While there’s never a good time to break down, during the winter months it can be a lot worse and is also much more likely. Less daylight hours mean most of us are commuting in the dark and freezing temperatures and wet/icy conditions can make a breakdown a really unpleasant experience. If it’s not safe to stay in your vehicle while you wait for recovery (on the hard shoulder, for example) you could find yourself in real trouble if not properly prepared. It’s also a lot easier to run your battery down in winter as fans and electric window heaters left on will drain the battery before ignition and if you only do short trips the battery may gradually drop in charge.
There are a few things to get sorted before the worst of the winter weather, beyond the obvious attention to tyres and antifreeze. A basic emergency kit in your vehicle is essential, though it seems extreme you should think about the worst case scenarios (stuck overnight in heavy snow, with recovery unable to reach you, for example). You should include extra clothes, blankets, a torch, a first aid kit and hi-visibility clothing and warning signs. Folding shovels are available, which could help to free a vehicle from a snow drift.
