Preparation is key to staying out of trouble on the roads during winter

A WINTER accident could leave you stuck on the side of the road. Packing your car with a few essentials will help keep you safe and ready for whatever conditions pop up on your trip.

Keep the fuel tank at least half full throughout the winter. This will reduce condensation, making your vehicle easier to start on cold mornings.

Make sure your mobile phone is charged and bring it with you. A car charger for the phone is also a smart device to keep in the car.

Always store a snow/ice scraper and a shovel in your vehicle.

A first aid kit is another must-have item to keep on hand. It should include all the usual items plus winter extras like flashlights, a fresh supply of batteries, blankets, matches, extra clothes, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Peanuts and granola bars are good protein-and carbohydrate-rich foods.

For rear-wheel drive vehicles, you might want to keep a small bag of sand in your boot to create traction under the tyres if you get stuck. The bulk of a vehicle’s weight is the engine, in the front of the car. If the car is driven by its rear wheels instead of its front wheels, the heavy front end and light back end makes the car prone to slide around an ice or snow-covered road.

Clear off your car each time you go out, for maximum visibility. Don’t forget the bonnet, roof, and your head and taillights. It takes a few minutes, but it’s better than dealing with an accident.

And when we get those really icy or snowy periods, leftover ice chunks from the roof or bonnet may become hazardous to yourself and those on the road around you while driving.