The Mail Online has reported that Britain could be on course for the coldest February in 24 years. With freezing temperatures and forecasts of more snow, rush hour chaos could be a real problem for motorists this month. The freezing conditions will continue over the weekend with some areas experiencing overnight lows of -6 degrees with more snow to follow.

The wintery conditions have taken their toll on the emergency services during the heaviest snow falls, meaning getting to and from the hospital can be a real problem. Back in January, 4×4 vehicles showed their off-roading abilities, helping numerous people get to where they needed to get. Shaun Looker from Cheadle, Staffordshire is a paramedic with the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and is so convinced of the importance of 4×4 vehicles, that in a story reported on BBC News he has been quoted as saying weve been using these vehicles to help any ambulances that have got stuck in snow or ice, and even helping patients get to hospital and back if necessary.

Many people will have experienced the dreaded rush hour this morning as the snow hit yesterday afternoon creating a white wintery blanket, disguising the dangers lurking below. Even airports have been affected due to the heavy snowfall, with Birmingham Airport amongst those that experienced delays and cancellations.

In 2009, 4x4s were criticized for being Chelsea Tractors and had a lot of bad press, but with the snowy conditions sweeping through the UK, the reputation of 4x4s is becoming a more heroic one. This shift has caused sales figures to soar and has moved 4-wheel vehicles back into the publics favour.

It seems as though motorists are becoming fed up with the hassle their conventional cars are causing them and are choosing a 4×4 that’s able to handle all the snow has to offer, reports ezinearticles.com.

If you're like the majority of 4x4 Drivers, you won't be able to change the diff oil until you get home, because you won't have spare oil and a sump pump to change it. If you suspect contaminated oil (a deep water crossing without extended diff breathers or perhaps you have leaking diff seals) then you can try and remove the water by draining the diff until only oil comes out the drain hole. Do not drain too much and leave your diff short of lubrication. Collect this oil and water emulsion as you should never dispose of oil into the environment. Save it till you get back home and dispose of it properly. Its not only diffs that can have water contamination, but also your gearbox, transfer case and engine oil. However, it is usually only when a vehicle is stationary in deep water that these components are contaminated.