BACK TO THE SCHOOL RUN: BUT FIRST, SOME HOMEWORK FOR THE DRIVER

While many families across the country are embarking on another term of school runs, national breakdown cover provider Green Flag has some timely advice.

Before weather conditions worsen, ensure the car is road-ready. Common wintry problems to watch out for are issues with tyres; braking systems and windscreen wipers, as well as flat or faulty batteries and engine failure.

Green Flag urges drivers to check their cars before travel.

Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights.

Check tyre pressures, spare included.

Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary.

Make sure you have breakdown cover.

You shouldn’t need this for the school run — but keep a road map in the car if you are going somewhere new (for an away sports match or Duke of Edinburgh drop-off, for instance). Don’t rely on the map on your phone – you won’t always have signal.

Keep some coins or a phone card in the car in case you need to call for help and there’s no mobile phone signal.

Make sure your phone battery is topped up — think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it.

Have the number for your emergency breakdown provider handy — you will usually find it on your policy certificate, so you could keep this in the glove box.

Carry a warning triangle.

Especially when we get to the snowier months, keep some warm clothes, a rug and some chocolate in the car in case you get stuck in cold conditions for a long time.

For more information about how to make sure your car is road-ready, see greenflag.com