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…