Winter can be the worst time of year for commuters and those who have to drive to reach work and local facilities. Snow, ice, wind and rain can wreak havoc with your journey plans, not to mention your car. Where possible, it's a good idea to walk or use public transport if driving makes you uneasy. But if you are determined to brave the weather, here are a few tips to keep you and your vehicle safe.

Batteries rarely last longer than five years, so make sure you don’t get caught out replace them every so often; this can save a lot of time and inconvenience if the worst happened during your trip.

Stock up on Antifreeze. The sound of the engine straining usually means that the water pump is frozen, so make sure the cylinder block does not also freeze up, as this can cause cracks which are expensive to repair. Before you buy antifreeze, check your car manual or ask your car dealer for advice. Most cars use long life antifreeze but always make sure you get the right one. You need a 50/ 50 mix of the solution with water during the winter months for maximum protection.

Dirt, snow and rain can take its toll on your windshield. Make sure you keep the windows clean so as not to obstruct your vision and always remember to refill your screen wash. Use a little of this to clean your windscreen wipers and eliminate the chance of them freezing too. Of course, allow ten minutes extra to prepare the car before you leave, this means de-icing the windscreen completely and planning your route to include roads which you will be well gritted.

The salt commonly used during winter can damage your car's paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing erosion and keep your car looking good as new.

It is far less costly to regularly check your windshield for any cracks or scratches than have to undergo an entirewindshield replacement, so it's worthwhile checking up on it from time to time. Another good idea is to check your tyres for damage regularly. Most motoring advice recommends at least 3mm of tread for driving in the winter. Make sure your brakes are working well and you have a few emergency supplies such as a first aid kit and a working torch just in case.

Last but not least, some tips are more obvious than others like wearing sensible shoes and use your brakes gently and make sure the front and rear lights are operational, especially the car's flashing hazard lights. Make sure you have your mobile phone to hand in case of emergencies and check up on any radio announcements for road closures or accidents.

Bruce Giles 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.