The best advice for driving in severe weather is not to do it, although some journeys are necessary and although driving in wintry conditions can be tricky, there are a few things you can do to better prepare your car and your driving to aid a safer drive.

• Make sure your battery is charged.
• Check that your headlights are clean and working.
• Make sure you have sufficient tread on your tyre's (3mm is advisory in winter conditions).
• Make sure fluid levels are correct Screenwash, Engine coolant (with sufficient antifreeze), Oil level.
• Make sure wipers and blades are in order and working.
• Make sure your car has plenty of fuel in it.
• Make sure all the windows are clear from snow and ice.
• Make sure the roof is clear of snow (in case it slides down the window).

• Turn off the in car electrics (radio, demisters, heater until the engine is running) before trying to start the engine.
• Press the clutch in before trying to start the car (it will take some load off the engine).

• Mobile phone fully charged (with in car charger if available).
• Blankets, warm clothes in case of breakdown.
• Food and drink (chocolate bars, flask of tea etc).
• A shovel.
• A first aid kit.
• A tow rope and a hazard warning triangle.
• A torch can be quite handy (with batteries), or wind up equivalent.
• An ice scraper.
• An Roadmap.
• Appropriate footwear in case you need to walk in the snow.