It’s that time of year when temperatures plummet and we’re faced with weather warnings of heavy snow and icy roads. With so much going on throughout December in the lead up to Christmas, it’s easy to forget about road safety. It’s during this time that we should take extra care when driving and ensure that our cars are in excellent condition to avoid a breakdown on the side of the road. Here are a few things to remember before you set of on your journey.

Check your tyres

Before any long car journey in the winter, it’s important that you regularly check your tyre pressure and for any punctures. Make sure your tyres have the right tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm but safety experts say that it’s best to have at least 3mm. Another thing to remember is to check your spare tyre. The last thing you want is to have to pull over to change a bust tyre only to find out your spare is bust too. If you think your tyres are a bit worn then there are places like www.tyreplus.co.uk that can help you pick out the right tyres for your vehicle and if you are unable to go to one of their fitting locations, they will come out to you.

Check your vehicle’s liquids

Ensure your vehicle’s oil is topped up as it could start causing problems with the engine if it’s not. This is quite a common problem as people tend to overlook it. Other liquids you need to remember for your car journey are brake fluid, engine coolant and screen wash. During the winter weather conditions it’s vital that you have clear visibility of the road, so always make sure you have the right amount of screen wash.

Take extras emergency supplies

This seems like quite an obvious thing to remember but you’d be surprised how many people forget. Take an extra supply of water, snacks, flask with hot beverages and blankets with you so if you do get held up on your journey you have a good stock of essential items to keep you going. Remember to take the vital supplies too, such as ice-scraper, torch, phone and charger and a first aid kit. If you’ve checked your car thoroughly then it’s very unlikely you will breakdown but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are travelling with children it’s best to take some travel games with you to keep them busy.

Remember to carry out these three simple safety checks the next time you are setting off on a long car journey and have a safe trip.