Drivers are being urged to leave more time for journeys and to check their vehicles are equipped for the weather as more snow is expected in Kent later.

National Highways, the RAC and Network Rail are among those warning commuters to be prepared for treacherous conditions as the Met Office forecasts more snow for parts of England throughout Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

From checking that tyres are properly inflated to ensuring that vehicles have enough oil, coolant and screen wash, motoring experts say there are checks drivers must do before pulling away.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "With a sudden switch to considerably colder conditions, the potential for vehicle breakdowns increases significantly. If a car struggles to start, the battery either needs charging – by taking it for at least a 30-minute drive – or is a sign it’s about to fail and will need replacing. It’s vital tyres have plenty of tread as good grip is essential in cold conditions. Any tyres that are well-worn and approaching the legal tread limit should be changed as a matter of urgency.

"Drivers should also ensure their tyres are free of damage and are inflated to the correct pressures. We also strongly recommend drivers check their cars’ oil and coolant levels and top up if necessary."

A 'significant second wave' of snow, says National Highways, could fall throughout Wednesday evening, that risks colliding with rush hour traffic.

The forecast has also prompted Network Rail to ask commuters to consider travelling home 'earlier than usual' as it warns of the potential for further disruption to train services later this afternoon if the weather worsens.

While the snow will gradually ease after midnight, a cold night with some icy stretches could also lead to some additional problems on the roads on Thursday morning, predicts National Highways.

With further disruption expected, motoring experts at National Highways, the RAC and AA have the following advice:

1. Plan your route in advance

Plan ahead is the advice from National Highways which is warning of the potential for considerable disruption to routes over the next 24 hours.

With more snow forecast for southern and eastern areas, drivers are advised to check for possible delays on the roads they need to travel on before setting off, and if possible, consider delaying their journey until the weather and conditions on the roads improve.

2. Drive in a low gear

Pulling away in first gear may considerably increase your risk of spinning and skidding.

The AA recommends pulling away in second gear and easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid any wheel-spin. You can change up into the higher gears as soon as the car is moving. If your car does start to skid avoid jerking the wheel or hitting the brakes too hard as this risks spinning a vehicle even further out of control.

4. Driving up and downhill

Keeping to a constant speed will avoid you needing to change between the gears while moving up and down hill says the AA. If travelling on a steep road, leave plenty of room between other cars and ensure that it's clear before going to lessen the risk of having to stop half way up on a surface that could be icy. It is worth noting that stopping distances can be 10 times greater in snowy and icy conditions.

When driving downhill, use a low gear, try to avoid any harsh braking and leave as much space as possible between your car and the one in front.

5. If you get stuck

Warm clothes, a torch, blanket, food and drink and a shovel are among the items drivers should be carrying in their car when the weather is bad. A high-vis jacket and a reflective triangle that could be used in the event of a breakdown or needing to leave the vehicle are also advised.

If a motorists finds they are getting stuck, the AA advice is to straighten the steering before switching off the vehicle and trying to clear the car from the wheels. Putting a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip, can also help suggests the breakdown organisation on its website.