Most of us love a snow day, but it’s not always so much fun if you have to drive in it. Pembrokeshire County Council have issued these tips from the AA - invaluable if you find yourself needing to drive in snowy conditions:

• Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

• Uphill – leave plenty of room or wait until it’s clear so you don’t have to stop part way up. Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.

• Downhill – slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Leave as much room as you can to the car in front.

• If you have to use your brakes, apply them gently.

• If you drive an Automatic, check the handbook – some have a winter mode or recommend selecting ‘2’ in slippery conditions.

• If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.

Before you set off

• Allow extra time for winter journeys.

• Try to get up at least 10 minutes early, to give you time to de-ice the car.

• Check fuel levels – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.

• Don’t drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen.

• Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer.

• Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock.

• Plan routes to favour major roads, which are more likely to be cleared and gritted.

Police getting to grips with the cold

Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police are making preparations ahead of the snow and ice predicted to affect Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys from this afternoon through to late Friday.

They expect demand for their assistance to increase over the coming days, and are asking for your help to manage the number of calls they receive.

Head of Specialist Operations, Superintendent Craig Templeton, said: “We have been busy planning for the adverse weather so we can continue to serve our communities in the way they expect.

“To help us do this, we are asking the public to consider their options before contacting us, as in some cases, other organisations may be better placed to help you.

“For example, if you are calling about a tree or power/telephone pole that is down you should only call us to report this if there is a significant risk to others, or there has been a collision and someone is injured - in this case call 999.

“Please only call police about weather related issues, including road closures, if it is urgent.”

The MetOffice has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across Wales. They have warned people to expect:

• Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles

• Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

• Some rural communities could become cut off.

• Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

• A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

• Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable because of black ice.

We are urging people to drive carefully as the weather worsens and advise you only make essential journeys in snow and ice. If you have to travel, make sure you:

• Clear all windows before driving

• Take your time

• Beware of ice on roads, pavements and cycle routes even if they’ve been gritted

• Allow cyclists and motorcyclists extra room to avoid drains/manholes

For weather updates, visit the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk

For updates on road closures, visit the Traffic Wales website: https://traffic.wales/

Here’s a list of useful contact numbers to keep handy:

• Power cuts or damaged lines: 105

• Openreach Damage Reports: 0800 023 2023

• Carmarthenshire County Council: 01267 234567

• Pembrokeshire County Council: 01437 764551

• Traffic Wales: 0300 123 1213