Matt Peacock, MD of Star Tech Mercedes & BMW Specialists in Poole, offers his advice for staying safe on the roads this winter.

Roads can become treacherous as winter brings flooding, snow, ice and fog.

It’s vital to ensure your car is safe and that you are prepared for the unexpected.

Here are my top five tips to ensure you travel safely.

1. Pre-Journey Checks

Check weather forecasts and live traffic updates in advance. Ensure your car is well maintained with professional, regular servicing, Mots and visual checks at home.

Don’t drive until you have cleared all snow and ice from windows, roof and bonnet and fully demisted your windscreen. Remove leaves from your car as they can strip paintwork, clog vents, send electrical systems haywire and even create a fire risk.

Check antifreeze and screen wash levels and if your battery struggles, get it checked out by a professional. Ensure wipers and all bulbs are working.

2. Tyre Safety

Stopping distance time can double on wet roads and can increase ten-fold in ice and snow.

Ensure your tyres are in good condition with at least 3mm of tread and correct pressures.

Consider having winter tyres fitted. Read our blog post regarding winter tyres on our website.

3. Winter driving kit

Pack a kit to include an ice scraper, torch, blanket, de-icer, wellies, snacks and drink, shovel, warning triangle and a high-vis jacket.

A well charged phone is vital.

4. Drive with caution

Reduce your speed in heavy rain, fog, ice or snow and keep your distance from the car in front.

Leave four seconds distance on wet roads and as much as possible in freezing conditions.

Pedestrians, horses, bikes and motor bikes can be hard to see in adverse weather.

Pay attention to road signs and warning lights.

Don’t brake or accelerate harshly and wear sensible footwear.

Use headlights on dark days and fog lights if necessary but do remember to switch them off when fog clears.

5. Don’t take risks

Never drive through a flood unless you are sure it is shallow.

We have seen cars with terrible flood damage caused from only a small amount of water.

If you do drive through, keep a slow, steady pace and be sure to test your brakes gently once you are safely through.

In high winds, look out for fallen tree branches and keep your distance from high sided vehicles and motorbikes.

Wet roads can be blinding in low winter sunshine so keep sunglasses in your car and your windscreen clear.

• Star Tech specialises in Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, Smart and Mini for servicing, repairs, diagnostics and more. If you need any further advice, contact our service team on 01202 694758.

Furthermore, book your car in for work to be carried out in December and every invoice will be entered into our prize draw for the chance to win a luxury hamper!