You’ve probably seen the scare stories already. Arctic blasts on the way. Three months of snow. Colder than Siberia. Storms. Floods. Freezing rain. Fire and brimstone. We’re doomed.

Each winter, Britain wrings its hands in despair at what the weather might bring. Every few years, we do actually get some snow – and the nation’s drivers are reduced to gibbering wrecks.

It needn’t be like that. Look after your car, and be prepared, and there’s no reason to fear winter weather. Here’s how it’s done…

• Keep it reliable: If you think anything on your car will soon need seeing to, get it done. Check everything, from your wipers and heated rear window to your antifreeze and battery. If you’re coming up for a service, why wait until after the time of year that’s toughest on your car?

• See and be seen: Make sure your light lenses are clear. Upgrading to more powerful bulbs might not hurt, if compatible ones are available for your car. Keep your screenwash topped up – and carry some spare, as well as a can of de-icer. Some cloths for clearing your mirrors and windows will save you setting off in the morning with a wet sleeve, too.

• Stay safe: Make sure your brakes are in tip-top condition. The same goes for your tyres – if they’re getting worn, now is the time to renew them. Some budget brands provide a lot less grip than quality tyres, too – is that what you want to rely on in treacherous conditions?

• Maximise traction: When the temperature falls below 7°C, your car will grip (and stop) better on winter tyres. Fact. They’re expensive, but the transformation is hard to believe until you’ve experienced it. It’s also worth thinking about snow chains – or if that’s a bit OTT, disposable snow socks. Either will give you traction where you had none, though you do need to remove them once you get off the white stuff.

• Go prepared: Very few UK drivers ever get stuck in their cars. But plenty get stuck in traffic jams because someone else wasn’t as winter-savvy as them. Either way, it’s worth keeping a basic survival kit in your car, especially if you’re travelling in areas that are more remote or prone to ice and snow. Jump leads, a tow rope, a hi-vis jacket, some food and water, a snow shovel and a phone charger will get you a long way. Even carrying an old carpet to use as a traction aid might make the difference.

• Look after your car: Winter prep isn’t just about not getting stuck. There’s a lot of salt about, so if your car has any chips or scratches you should treat them before it can find its way through. For the same reason, if possible give it a regular hose-down underneath – bearing in mind that the water from a jet lance comes out under enough pressure to force its way past some of the seals used in the automotive industry.

• Finally, drive as if you’re on ice. Oh, you are. Go as slowly as you need to, and stay much further back from the car in front (your stopping distance on snow or ice will be about 1000% longer than normal). Be gentle in everything you do – feather feet on the throttle and brake, and smooth as possible with the wheel. If your wheels lock under braking, lift immediately then try again more gently. Use higher gears to avoid wheelspin, and use whatever assistance mode your car might have – but don’t assume that traction control will actually be giving you more traction. If possible, try only to accelerate and brake while your front wheels are pointing straight forward. On hills, ou’ll need enough momentum to get up but not so much that you’ll run out of control at the top. And remember, the way to deal with a skid is to turn into it… sorry, no, the way to deal with a skid is to be going slowly enough that it doesn’t happen in the first place.