RAC advises drivers to get prepared with arrival of the next cold snap

With the arrival of colder weather this weekend and the prospect of snow and ice for much of the country, RAC spokesman Simon Williams said:

“With the beast from the East forecast to take another bite at Britain, motorists who have to be on the road at the weekend need to prepare themselves properly. With so many cases of vehicles being stranded on major routes in the last cold snap we are urging everyone to make sure they have a winter emergency breakdown kit in their cars so they aren’t caught out should the worst happen.

“This should include a fully charged mobile phone and back-up portable power bank, boots, a warm waterproof coat, a blanket or sleeping bag, some food and drink and an ice scraper. It would also be advisable to carry a shovel and some old carpet as it gives drivers a chance of being able to get their vehicles going again if they get stuck in snow.

“If the snow risk is high by far the best advice is not to drive unless it is absolutely essential. As this bad weather is due to hit at the weekend it should affect fewer motorists as the need to drive is not as great as it is in the working week.

“Motorists planning to drive should also ensure their vehicles are fully prepared to reduce the chance of breaking down in the first place. Good tyre tread is essential in snowy and icy conditions to give the maximum possible grip, and leaving up to 10 times the gap between you and the car in front is essential to give sufficient stopping time.

“It is also vital that motorists top up with a good quality screenwash which protects down to around at least -15C. In the late February freeze we dealt with thousands of drivers who had fallen foul of using poor quality, ready-made screenwash which froze giving them no way of keeping their windscreens clear.”

The RAC website carries comprehensive advice and guidance on driving in colder weather.