Winter has arrived and it is important to make sure you’re prepared to tackle all that the winter roads throw at you. Winter weather can be harsh and driving conditions can quickly change, with poor visibility, snow and ice on the roads; you need to be prepared and take extra care when planning your journey.

What’s the best way to prepare for cold weather – driving in snow, ice and rain? And if you drive an EV, how is range affected by cold weather?

Before you go anywhere, follow these tips to help you to stay safe:

• Plan your journey. Tell friends or family where you’re going, which route you’re taking and when you expect to arrive.
• Keep a torch, blanket, ice-scraper, small shovel, suitable shoes or boots, de-icing fluid and a supply of winter grade screen wash fluid in the car. Some basic food and drink are also a good idea, and perhaps a flask of hot drink for longer journeys.
• Always take a fully charged mobile phone with you, and ensure you have a working in-car charger.
• Never use warm or hot water to clear your windows of ice. The sudden change in temperature could crack the glass.
• Never set off if you haven’t completely de-iced your car windows, lights and exterior mirrors. Driving with just a small ‘porthole’ of clear glass in a frosty windscreen isn’t only dangerous – it’s illegal. It’s also a good idea to remove snow from the bonnet, boot lid and roof.
• Never leave your car unattended with the engine running to de-ice it – you may lose the car to an opportunist thief.
• Make sure your car is fuelled or charged sufficiently for your journey, bearing in mind you may get stuck in winter weather

Please print and share the Winter Driving Tips poster which you can find on the UK News download page: here