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Cold weather help

 Ok, so it's going to get very cold in the next week or so. Here's a little advice on cold weather motoring.

First bit is easy - if the weather gets snowy or icy, only drive if you have to - no point in putting yourself in danger for journeys that really don't matter or that can be postponed to another day.

Remember to allow more time for your journey - lots more time if necessary.

Take great care. That means: Use your pedals GENTLY - stomping on the accelerator or brake causes skidding and loss of control. If your car is struggling to get up a hill, try using a higher gear and being even more gentle with the accelerator - try to keep the momentum of the vehicle going.

Keep well back from vehicles in front, only overtake if absolutely necessary and be ready for road conditions to change very suddenly. Remember that the temperature only has to drop half a degree for a wet road to become sheet ice. Sheet ice is very unpleasant to drive on! 

Before you set off you MUST be able to see clearly through all windows. Make sure they have defrosted and are clear of mist - do this before driving off. It is an offence to just rub a little hole in the windscreen so you can just about see!

Take an emergency kit with you, including de-icer, ice scraper, torch, and warm clothing. If the weather's really bad (such as snow) take a warm drink and a shovel as well as a first aid kit.