Winter Driving Essentials

Posted on 28th February 2018

With the Beast from the East causing havoc in Greater Manchester, there are certain items you should consider essentials when driving through the blizzards and snow in your car.

Before you drive

De-icer

Available at most supermarkets, this item is an essential in making sure you do not have to spend 30 minutes waiting for your car to heat up. Save time in the morning by using a de-icer, paired with a scraper, to get on the road quicker on icy mornings. 


Frost Guard

Not all cars have heated windscreens, and deicing your car could make you late for work. If you want to make sure your car is frost-free from the word 'go', cover your windscreen with a Frost Guard. 


Winter Tyre Snow Grip Spray

This spray is basically a temporary liquid snow chain for your tyres, which allows you to drive with ease. It is especially handy for those whose area is not well gritted.


When driving

Sunglasses

The winter sun is usually a lot lower than the summer sun, and sunglasses will prevent you from being blinded. This is especially useful if you are smaller, as the sunshield will become somewhat useless against the low winter sun.


Warm blanket and non-perishable food

Always keep a blanket in the car in case of an emergency breakdown, as well as non-perishable foods such as cereal bars. This will keep you warm and satisfied against the winter chill.


In an emergency

Traction tracks

This foldable and handy item is very useful when stuck in snow, mud, grass (it is an all-season life-saver). This lets you get your car out of sticky situations when a shovel will not suffice.


Other important things for you to have when you are driving this winter include:

  • Phone charger (in case you need to call emergency breakdown services)
  • First aid kit
  • Warm coat and sturdy footwear (if you need to stand outside in the case of a breakdown)
  • Thick/disposable gloves (in the event of having to change a tyre)
  • SatNav or map (for diversions)
  • Torch (in case of nighttime breakdowns)


Having a Winter Emergency Kit is extremely organised, and preferable, in this weather. These kits usually include methods of getting your car out of the snow and keeping yourself warm and safe at the same time.

AA, Profile Atones and Am-Tech all offer their variation on these Winter Emergency Kits, so check these out if you want an all-in-one kit for the winter.

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