British winters are notoriously frosty affairs, especially in the last few years when temperatures have reached new lows in various parts of the country. Making sure your body, your home, your car and every other aspect of your life are winter-proofed before the temperatures drop could greatly improve your comfort, as well as avoid serious problems.

The winter season can play havoc with cars, and unless you're an experienced and confident driver, it's often recommended to leave your car at home and use alternative forms of transport in adverse weather conditions such as snow and ice. However, you can minimise the risk of problems affecting your vehicle and its ability to drive by making sure you carry antifreeze and other emergency equipment with you at all times, and to allow the engine to warm up for several minutes in the morning prior to setting off.

Inside and outside the home, water pipes can be particularly prone to freezing over or bursting in sub-zero temperatures, so making sure these fittings are in good condition and easily accessible can be essential to avoid serious plumbing problems this winter. If you live in an older home, it may be necessary to replace single pane windows with double glazing and install insulation in wall cavities and lofts to prevent heat from escaping and avoid your gas and electricity bills going through the roof through wasted energy.

Of course, the most important thing to take care of during the coldest time of the year is yourself, as well as the people close to you. This means avoiding exposure to the elements unless necessary, and always making sure you wrap up warm to avoid becoming ill or experiencing severe discomfort. Because of the fact that there's a good chance you might have received a fair amount of clothing at Christmas, from mens jumpers and winter jackets to essential accessories like gloves, scarves and hats, it could be a good idea to start putting them to use - even that patterned jumper from Granny could come in handy when trying to keep warm around the house!

If you weren't lucky enough to get one for Christmas, then investing in a good winter coat is advisable if you're likely to spend time outdoors every day, whether you're walking the dog or waiting for the bus to work. Some styles of winter coats are enduringly popular, such as the comfortable duffel coat and practical military coats, and for many women, winter is the ideal opportunity to buy some new boots that look great with a variety of outfits.

Dave MacKinder writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.