Winter driving requires a completely different skills, drive around in the summer, and it’s not just the driver to be ready, your car also requires preparation. It is important to ensure that your car is well maintained for the cold season and also make sure that you packed an emergency kit in case it no longer works! Some basic controls such as tire pressure and tread depth could be left to the difference between you and your car safely on the road, or spin and crash.

Although it may seem over the top for carrying out these checks, if you are tinkering just around the city, if you go for any distance, especially when one part in isolation of your route, was being prepared will save you time, inconvenience (no one wants on the go nearby town help!) and possibly even your life! It only takes a few minutes of your time to get your car ready for winter travel.

First, an emergency kit that will be crucial if your car breaks down far from help. This kit is to remain in your vehicle at all times, just in case.

* A torch (do not forget to include extra batteries)
* A tow rope
* A bucket (useful when traveling in the snow)
* A blanket (or a few – you do not want to share a blanket for the whole family!)
* Wellington Boots
* A winter jacket
* A warning triangle
* A first aid kit
* Supply of food – ideally, something to keep it, as long as the package is not opened, so something like chips or cookies to help you if you get stuck

Now it is time to make sure car is in tip top condition. Your checks should be as follows:

* All the lights are clean and working conditions
* The battery should be fully charged
* Windshield wipers must be in good condition – not broken or worn and needs cleaning machine with the right mix to be completed by washing the filter for the winter.
* Check all fluid levels in the engine compartment.
* The passenger car tires for proper pressure and should also ensure that your tread depth is not only legal requirements are checked, but at least 3mm.

While the legal limit for tread on car tires in the UK is 1.6 mm in the winter months, it is strongly recommended have to leave at least 3 mm wear. This helps traction and helps disperse water ride in wet weather to avoid hydroplaning.

Finally, before leaving on any long trips, check the traffic reports online, then tune in radio stations as you drive in the snow or frost. A notice of a traffic jam or closures could save you hours of time in traffic jams.