Auto News

With a late winter still upon us and some parts of the world witnessing heavy snowfall and all time low-temperatures, one of the areas of life that is most affected is transport and as such everything else that goes along with it like disrupted freight and deliveries, an inability for commuters to reach work and what is typically called ‘travel chaos’. With this in mind, it’s important to keep yourself safe when planning journeys by car in these sorts of conditions, and the following are a few precautions that should always be taken when the risk of severe weather is as high as it currently is.

Supplies are some of the first things to consider when venturing out during a cold spell, and most of them should be equipment that is in the car all throughout the winter, as it’s much easier to leave this small amount of equipment in the car than take it out every time. Some of these essential supplies include:

- High tog blankets or sleeping bags

- A scraper for exterior windows, and anti-freeze spray/solution

- A torch and matches/a lighter

- A few bottles of water and if possible tinned food

Some of these may seem extreme, but in rural areas for example, a breakdown could mean a long time stranded in a remote area.

Drivers who use their vehicle a lot for work purposes or who drive a company vehicle should consider the installation of a vehicle tracking system on their particular vehicle – or the whole fleet if they are in charge of this area of operations for the firm. They can assist in finding broken down vehicles with location updates, and also help forms let customers/clients know about deliveries or shipments that are likely to be delayed.

One final precaution that should be considered during colder periods is an investment in tyre socks for vehicles. Like tyre chains, they prevent slippage on icy surfaces, but are less expensive and also easier to fit, which is helpful in changeable weather.