The dreaded commute can be bad enough with ever-increasing traffic, but as we creep closer to winter, there’s also a lot to consider in regards to your personal safety over the colder period. According to a study developed by automotive company Ford, the average EU commute is 37.5 minutes per day, whereas the average commute in the UK is 54 minutes. It’s fair to say we spend a lot of time in our cars, but how much care do we take to ensure they’re safe to drive in potentially hazardous weather conditions? Winter driving isn't easy.

Here are some top tips on how to stay cautious during your work commute this winter…

Prepare an Emergency Kit

In the unfortunate event your car is involved in an accident or simply breaks down, then you need to be prepared with a few roadside essentials. Whilst you may think it will never happen to you, it will hit you even harder when it does if you’re not prepared. A blanket is a must to ensure you keep warm if waiting for roadside assistance or a family member to arrive. There’s a chance your car heating won’t be working, so don’t forget to keep an extra jumper in your car too. Your kit should also include a flashlight, snacks, bottled water, and a first aid kit. Remember to always drive with a spare tyre too.

Keep Your Tank Topped Up

When your fuel tank fills with air, the moisture in this air can actually freeze to ice, which clogs the line. Whilst this usually happens when the car is sitting for a few hours in the cold, it has been known to occur when driving in particularly cold conditions. Keep your tank topped up above half in order to avoid any problems! It’s also sensible to make sure your petrol is topped up over winter just in case you encounter any major traffic jams caused by incidents on the road.

Ensure You Have Breakdown Cover

The last thing you want is to breakdown on the way home from work and be stranded in the cold. Having breakdown cover is so important and you can compare breakdown cover with Know Your Money. Even if a friend can come and rescue you from the roadside, you still have to deal with moving your car to a safe space. Breakdown cover removes all of this hassle for a small monthly cost that’s well worth paying.

Book in for a Winter Service

It might be a bill you don’t particularly want to pay out for, but you could end up coughing up even more cash if you don’t make sure your car is fit for winter, before the harsh weather sets in. Book in for a full winter service at your local garage, they can inspect for any signs of damage as well as your tyre tread depth, oil levels, and any lights on your dashboard that you may have been casually avoiding. It can be a pain but is well worth it for the peace of mind.