10 items to prepare your car and van for Winter

Well winter is now well on the way and the temperature is dropping and the evenings are now dark. Here are 10 items that could keep you going or warm if something goes wrong on your journey

1. Winter (cold weather) tyres, no they are not just for snow, they do work well in the snow but due to the material they are constructed from they stay pliable once the temperature drops and thus gives you more grip. In rural area they can be a real safety boon with aiding traction on hills and slippery bends. They can be difficult to get your hands on (especially once some snow has fallen) so it is best to call early to ensure you have them.

2. Screen wash, once the authorities start to spread salt on the road it will find its way onto your screen, you might have a full washer bottle at the moment but if you run short the wiper blades will just create a smear over your screen. Pop a bottle in your boot and if you run out at least you can fill your washer bottle up and see where you are going. Do not use plain water as this will freeze if the temperature drops enough.

3. Window scraper, scrape off the Ice on all your window before you set off (not just a letter box size hole on the windscreen), if you get a scraper with a rubber blade on it you can also remove condensation on the window. Remember that it is an offence to drive a car with restricted vision.

4. Chuck an old coat in the boot. If you are unlucky and have a break down at least you will have something to put on to keep warm, if the engine is not running the heater won't work.

5. Coolant, check that your engine coolant has enough anti-freeze in it. You don't want your engine to freeze up and cause costly damage for the sake of a couple of quid's worth of anti-freeze.

6. Windscreen cover. If you don't want to have to scrape your windscreen each morning get a windscreen cover for it.

7. Collapsible shovel. If you live in an area with high snow fall levels (or may be visiting one) then a shovel might come in useful if you get stuck in snow.

8. Wind up torch. If you break down a wind up (as against a battery torch which will not work if the batteries are dead) torch in the boot will help you see where you are going.

9. Hand warmers. A car that is broken down in freezing temperatures will soon get cold. Put a packet of hand warmers in the boot and at least you can have a source of warmth.

10. For people that are lucky to have a driveway and outside power supply then a battery trickle charge can keep your battery in tip top condition. Batteries performance drops off in the cold so every bit of power it has can help.