Drivers have been urged to get their vehicles ready for winter or face uncomfortable – and even dangerous – journeys in the cold.
Driving from November onwards can be rough. Roads can be wet and slippery, poor conditions result in potholes and plummeting temperatures can also lead to more vehicle breakdowns.
But doing a little extra preparation and having useful items to hand will make travelling during the winter more pleasant.
Motoring experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have released guidelines for UK car and van drivers to winter-proof their vehicles, inside and out.
1. Good wheels
Ensure there is sufficient grip on every tyre to see the vehicle through winter journeys on slippery roads and have accessible wheel chains if travelling through the snow is necessary. Bad tyres are more likely to make you lose control or aquaplane in bad weather conditions.
A minimum of 3mm depth is recommended by AA during the winter, compared to the legal minimum of 1.6mm. You can't be too sure.
2. Tools
It’s recommended that drivers keep a snow shovel in their vehicle in case the car or van gets stuck. A pair of sturdy walking boots is also a good idea, if shelter must be sought on foot.
3. Maintenance
Extra care needs to be taken over the condition of vehicles during the winter months, so motorists should regularly check safety essentials like brakes and windscreen wipers for chips and tears.
4. Clear vision
Leaving a vehicle parked anywhere during the winter months is an open invitation for a frozen windscreen, so make sure you have a can of de-icer to hand as well as a suitable scraper. It’s also a good idea to pack a cloth or old rag to wipe the glass from the inside, as having the heater on full blast will lead to condensation when the warmth meets the cold air from outside.
5. Keep fuelled
It’s even more vital to keep on top of filling up with petrol or diesel in the winter, to avoid being left stranded in the cold – so aim to always have a quarter of the tank full.
Keeping yourself fuelled is equally as important and precautions should be taken in case of delays of breakdowns; keep a bottle of water in the car or van, hide an energy-filled snack such as a chocolate bar in the glovebox for emergencies, and on long journeys take a flask.
6. Warm clothes
All drivers could be vulnerable to forgetfulness on a cold morning, so prepare for the worst weather by making sure there are gloves, a scarf, a hat and a thick pair of socks tucked away in your vehicle.
Should the heating or vehicle itself break down, it is also advisable to have a spare jumper, thermal blanket or chemical heat packs in the boot.
7. Accessories
The best prepared British motorists will have their vehicle well stocked with useful items to see them through the winter.
A full portable phone charger is a glovebox essential in case of breakdown, an old-fashioned paper map is always an advisable back up to a sat-nav and a packet of tissues is a must to avoid distraction on the roads.
8. Check your breakdown cover
Comprehensive breakdown cover is vital at this time of year and will give you the peace of mind of knowing you won’t end up stranded in Baltic conditions.
Make sure you check your policy and remember to take a contact phone number with you on all journeys.
