Temperatures have plummeted across the UK with the following temperatures being reached:
- England –Redesdale Camp -10.5 C
- Scotland – Braemar – 12.9 C
- Northern Ireland – Katesbridge reached -8.2C
- Wales – Spennybridge reached -9.3
with snow falling and blanketing many areas it’s causing disruption to the roads, airports and rail services and the Met Office tells us there is more to come.
If you have to travel then plan your journey and consider these points before you set off.
Check your car:
Fuel – there may be shortages at petrol stations along the route who struggle to receive deliveries. Top up and ensure you have more than enough for your journey and factor in delays that you could encounter.
Lights – Do they all work and function correctly
Oils and Fluids – Brake fluids, oil levels etc
Water – and also check screen wash, take a spare screen wash that protects down to at least -35 to prevent water freezing and rendering your wipers useless in adverse conditions.
Electrics – wipers, heaters
Rubber – Tyres, check that they are inflated correctly and have enough tread. You may also want to consider the purchase of winter tyres and if you’re experiencing really bad conditions then snow chains or snow socks could be considered.
Items to pack
- Ensure you have breakdown/accident recovery in place, phone and membership numbers
- Personal medication
- Torch –The wind up type so your batteries don’t run out
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- In car Phone charger
- High viz jacket, winter thermal clothing, woolly hat, scarf, gloves, blanket, sleeping bag
- Spade and some old carpet to put under the wheels should you get stuck in the snow
- First Aid kit, Warning triangle, Jump leads
- A flask of hot drink and snacks such as chocolate or cereal bars
- Road Atlas
- Sun glasses
Tips for driving in the Snow and Ice:
- If you don’t have to travel then stay at home
- Clear all windows with an ice scraper and de-ice the car
- Drive slowly
- Some automatics have a winter/slippery mode that can be selected
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- If you have to use your brakes then apply them gently
- Double stopping distances and allow plenty of space between you and the car in front
- Don’t stop if you can avoid it
We hope you have a safe journey.
