Experts are urging UK motorists to ensure their vehicles are stocked with eight vital items to navigate the colder months safely. The advice comes as winter brings unpredictable conditions, including icy roads and reduced visibility, which significantly increase the risk of breakdowns and emergencies.
The Essential Winter Checklist for Your Car
Driving Test Success, a company well-known for its theory test revision app, recently took to TikTok to share a practical guide for drivers. In a video posted on their account, they demonstrated a clear storage box kept in a car boot, packed with essentials designed to make an unexpected winter stop more manageable and safe.
The first recommendations are bottles of water and non-perishable snacks. These are crucial for maintaining energy and hydration if you find yourself stranded for a period while waiting for assistance.
Tools for Visibility and Vehicle Maintenance
Next on the list are tools to combat the season's immediate challenges. A windscreen scraper is indispensable for quickly clearing ice and snow from your windows before setting off. Complementing this, an extra jug of screen wash is advised, as winter roads often spray grime and salt, requiring frequent use to maintain a clear view.
To tackle frozen locks and door seals, a can of de-icer is highly recommended. It melts ice rapidly and can prevent potential damage caused by forceful scraping or pulling on frozen components.
Safety and Comfort in an Emergency
No vehicle should be without a well-stocked first aid kit, a fundamental item for addressing minor injuries or providing initial care in a more serious situation until professional help arrives.
In the event of a breakdown, maintaining communication is key. Experts strongly advise keeping a portable phone charger (power bank) in the car to ensure your mobile remains charged, allowing you to call for help or update loved ones.
Finally, for personal comfort and safety, a warm blanket is essential. If you have to wait outside your vehicle in freezing temperatures, this can be vital in preventing hypothermia and keeping warm.
Broader Advice from the AA
This guidance aligns with recommendations from the AA, which also emphasises winter preparedness. The motoring organisation suggests carrying an ice scraper, de-icer, a torch with spare batteries, and a first aid kit as absolute basics.
They further recommend assembling a more comprehensive winter survival kit for severe conditions. This kit could include warm clothing, high-visibility jackets, sturdy footwear, a thermos with a hot drink, a shovel for snow, jump leads, and warning triangles to alert other road users to your presence.
By taking these simple preparatory steps, drivers across the UK can significantly enhance their safety and comfort, turning a potentially dangerous winter breakdown into a manageable, if inconvenient, situation.
