Councils in Conwy and Denbighshire are preparing their gritting fleets for the colder months, as motorists are urged to check their vehicles and take extra care on the roads as winter approaches.

Denbighshire County Council’s gritters will be out on Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16, carrying out trial runs across the north and south of the county.

Drivers will follow their usual gritting routes to check that vehicles and equipment are ready for the winter maintenance season. Feedback from the crews will help inform the council’s preparations for the months ahead.

Denbighshire’s road network ranges from narrow rural lanes serving isolated properties to major regional routes, including the A55, as well as the highest A-class road in Wales. The variety of roads presents different challenges when temperatures fall and conditions deteriorate.

Conwy County Borough Council is also preparing its winter maintenance operation, with gritting equipment, driver training and route familiarisation helping crews get ready for frost, ice and snow.

The councils’ preparations come as drivers across North Wales are being reminded to make sure their vehicles are ready for colder, wetter and darker conditions.

Car batteries can struggle in low temperatures, so motorists should get them checked if their vehicle has been slow to start. Tyres should be inspected for wear, damage and correct pressure, while oil, coolant and screenwash levels should be checked. Windscreen wipers, brakes, headlights and indicators should also be in good working order.

The clocks go back one hour on Sunday, October 25, bringing darker evenings. Drivers should make sure their lights are clean and working, keep windscreens and mirrors clear, and look out for pedestrians and cyclists who may be harder to see.

Wet roads, fallen leaves and standing water can increase the risk of skidding and aquaplaning. Drivers should reduce their speed, leave extra space between vehicles and allow more time to stop, particularly on rural roads and exposed routes.

Motorists planning journeys during freezing weather should check forecasts and road conditions before setting off and consider postponing non-essential travel during severe ice or snow. Keeping a phone charger, torch, warm clothing, de-icer and an ice scraper in the car can also help if a journey is delayed or a vehicle breaks down.

Although gritting helps keep priority routes safe, it cannot guarantee every road will be free from ice, particularly during prolonged freezing conditions. Drivers are being urged to prepare early and adjust their driving to the conditions rather than wait for the first spell of severe winter weather.