages to work on the car as I have neither the ability or facilities for doing so. I haven't checked the fluid level or whether it has ice crystals in it but will do so tomorrow if it isn't raining or snowing! I'll also check the invoices that I have to see whether fluid has been added on any of the recent services.

Anyone got any other ideas? I had the same problem, juddery and stiff when cold last winter then OK during the summer. Now it's frosty the problem has come back. Local garage put some additive in last winter which helped a bit but didn't cure it. Car has always been regularly serviced so I've assumed they've changed the fluid if required - 1999 V Reg with 161,000 0n the clock. I've seen a suggestion to check the reservoir for ice which I'll try and remember to do - car has always lived outside. Could it just be that the belt goes too tight when it's cold? Don't mind struggling when I'm trying to manoeuvre on my drive but it's embarrassing when trying to get out of a roadside parking space after a couple of hours on a cold day!