The best tip is to try and avoid going out in bad weather if you can. Before setting off there are a few common sense things to consider.

1. Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your car
2. Check your screen wash is full, it's amazing how quickly it can runout.
3. Mobile phone fully charged or charger in the car
4. For a longer journey it is sensible to take a drink, snack and warm clothes
5. Tyres properly inflated and at least 2mm of tread
6. Ensure good visibility all round. Make sure all the windows are clear of frost and snow before setting off.

Read more on how to "Drive safely on icy roads","What to do if you start to skid" and "What to do if you get stuck"

Driving safely on ice

1. Slow down and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windscreen clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently travelled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow ploughs and gritters. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

What to do if you start to skid

If the back of the car skids then:

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse - this is normal.

If the front wheels skid then:

1. Take your foot off the gas and don't try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then accelerate gently.

What to do if your car gets stuck in the snow

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

If You Become Stranded then:

1. Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
2. Hang a brightly coloured cloth from your ariel
3. If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of petrol in the tank.