Driving tips

Winter breakdowns are cold comfort… so it’s always best to actually plan for one

Britain’s best drivers can find their nerves and skills put to the test by demanding winter driving conditions.

But whether we’re facing ice and snow or just permanently wet and wild conditions… the real test comes when our car gives up the ghost and breaks down at a time that causes us maximum discomfort.

The fact is, you can easily take action yourself which will help to ensure that you are at least prepared for an unwelcome emergency.

Breakdown organisation Autonational Rescue has issued some key advice to help motorists, when the weather turns cold and nasty.

These are the sort of items you could find useful to carry in your car this or any winter:

• Scraper, de-icer, torch, warning triangle, tow and battery-jumping cables, folding shovel,          
• Suitable gloves, a bag of sand or grip mat, window washer anti-freeze,
• First aid kit, map, mobile phone if you have one, and an emergency HELP sign that you can place in the back window if you get really stuck!
• A blanket is also a good idea, just in case. And if you have any warm winter clothes you don't wear regularly, especially an old pair of sturdy shoes, throw them in your boot as well.

In especially bad winter weather, stay off the roads if possible.

But, assuming your winter journey is absolutely essential, take a little time to clear all the snow and ice from your car before starting out.

Check that your headlamps, indicators and taillights are not obstructed by snow or ice.

Remember to clear off the entire car, not just a little hole in the windscreen. In bad weather conditions, the last thing you need is poor visibility, because you have to keep your eyes peeled for every other driver venturing out.

Another key safety tip, subject to being able to afford it, would be to switch to a complete set of snow tyres throughout the winter months or at least the cheaper “snow socks”, a super-lightweight alternative to snow chains.

Snow socks (which cost less than £50 per pair from most major suppliers and on Amazon) will take much of the worry out of winter driving and get you down the gritted roads and safely home at slower speeds of up to 25 mph.

Meanwhile, a full set of winter tyres, while expensive, effectively offer a ‘permanent’ solution to driving in winter conditions as they have a higher silica content in their treads, which prevents them hardening at low temperatures giving much better all-round grip in wet and cold conditions - and making you much less likely to get stuck in ice and snow this winter.

Best of all, to avoid a breakdown in the first place:

• Look after your car’s battery and it will look after your car!
• Think about having a mini Winter service from a local garage, which you often see advertised in your local paper or local websites.
• Make sure you have the tools for, and know how to change, flat or punctured tyres. While breakdown services will help you in the event of this kind of breakdown, it’s so much better to be prepared.
• Don’t run out of petrol, one of the most avoidable but also the most common causes of breakdown. Check your fuel gauge at the start of each winter journey.
• Check your car’s radiator for any visible signs of damage or leaks, which can and does lead to overheating and breakdown.
• And look out for other mechanical or electrical faults, such as damaged exhausts, loose or corroded wires.

Ronan Hart, Autonational Rescue’s marketing manager, says: ""Many of these types of breakdowns, in particular running out of fuel and battery problems, are easily avoidable with a little thought and care beforehand.

"But it’s always worth stating that roadside repairs on motorways - even if they’re only flat tyres - are inherently dangerous.”