Is your car suitably snug and warm for winter journeys? Sure, you can turn the heating up and close the windows, but there may still be chilly corners, and you're particularly susceptible to the cold when sitting still. Bear in mind, too, that if you're stuck in a traffic jam, the car may cool down even with the heating on, and if you need to switch the motor off to save gas, you could soon be shivering. As for opening the window for fresh air, you'll need to brace yourself first, and so will your passengers. But with these simple steps, you can keep yourself and your family warm as toast on your winter drives, whatever the circumstances:
Keep rugs in the car
A rug or shawl tucked neatly over your lap you as you drive can be very welcome on a cold night, but make sure it's well clear of the controls. Provide rugs, blankets or quilts for your passengers, too, perhaps storing them in the car for convenience until the spring. When not in use, they can be spread over the seats as extra padding, or folded away in the trunk.
Take a hot drink
It's simple to fill a flask with tea, coffee or some other hot drink, so make a habit of doing so before every long journey. This will save you the time and the cost of buying hot drinks on the way, and if you're stuck in a traffic queue, you'll be doubly glad of your flask. For lengthy trips, it may be worth investing in a car kettle. This can be plugged into the cigarette lighter facility for hot cups whenever you stop for a break. You'll need a supply of fresh water for boiling, of course. On long drives, you'll also be glad of some food to keep you warm inside, so pack a bag of easy-to-eat snacks and bars, or store a supply in the vehicle.
Take hand and foot warmers
Fingers tend to get cold before the rest of the body, so keep a pair of non-slip driving gloves in the car and some woolly gloves or mittens for your family. Depending on how much space you have, you might like to add slipper-socks for them. You could also lay some floor rugs or carpet scraps over the passenger flooring for extra insulation.
Dress in layers
Being either too hot or too cold in the car is miserable, so take extra clothing to wear or shed as you wish. If you step outside mid-journey into the biting open air, it may take you a while to warm up again back in the car, and you'll be glad of an extra sweater. How about a hat and scarf, too?
Take care of your car
The worst scenario for a cold day's driving is a vehicle breakdown. If your car grinds to a halt in the snow, you could be in for a long, cold wait for the rescue service. But you can guard against such disasters by keeping your car in good working order. Have it serviced regularly and make sure it's topped up with gas, oil, water and antifreeze before you start. Check the tire pressures, too, and keep the phone number of your emergency breakdown service handy in the car. If you anticipate heavy snow or widespread ice, consider investing in some heavy-duty tires or non-slip chains to put on your existing ones to ensure a steady drive. You could also treat your vehicle to a coat to wear when parked, insulating both the motor and the passenger area. Check your route, traffic update and weather forecast before driving off, so you know what to expect.
The day may be bitterly cold, but when you're cozy and warm in your car, you'll hardly notice. With your snug rugs, hot drinks, and a vehicle you can rely on, you can sit back and enjoy the winter scenery.