During cold spell in November, we were away on holiday so the car was parked up for at least 3 weeks without turning a wheel ( During this time there were some really cold, icy nights back home). When I did get in it started 1st time but upon gettinging it out onto the road I was hearing groan/clangs from both sides on the front, after a run around the block the car was unable to get on a full lock, something jamming. A quick trip to MOT station who seen osf was snapped, coil was still inside the spring. 1 spring was changed but when reversing it out his garage the noise was still on the nsf--it had also broken at the top. I have only ever seen a Saxo vts snap front 2 springs while parked up in a cold spell, has anybody else seen this on any other cars ?

Yes I have a Seat Altea. It sat for a couple of months until I got round to MOT it. Heard a clunk when I left for garage which I put down to spring/top mount sticking . Had checked them all before hand. When the garage who was puting it through MOT checked the car over both front springs had broken at top and 1 rear as well. Garage said can happen if the car sits for a long time especially when freezing but its unusual but not impossible for both to break. They were all fresh breaks Expensive MOT that year.

Alasdair