When it comes to winter driving, you should always expect the unexpected.
The British weather is unpredictable at the best of times, and you never quite know what’s around the corner.
That’s why it’s good to be prepared. Before you hit the road, pack a winter survival kit, just in case you get stranded in bad conditions.
It might sound like an extreme measure, but you’ll be glad it’s there if the worst happens.
So, what should you pack?
Food and water
If you’re stranded for a long time, it’s important to keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated.
Make sure you pack food that will last, like dried fruit, chocolate and energy bars.
Take a flask of tea or coffee to help you keep warm, and plenty of bottled water.
Torch and wind-up radio
If you’re stuck at the side of a country lane on a cold winter’s night, it can be scary if there’s no light.
Having a torch (and some spare batteries) handy means that if you need to check under the bonnet or get something out of the boot, you can see what you’re doing. It also means you won’t have to use the torch on your phone and use up (potentially precious) battery life.
It’s also a good idea to have a wind-up radio with you – it will be really handy for weather and road updates if all your other tech fails.
Jump leads and tow rope
If you break down and a friend or a passing motorist comes to your rescue, you need to have the right equipment to help them help you!
Your car’s more likely to suffer from a flat battery in cold weather, so having a set of jump leads is essential to get it going again.
You could also get yourself a tow rope in case the jump leads aren’t the answer, and you need towing to the nearest garage.
(To be totally honest, we’re a little bias, but we’d just recommend having breakdown cover…)
Warm clothes and blankets
In the unlikely event that you’re stuck without help for a long period of time, it’s vital to keep warm.
If your car has broken down, you may not be able to use the heater, so having warm clothes and blankets could be a lifesaver.
So, if you’re doing any winter driving, pack plenty of layers. And if you don’t have a blanket, a sleeping bag is a good alternative.
Mobile phone and charger
We all take our phones for granted, and they’re the best way to get help in an emergency, unless you’re out of battery.
Taking a fully charged power bank with you could be the difference between getting help quickly or having a long, anxious wait at the roadside.
Your phone will not only allow you to call for help, but you can also use it to pinpoint your location and let people know where to find you.
Shovel and sand
If there’s nothing wrong with your car but you get stuck in snow, you could dig yourself out of trouble (as long as it’s safe to do so).
Keep a foldable shovel in the boot, so you can clear the snow away from your tyres, and a bag of sand to help your car grip the road.
If you can’t get hold of any sand, cat litter (you can leave the cat at home) does the job just as well.
If you’re doing any winter driving, regardless of how long your trip is, make sure you stay safe.
Oh, and make sure you have breakdown cover…
Very good advice, you never know when you will get caught out
I am 87yrs old. would need your assistance in case of breakdown
Very helpful and informative, people don’t realise these Tips could save your life, what about good footware? Well done Green Flag.
Good thinking – a torch would be very useful!
Thanks for your tips as a lone 87 year f email eyes tested! Very helpful to know u r there
Very helpful advice. Thank you.
Great help fab ideas too
Being a member of Green Flag I would suggest that the company have a basic survival pack (not including perishable items) designed for members and supply to such members at a reasonable cost.
Great info thank you
Excellent advice
Obvious tips but does no harm to remind people.
All very good ideas I thought. I never thought about cat litter good one.
Very useful tips
Very helpful and sensible advice. I have most of the things recommended but will check again. Thanks.
What good advice, never thought of all those items, you can bet the one you haven’t got is the one thing you will need.
makes sense
Good idea to take a whistle and some high viz stuff as well to be heard and be seen. As well as warm clothes warm hats are even more essential as we lose 30% body heat through our head.
Done most of this apart from my wind up radio and the phone charger and sand
Many thanks for these really useful tips
Excellent advice but need to get a bigger car to carry all the extra equipment
Very good tips I will try and abide by them thankyou
thanks for this – a useful reminder. I would love you to sell an emergency kit for cars – I saw one for sale but by a company I’d never heard of, and felt it might be a scam or not meeting British standards, so didn’t buy but would trust something you sell or recommend
The other one had a seatbelt cutter and window breaker in case you are in or see an accident and also a small torch and power bank (rechargeable in car) which could sit in your drink holder so be easily accessible
Very sensible advice and a “breakdown warning triangle” might not come amiss if placed 50yds behind the vehicle?
A high vis jacket or waistcoat and trainer type shoes should also be included.
Thank you for this common sense info.
I have a permanent rug on the back seat, plug in tyre inflater, and jump leads in the boot, plus a full size spare wheel. Also, some tools.
The rest, I can sort, in a few minutes.
All very useful tips, some of which I already have in the boot but will add the extras you suggest for a long journey.
Good sensible tips !!
Thanks for all the good advice. So sensible to think ahead and prepare for the worse – just in case!
Excellent advice
Excellent suggestions. I have never considered any preparations. Will do so
I found this really interesting and helpful. I don’t usually go out in my car unless I know I’m going to be safe but if I did go out in bad weather I now know what to take. Thankyou for sending this to me.
Yes good idea have most in car but I will get a few more of the items
Appreciate your tips. Happy New Year.
All good so far no shocks