The Met Office has issued snow, high winds and ice warnings across the UK in anticipation of Storm Goretti, which is set to be in place from today until Friday, at the time of writing. With the colder months in full swing, more adverse weather is likely to continue throughout January – and it can wreak havoc on cars on and off the road.
James Harding, a motoring expert from tyre specialist Blackcircles, has shared his top list of essentials to keep in your car for winter emergencies. Scroll down for his top tips, and where to stock up on winter motoring essentials.
We've all been there on a morning, having to tackle a frosty and icy-covered windscreen. "This is key in the winter months as frosty mornings can ice up your windscreen. Keeping an ice scraper and de-icer handy means you can keep your car hazard-free and your windscreen clear, allowing for a safe onward journey," he told Wales Online.
Simple but effective, that's where an ice scraper can become your best friend (and the bonus is they won't break the bank). On Amazon, one of their top-recommended ice scrapers is just £8.99 and has been described as "very good" quality. The scraper has a wide blade, which shoppers have said makes a "massive difference" when scraping their car.
A shopper explained: "The wide blade picks up all the ice, not the patchy scraping that normally happens with other scrapers. Soft handle that's a decent width to get a good grip without straining your hand and wrist."
If, of course, you want to minimise the risk of frost and ice build-up altogether, Argos also sells the AA's windscreen frost shield for £12. The cover is waterproof and designed to fit most cars, protecting the windscreen from both frost and sunny conditions. That means it's a year-round investment, keeping the interior cool in the summer and free from frost in the winter.
The cold weather can also mean your windscreen fogs up that much faster, which is where items like the Hillington reusable car interior dehumidifier have gained popularity among drivers. These Hillington car dehumidifier bags are designed to absorb excess moisture from the air without requiring electricity. And while they're super handy for keeping in the car, you can also use them around the home.
The handy bags come with a non-slip mat to ensure they stay stable, whether placed on the dashboard or stored in the door compartment. The bag comes with a colour-changing indicator that shows when the monthly recharge is required. This can be done either by popping the dehumidifiers in the microwave for a few minutes or placing them on top of a radiator (though this will take a bit longer.
Keep windscreens clear
James emphasises the crucial importance of carrying windscreen wiper fluid among your emergency kit. He explained: "Wintery conditions mean that snow, ice and other debris can quickly fog up your windscreen, and clear visibility is vital for safe driving."
Amazon currently has offers on windscreen wiper fluid, such as the CarPlan all-season screen wash, which is now 36% off and under £10. The wiper fluid doesn't need to be diluted, so it can be poured straight into your washer bottle. It has a 4.6-star rating based on previous customer reviews, with one person saying it "works perfectly" and "cleans my windows well and [comes with] more than enough for multiple fill-ups."
Have emergency breakdown precautions
According to James, an emergency triangle is an "absolute must-have" as vehicle breakdowns and unexpected accidents increase during adverse weather.
"Always carry an emergency triangle with you as it'll help notify drivers behind you that you've broken down, giving any oncoming traffic the chance to slow down and adjust their speed, helping to prevent any further incidents," said James.
They're fairly affordable and easy enough to come by, with a two-in-one emergency warning triangle and hi-vis jacket kit available for £12.66. James also stresses the importance of a high-visibility jacket or bib for emergencies. "A high-visibility jacket or bib is essential if you find yourself breaking down on a busy road when it's dark," he said. "This will keep you visible to other drivers and help prevent accidents by keeping yourself visible to others on the road."
Of course, if you don't have breakdown coverage, it's definitely something to consider. Both the RAC and AA offer a range of coverage options for drivers. You can learn more about the RAC's options here and the AA's options here.
However, be aware that standard cover typically does not include assistance if your car fails to start at home. 'Homestart' usually incurs an extra charge.
In case you encounter this issue, Argos offers a 400 amp emergency jump starter, currently reduced from £90 to £60.
James advises keeping warm blankets in your emergency bag for the harsh winter months. "Winter can be brutal when temperatures drop to sub-zero conditions. Having some extra blankets could be the difference between getting hypothermia and not while you're waiting for help if you're stranded."
Currently, Deyongs winter blankets are available at a discounted price of £12.95, down from £45, on Yimbly, a platform owned by the Daily Express' parent company, Reach PLC. Measuring 140 x 180cm, the blankets are made from a soft fleece material. They come in a choice of five colours with a pretty floral pattern.
And, just in case you are trapped for a while, James recommends stocking non-perishable food and some water in your motor as there may be occasions where you could find yourself marooned for a considerable duration, particularly in isolated areas.
He explained: "If you're faced with a situation where your car's broken down, there's a chance you can be stranded for quite some time (especially if you're in a remote location). Keeping a supply of bottled water and extra food in the car will help keep you hydrated and full while waiting for help to arrive."
Puncture repair kit
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Not just a winter essential, a puncture repair kit can be crucial for keeping your car running year-round.
"My last essential item is a puncture repair kit, as flat tyres can be a real nuisance and are more common in winter. Being prepared will keep you from being stuck on the roadside for hours, waiting for assistance," said James.
Amazon stocks the CKAuto universal tyre repair kit here for £21.99, whilst Argos sells the Ring Automotive car tyre repair kit for £27. Of course, not everyone has the expertise to mend a flat tyre roadside.