Drivers have been instructed to complete one task before Wednesday, with experts advising against driving without doing so. Wintery weather is on its way this week, with snow and low temperatures forecast.
The Met Office says there is “an increasing risk of rain and perhaps some hill snow on Wednesday in the south”. Weather maps begin to show this developing towards midnight, with clouds and a frontal system approaching from the south-west. By 6pm on Wednesday (February 18), Met Office maps show areas in the south covered by a white layer of snow. According to the maps, snowfall could stretch from Brighton all the way across the South Coast and into northern Wales. Met Office maps indicate that the snow risk is the highest on Thursday. The map valid for 3am shows a broad band of snow across southern Britain, stretching from Pembrokeshire, Cardiff and Bristol all the way across to London, Kent and East Anglia.
By 9am, the snow remains widespread across South Wales, the West Country, southern England, the Midlands and into East Anglia, with the heaviest concentrations focused inland, including areas around Swindon, London and parts of the South Coast.
With this weather on the way, experts at Motors.co.uk have told drivers to do one thing: “Always fill up with a full tank of fuel before heading on a long journey. Being stuck on the side of the motorway in zero-degree conditions isn’t ideal”
This could also help you save some money at the garage. MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis told drivers to get petrol when it's cold. This is because it's colder at night, and because fuel pumps are calibrated by volume, you get a tiny bit of extra fuel when you fill up.
The RAC advises in its guidance on driving in snow and ice to be prepared for every eventuality by ensuring your car is equipped with a demisting pad and a torch (wind-up so you don’t run out of battery).
They also recommend a hi-vis vest to make you visible if you break down, a blanket to keep you warm, some food, a drink, spare screenwash, de-icer, an ice scraper, and a shovel.
Also included on the list is a phone charger, a map, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, some jump leads, a spade and a square of carpet that you can use to put under your drive wheels should you get stuck in the snow.
