The Christmas season is finally upon us. It’s an exciting time of the year for people of all ages. But whilst the kids are out enjoying themselves, the adults still need to get to work and back, just like any other time of the year.
This means we’re spending just as much time on the road as ever before. If not more, due to Christmas shopping! And as we all know, the weather is always unpredictable around winter; you might be driving on ice one day, sunshine the next, and perhaps even snow the next. With this in mind, you need to be sure you are prepared for any driving conditions.
We’d advise people to avoid driving in poor conditions, unless it’s absolutely necessary. Remember, safety is key. If however it can’t be avoided, there are various items you should make sure you have in the car, so let’s have a look at the AA’s recommended safety essentials.
Safety checklist
According to the AA, you should keep the following items in your car throughout the winter:
- Antifreeze
- Spare bulbs for headlights
- Spare tyres
- Screen wash
- Warning triangles
- First aid kit
- Navigational device
Many of the listed items apply all year long, so bear this in mind. It would also be a good idea to carry a winter emergency kit on all journeys, which might include:
- A shovel
- Blanket
- Reflective clothing
- Rope
- Torch (and batteries!)
- Ice scraper
- Bottled water
- Snacks
You could also pack some salt or sand, as they can help clear snow and ice.
Other things to bear in mind
Seeing as though it’s one of the most common causes of winter breakdowns, we recommend having your battery checked. According to the AA, any battery more than five years old could struggle in the cold. Therefore your battery might need replacing to avoid your car suddenly failing to start when you need it.
As always, you should make sure your fuel tank is topped up. It might be a good idea to keep it at least around the quarter mark, just in case of an unexpected delay, which can be quite common in freezing conditions. You should also check your lights are all in working order, and clean them regularly to ensure you can see, and be seen clearly. This is a requirement listed in the Highway Code.
The team here at insurethebox would like to wish you a very merry (and safe) Christmas. So drive carefully, and enjoy the festive season.