Driving experts have urged people to always keep eight items in their cars, as they could be crucial to have around in case you get stuck in the cold.
Many drivers will know that driving in cold, winter conditions is very different to driving on a sunny summer day. The cold temperatures can cause unpredictable icy roads and even snow.
Snow can make it harder to see the road lines, and because of this, it's important to be prepared for if you car breaks down somewhere in the cold. To help, Driving Test Success, a company that also has an app for learning drivers to revise for their theory test, has taken to their TikTok account to share the items you should keep in your car when driving during the colder winter months.
"What to pack with you when driving in cold weather," they wrote at the start of the video, as a woman is seen opening the booth of a car to show what she keeps in it.
In the booth, there was a clear box that was filled with things to make an unexpected stop more comfortable. The first items from the box were bottles of water, as well as snacks.
Next up was a windscreen scraper, which is the perfect tool to use if you find that your windscreen is covered with ice or snow that needs to be removed before you hit the road. Similarly, they also kept an extra jug of screen wash in the back of their car, so they always have extra in case they run out, as the winters are known for making your car dirtier.
The fourth item was a first aid kit, to help in any emergency you might find yourself in, whether it's for a small papercut, or to help out in an emergency.
They also keep a can of de-icer in the back, as the cold weather can make it more difficult to get your car going quickly, as the de-icer melts ice quickly and prevents damage from scraping.
In case your car breaks down and you need to wait for the AA or someone else to come and help you, they also recommend keeping a portable charger in your car, so you can keep yourself easily accessible with a functioning phone. And similarly, it's also a good idea to keep a warm blanket in your car to help stay warm if you need to wait outside in the cold.
According to the AA, it's important to make sure you keep an ice scraper, de-icer, a torch with spare batteries, and a first aid kit in your car at all times, They also recommend having a fully charged phone with a portable charger, so you can call loved ones if you need help.
They also recommend packing a winter survival kit, for in case you get stuck somewhere in poor weather conditions and need to wait for help. In these kits, they recommend packing warm clothes and high-vis jackets, sturdy footwear, hot drinks and snacks, a shovel, jump leads, and warning triangles.
