During winter months it is essential to be prepared for breakdowns, incidents and been stranded.  In the winter this is more important due to the extreme cold.  

Basic suggested items include:

  • Hi visibility jacket
  • Warning triangle
  • Torch and spare batteries
  • Blanket and warm clothing (hat/gloves/scalf/spare jacket/jumper)
  • Back up food supplies (chocolate bars/dried fruit/2l bottle of water)
  • Mobile Phone charger/spare battery
  • Ice Scraper/de-icer/cloth
  • Know your breakdown service and insurance telephone numbers
  • Basic spares for the car (Bulbs, Oil, Washer Fluid)
  • First Aid Kit

Wise suggestions could be

  • Jump leads
  • Shovel (A cat litter tray is good as a shovel and cat litter for traction in the snow/ice)
  • Wellies
  • Flask with hot water/coffee/tea/hot chocolate

winteremergencykit

Been prepared also includes planning your journey…..is it necessary?  Have you planned your route, what about if your sat nav runs out of battery?  Let friends and family know when you set off and when you are due to arrive.  Before setting out on a journey ensure you are fit to drive (tired/on medication/etc…), check over the vehicle by checking

  • Tyres – they should be minimum of 1.6mm in tread depth.  This is easy to tell because there are markers built into the tyre in the cuts on the tyre.  Fines could be upto £2500 per tyre and 3 points per tyre, but more imporantly it could be lethal as it would be diffcult to brake, accerlerate or steer!  Check pressures and general condition.  Check the spare.
  • Electrical items, check all lights are operational, it could be dangerous if you cannot see or be seen.  Ensure all lights and windows are clear of ice and snow.
  • Damage to the vechile which could render it dangerous to drive
  • Fluids….check oil, washer fluid, coolant and brake fluid.
  • Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey and spare money for more if necessary