DRIVERS are being urged to get their cars winterâready, as cold, wintry conditions bring a higher risk of breakdowns and difficult driving over the coming days. â

The warning comes from road saferty organistation GEM Motoring Assist as Met Office yellow warnings for snow and ice come into force across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern and eastern England, with icy stretches also expected in some eastern counties further south. Forecasters say an Arctic maritime air mass is bringing colder air southwards, with rain, sleet and snow creating slippery surfaces and the risk of travel disruption, particularly on higher routes and untreated roads.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst says a little preparation now can prevent a lot of inconvenience later. "Cold weather puts real strain on a car's 12âvolt battery, and its ability to hold charge drops significantly as temperatures fall," he said.

"That means it may be at its weakest just when you need it most, so it makes sense to carry out a few simple checks before you set off.

"It is also important to stay tuned to the latest weather forecasts, as conditions can change quickly over short distances. Snow in particular is difficult to predict with precision, so an area with only a low risk in the morning could see heavier falls or icy surfaces by later in the day.

"By checking updated forecasts and travel advice before your journey, you can hopefully avoid the worst of the weather and make the right decision on whether, when and how to travel."

GEM's five checks for motorists facing wintry conditions: