Last winter was the coldest for 30 years and long range weather forecasts are predicting another cold snowy winter with the possibility of a white Christmas.

RAC Breakdown has compiled the following tips to help motorists during cold weather:
 

Tips For Winter Driving

• If the forecast or conditions are really bad, only drive if absolutely necessary
• Keep you car well ventilated to prevent drowsiness – and take regular breaks
• Plan your journey in advance and check for diversions or closures
• Keep an up-to-date roadmap in the car
• Let friends or family know where you are travelling and when you expect to arrive
• Keep a fully-charged mobile phone with you in case of breakdown

In your car

• Check tyre pressure (spare tyre too!), tread depth and oil is OK
• Before setting out on a journey, use a windscreen scraper or a de-icer to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle. Don’t drive with a small hole cut through the ice on your windscreen, The Highway Code states that it is illegal to drive with poor visibility. Ensure you demist the windows properly before you drive off
• Do not use warm water from a kettle to clear your windscreen, as resulting problems may include a cracked windscreen
• Carry a key de-icer with you to clear your lock
• Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey. Drivers use more fuel when driving in heavy traffic and stop/start conditions
• Check all lights are working correctly and remember to keep them clean
• Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting. Check windscreen washers ensuring that they are adjusted correctly
• Screen wash additive should be added to prevent freezing in winter

Watch out

• Watch out for gritting lorries or snowploughs
• Adjust your speed to suit the weather conditions
• During fog switch on your fog lights, including front ones if you have them, but remember to switch them off when the visibility improves