Improvise like a pro

Caught out in the cold without proper kit? The petrol station is full off stuff to help get you home

Newspapers, foil emergency blankets or plastic bags can be stuffed inside your clothes for extra insulation. Bags over your socks will also help keep your feet dry.

Cold legs? A pair of thick ladies tights will work as an emergency base layer.

If they sell Marigolds in the shop, stretch them

over gloves for a water/ windproof barrier. The latex gloves at diesel pumps do the same job underneath your gloves.

Cut the drafts out of your kit. Make sure everything is tucked in and tape any holes you can’t plug. Put something warm in your core: have a hot meal or snack and make it something energy rich, like pasta, that will give you plenty of fuel.

Make use of the hand warmers in the loo, for a blast of warmth. No garage in sight? Get your circulation going: get off and walk around or do some exercise. This will keep the blood flowing.

Put a warm hand/foot in a warm glove/boot: get them on your exhaust or engine block or hold each one over the exhaust.