cold weather driving tips
From what to check before you set off to what to take with you on your journey - keep yourself and your car safe this winter by following our quick guide to cold weather driving:
Before you set off
- Get your vehicle serviced regularly and make sure you check your anti-freeze level
- Make sure your lights are clean and working
- Keep your windscreen wash topped up using the correct concentration of screen wash
- Check your tyre pressure and tread - don't forget the spare
What to take with you
Depending on weather conditions, it's advisable to take some or all of the following with you. Remember conditions may change quickly so checking the weather forecast before you set off is a good idea.
- Tow rope
- Jump leads
- Hazard warning triangle
- Ice-scraper/de-icer
- Torch
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- Warm clothes and a blanket
- Waterproof boots
- First aid kit
- A shovel
- Food and a warm drink
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On the road
- Try to stick to main roads, they are more likely to have been gritted
- Keep your fuel topped up in case of delays
- Always use your headlights in heavy rain or snow
- In bad conditions you need more time to brake - so slow down and leave more of a gap between you and the driver in front
- If you do get stuck or break down, stay with your vehicle unless it is in a dangerous place. Find a safe spot and call the emergency services
- Use your fog lights if visibility is below 100m - but remember to switch them off if it improves.