Harsh winter conditions present many hazards and practical difficulties for drivers, which can impair their safety and those of others. These can be avoided, provided you have the appropriate accessories. The following are 10 important aids for winter driving.

1. Anti-freeze

Freezing winter conditions can create severe damage to your engine if the water turns to ice. This can be avoided by ensuring you have added an appropriate amount of anti-freeze. A bottle of anti-freeze in your trunk is also advised, in case you need to top off during your winter journey.

2. Overnight/storage

While it tempting to use a garage as an extension of home storage, during the winter it is advisable to revert it to its original use. Storing your car in a garage overnight during winter can save a lot of problems, such as the time spent clearing it of snow and ice. Moreover, it reduces the damage winter weather can cause to the vehicle.

3. Protective covers

For those who don’t have access to a garage, a windscreen cover or fitted sheeting that protects the whole of the top of the car is another accessory that will help to keep windows and doors free from ice and snow, saving you time on those cold winter days.

4. De-icer

A de-icer is a must when temperatures sink below freezing point. Most modern de-icers will clear windscreens and other windows in a matter of seconds. However, it is also important to de-ice headlights, rear lights, and side mirrors so that you can see and be seen.

5. Brush/scraper

Removing snow from your vehicle is important for driving safety. Therefore an efficient brush or scraper is an accessory that needs to be included for winter. It is equally essential to use this tool not only for clearing snow from the windscreen but also from the roof of your car as, when driving, this snow is likely to shift down across the windscreen and impair your vision.

6. Tire chains

Ice and snow makes keeping your vehicle on the road more difficult. Purchasing tire chains, which can be fitted to your tires in adverse conditions, will reduce the likelihood of sliding and skidding, and therefore improve safety for yourself and other road users.

7. Severe weather travel kit

Recommended by the AAA, a severe weather travel kit can be considered a must-have in winter driving. These kits contain collapsible shovels, first aid kits, strobe lights, and other items that will prove useful if you get stuck or are involved in an during winter.

8. Mobile phone and car-charger

Most people carry their mobile phone wherever they travel. However, many do not consider the need to keep it charged during journeys. In winter conditions, a fully charged mobile phone is essential for contacting others in the event of a mishap, like the police and roadside assistance organizations.

9. Snow grips

Protecting yourself from the dangers of snow and ice is just as important as protecting your car. Snow grips that fit over your shoes reduce the risk of you falling flat on your face in winter conditions.

10. Warm clothing

Finally, carrying warm clothing and blankets is important, especially if you are likely to be travelling on long journeys through rural areas. Better to be warm than freeze while you are waiting for help to arrive.

Being prepared for winter driving is a matter of common sense and the effort and expense involved in making sure you have the accessories listed in this article will keep you prepared for most eventualities during the winter months.