Motorists should carry three important items in their vehicle on Friday as Storm Claudia hits the UK. The Met Office has issued several yellow and amber weather warnings for heavy rain on Friday, with rain likely to lead to “flooding and disruption on Friday”.
The Met Office has confirmed that spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions for motorists. They have warned road users to expect some road closures, as well as delays or cancellations to train and bus services. Uncertainty on the roads means motorists could find themselves stuck in their vehicles for a lot longer than usual, making it vital to carry essential items.
Motoring experts at Leasing Options has previously suggested that road users should prepare an emergency travel kit with a range of essential items before setting off. The specialists warned that having an emergency kit easily to hand could make all the difference if road users are stranded during bad weather.
They said: “Your kit should include warm clothes, a blanket, food and water. Having a high-visibility jacket and a warning triangle will help to keep you safe, while packing a shovel, ice scraper and torch could come in handy for winter emergencies.”
Mobile phones have become a vital resource in the 21st Century and keeping one topped up with a full battery won’t only be used to pass the time. Motorists can use their phones to track live traffic updates, re-route their journey, and keep drivers informed of the weather.
The AA previously said: “If you’re heading out, make sure your car is storm-ready, and your route is safe. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app to help us get to you faster if the worse should happen.”
As the temperature drops and Autumn sets in, road users should start to become more aware of potential battery issues. Generally, call-outs for flat batteries increase by over 60% over the winter months as the weather affects the electrolyte's power transfer.
Halfords previously warned: “Jump leads are useful to have in the boot of your car all year around, but particularly in winter.
“Typically, car batteries hold their charge using a liquid electrolyte solution, which is sensitive to varying temperatures. Colder weather slows down this chemical process, reducing the battery’s ability to hold a charge, so you might find that your battery falls flat more often in the winter.”