BEFORE YOU LEAVE
If you are about to embark on a long journey by car this winter, take all the necessary precautions before you leave. Make sure your car is serviced and tyres are checked by a qualified mechanic, as you already know, a well maintained car is a reliable one, especially when road-side breakdowns in treacherous conditions are at their highest. Carry your mobile phone and make sure the battery is full, also bring your in-car charger along with you. Let someone know your departure time, route and arrival time. Have a full tank of fuel and dress according to weather conditions.
You don't want to end up having problems with your car insurance company if the worst should happen, due to faulty tyres or mechanical problems. If you are driving in a foreign country make sure your insurance covers this. Keep this in mind.
Check the news for possible road delays and traffic updates, avoid routes with steep hills and heavy traffic.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.
Bring a pillow and blanket with you and also some extra clothing; including hat, scarf and gloves.
Have a flashlight, jump leads, tow rope, windshield scraper and de-icer.
A flask of soup, bottle of water, sandwiches and snacks.
ON THE ROAD
Drive slowly, stay calm and anticipate what is happening ahead of you on the road and react accordingly by leaving plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front. Also avoid hard braking, if you have to recover from a skid, don't lock up your wheels! Steer the car gently in the direction you want to end up in, this is commonly known as 'turning into the skid'.
IF STRANDED
Phone your road side breakdown emergency number.
Tie a brightly coloured cloth to your ariel/antenna.
Clear your exhaust pipe of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Use your blanket, pillow, hat, scarf and gloves to keep warm.
Keep the engine ticking over with the heating on for 20 minutes every hour.
Remember to stay in your car whilst you wait for assistance and KEEP WARM!
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