Motorists have been urged to pack five items in their car before setting off in cold weather. (Image: Getty)
A has urged all drivers to pack five particular items in their boots if they are planning to travel long distances during .
Many parts of the country are , with in some parts of northern Scotland.
With drivers at a higher risk of accidents and breakdowns in cold and icy weather conditions, Aleksandrs Buraks, Head of Growth at the vehicle rental firm , recommended that all motorists pack several items inside their car, including two vital tools.
He advised: “Drivers should put together a breakdown kit. You can easily store your kit in the boot of your car to make sure you always have these items to hand should you need them.
“Some of the key items to include are and jump leads in case your car’s battery dies.”
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Keeping an ice scraper inside the car can help drivers remove ice wherever they are. (Image: Getty)
Whilst many drivers across the UK have already had to clear their windscreen on cold mornings, it is worth keeping an ice scraper inside their vehicle if any moisture on their windows freezes over when they are away from home.
Packing a scraper can help drivers eliminate the risk of driving with an obscured view, which typically causes an on-the-spot fine of £60 and could void the motorist’s insurance policy.
Similarly, car batteries typically hold less charge when exposed to colder climates, so it is also wise for drivers to pack a set of jump leads, particularly if they travel shorter distances that do not give the component enough time to charge or warm up.
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A set of jump leads can also come in handy in cold weather, particularly for low-mileage drivers. (Image: Getty)
Similarly, Aleksandrs also suggested drivers pack items that can help to keep all occupants comfortable in the event of a breakdown, such as warm clothes, blankets, and a first aid kit.
He added: “To help keep yourself warm, keep a set of spare clothes and blankets in your boot, as well as walking boots in case you need to leave your vehicle in bad weather.
“You should also make sure you have a fully stocked first aid kit, including cleansing wipes, bandages, plasters and dressings for wounds and burns, so you are equipped to deal with any minor injuries.”
Finally, the driving expert suggested that drivers always act cautiously when travelling in colder weather, travelling at a slower rate and in a higher gear than normal to avoid losing control.
He explained: “When driving in bad weather, snow and ice can make it harder for your car to maintain a good level of grip on the road, so you should drive more slowly in these conditions. You can also shift into a higher gear for better control.
“Wind, rain and fog come with extra risks for drivers – if you’re making a journey in these weather conditions, manage your speed while keeping overtaking to a minimum, as your visibility will be affected.”