The winter road trip essentials you can’t leave home without having in your car – and some you’d never think to take

BRITS are being advised not to travel in the snow storms but if you do have to make a journey there are some vital things you should pack before you head off in case of emergencies.

While a map and water are a must, there are plenty of other essentials that you will need along the way - and most you can leave in your car all year round for when the weather takes a turn.

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Thermos

Along with regular drinking water, be sure to take a thermos full of hot water with you.

While it is perfect for tea and pot noodles, it will also come in handy if you need to quickly defrost your windscreen.

Folding shovel

You never know when you will need a shovel handy, particularly if you are driving in the countryside, as it is easy to find your car bogged on snow drifts or muddy tracks.

For around £7 you can pick up one up from that folds down small enough to fit into a carry pouch and throw in the boot.

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Breakdown kit

If you are unlucky enough to breakdown on your journey, being prepared can make the experience less of a nightmare.

Making sure you have booster cables, a tow rope, warning triangle and a high visibility vest means you will be able to get back on your way as quickly and as safely as possible.

Both the AA and RAC sell kits on their website for around £30.

Checking with your insurer to make sure you have breakdown cover, and keeping the number of your roadside assistance provider handy is also a great way to cover your back.

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Water

Everyone knows that water is the key to survival, even if that means surviving the heat, beating car sickness or sitting out delays.

We aren't saying you will be driving somewhere water is scarce, but it is important to have plenty of drinking water on hand at all times in case you become ill or find yourself stranded.

First aid kit

Unfortunately, accidents happen on holidays, and road trips are no different.

Keep a first aid kit in the boot so you are always prepared to deal with any bumps and scrapes.

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Pillow and blanket

If you are driving all day, regular rest stops every few hours are an essential.

And if you feel the need for a quick nap at a safe rest area - or get stuck overnight - at least you'll be warm and comfortable enough to enjoy some shut-eye in your motor.

USB charging adaptor

Having a USB charging point that fits into your car's cigarette lighter or other power point can make a massive difference to your trip.

Whether it saves your phone battery when you need to make an emergency call, or keeps the iPad charged so the kids are entertained, a portable charger can be a life saver on long journeys.

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Quick dry towel

A micro-fibre towel can be the difference between a damp. uncomfortable journey, and a warm, cosy one.

Torch

While most phones have a flashlight attached these days, it doesn't hurt to keep a small torch in the glovebox in case you need to see in the dark and don't want to use your phone - for example, if you find yourself having to change a tyre on a rainy night.

A lot of breakdown kits will come with a torch included.

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Roof racks

Fixing a roof rack or travel container to your motor can add another dimension to the amount of gear you can carry with you.

Packing luggage on the roof gives you more room inside the car to stretch out, and makes the trip more comfortable.

Sat nav

Unless you know every route in Britain like a black cab driver knows London, chances are you are going to need a sat nav to get you to your destination.

If you are going to use the map apps on your phone, remember that you will need a secure holder to put it in while you drive.

And with tough laws introduced in early 2017, you will need to program it before you get on the road, or risk a £200 fine.

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Spare tyre and jack

Most cars these days will come with a spare tyre, but often these are space saver tyres and aren't suitable to be used for long distances.

If you have used your spare tyre before, make sure you get a new one before you depart.

Always keep your jack in the boot in case you need to change a tyre on the side of the road.

Cooler bag

An essential to keep all your journey snacks fresh.

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Map

In the event that all technology fails you, a good old-fashioned paper map can be the difference between finding your hotel and spending the night in your car.

You can pick up a copy of the classic Collins Britain Road Map for less than £10 on