Winter weather warning to motorists

The Highways Agency is launching a campaign in Milton Keynes today, urging drivers to stay safe in the winter weather.

They are encouraging people to start getting prepared for the onset of snow and ice.

It comes as our region's local authorities announce their plans for the winter - in Bedford, they've stocked up on 5,000 tonnes of grit.

Two out of the last three winters have seen widespread snow and ice for weeks on end with temperatures regularly falling below -10C.

Here's what the AA say you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions.

Check your car

Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection.

Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.

Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.

Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs.

Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight.

Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades.

Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.

Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.

You and your passengers

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it's there if you do.

Winter emergency kit

Blanket, rug or sleeping bag

Shovel

Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow

Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice

Reflective jacket(s)

Ice scraper and de-icer

Torch and batteries

Tow rope

Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)

Battery jump leads

Bottled water

Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars

Extra screen wash

For more information visit the AA's website here.