Motorists in wintry conditions are being advised to let air out of their tyres to increase traction, according to motoring experts from Select Car Leasing.

With snow and ice in many parts of the UK this week, some vehicles have been stranded.

Select Car Leasing's Graham Conway has suggested that deflating tyres to increase the rubber contact with the road could be a potential solution.

He warned though, this technique should be reserved for emergencies.

Mr Conway said: "This sounds like something that wouldn’t actually work in reality, but letting the air out of your tyres can be a crucial piece of advice for any motorists who find themselves stranded in snow and in real danger of harm."

He recalled an instance of a motorist resorting to this method to escape a snowbound valley during a Christmas holiday, and warned the importance of restoring the correct pressure once safe, as prolonged driving under-inflated could be dangerous.

He further suggested a method for breaking free from snow using car interiors.

"If your wheels are just spinning, try using your car mats to 'dig' out.

"Jam them, rubber side up, in front of the driving wheels, but stand well back in case they are ejected when the tyres make contact," advised Conway.