The Met Office has issued an urgent 51-hour weather warning as England braces for up to 20 centimetres of snow and temperatures plunging to -6°C. Motorists are being advised to take immediate precautions, including the unusual but effective method of placing cardboard on their windscreens overnight.
Essential Winter Driving Precautions
With the snow storm sweeping across the country, the BBC has recommended that drivers place cardboard between windscreen wipers and glass to prevent freezing. This simple hack could save valuable time and prevent damage to wiper blades during the deep freeze expected from Tuesday night.
Alice Simpson, RAC breakdown spokesperson, warned: "We expect breakdown volumes to be around 10% higher than what's normal for this time of year, which equates to around 1,000 more people needing our help each day." She emphasised that older car batteries are particularly vulnerable in cold conditions and urged drivers to get them checked promptly.
Critical Safety Measures for All Drivers
Several crucial safety recommendations have been issued for motorists facing the severe weather:
Keep fuel tanks topped up to ensure you have enough fuel to either reach your destination or run the engine for warmth if stranded. However, if you do become stuck, it's vital to ensure snow doesn't block the exhaust pipe, as this can cause noxious fumes to leak into the vehicle.
Normal autumn hazards like fallen leaves become particularly dangerous in these conditions. "They create an extra layer between tyres and the road surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding," Simpson explained. She stressed that motorists must slow down significantly and increase stopping distances in both heavy rain and frosty conditions.
Special Advice for Electric Vehicle Owners
Electric vehicle drivers face additional challenges during the cold snap. The lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs drain faster when temperatures drop, requiring more frequent charging stops during winter months.
Experts recommend keeping EVs in garages or under covers whenever possible to improve battery performance. Additionally, driving in "eco mode" can help conserve battery life during the challenging conditions. EV owners should plan their journeys carefully, accounting for reduced range and potential charging point queues.
With the Met Office warning remaining in effect for over two days, authorities are urging all road users to exercise extreme caution and prepare their vehicles adequately for what could be the first major winter event of the season.
