It’s that time of year again to make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter. There are quite a few ways you should go about this, including making sure your battery is in good shape, checking and replacing your windshield wipers, and perhaps adding antifreeze to your washer fluid. This is also the time to start thinking about when to put winter tires on your vehicle and ensure your lights are all working and in good shape.
Being ready for winter also means having the right equipment and supplies in case we get stuck in the snow. This can mean the difference between life and death in a worst-case scenario, so let’s ensure you have everything you need before the snow and ice settle in for a long winter’s nap.
General Emergency Kit Items
Many of these items are good to keep in your car year-round, regardless of the season. We’ll go over these items first so you can prepare immediately.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is arguably the most important item to have in your vehicle. It should be prepared and well-stocked, including bandages, painkillers, antiseptic ointment, and more. It should also include a small supply of any prescription drugs you or your family members need in case you get stranded somewhere for a couple of days. If you haven’t checked your first aid kit, do it now and make sure everything is stocked properly.
Toolbox
A small toolbox with basic supplies that you should always have in your vehicle is almost as important as a first aid kit. This includes things like screwdrivers, a socket set, and similar items to do basic work on your vehicle if needed. You should also have a spare tire and tools to change a flat tire. Having these on board is good, even if you are not mechanically inclined. You never know if a good samaritan might stop to help and be able to make repairs on the side of the road if only they had the right tools. I also like having a seatbelt cutter and a glass-breaker tool within reach of the driver’s seat.
Tow Strap or Rope
If you get stuck somewhere, you might need to get a friend or friendly passer-by to pull your vehicle out of a mess. That’s when it helps to have your own tow straps or rope for just such an occasion. Your friends will be much happier helping you if you already have some supplies and they don’t need to worry about it.
Jumper Cables or Booster Pack
It’s also a good idea to have jumper cables in your vehicle in case you suddenly find yourself with a dead battery. Whether you’re in need or someone else is, you can be the hero with the right equipment. An alternative to jumper cables is a standalone booster pack, which can jump-start an engine by itself without being connected to another vehicle. These have become quite affordable, and enable you to rescue yourself if you need to.
Reflective Triangles or Flares
It’s a good idea to have some emergency reflective triangles to put out on the road as a way to let others know you’re there. When visibility is poor, it can be difficult for other drivers to see you and emergency workers to find vehicles that are stranded, so anything to help out is a great idea. Flares also work well, but they’ll eventually burn out, so the triangles can be a better choice, especially in areas prone to wildfires. Just be very careful getting out of your vehicle to set them up, and beware of traffic around you.
Water Bottles
If you get stranded somewhere, a lack of water is much more dangerous than not having food. This is particularly important in hot weather, but even in the cold, you might end up sweating more if you crank the heat. In a pinch, ordinary water can be used to refill a leaking radiator if the engine is overheating, but this should only be considered a temporary fix until a proper repair can be made and the system refilled with proper coolant. A flat case of water bottles from a wholesale store is perfect for this.
Non-Perishable Snacks
Along with your water bottles, you’ll also want to have a small supply of food just in case you find yourself in a bad situation. Make sure you go with non-perishable items so you don’t have to worry about them staying refrigerated. Things like nuts (as long as no one in your family is allergic), energy bars, and similar items are perfect for this. If you go with anything canned, then make sure you remember to pack a manual can opener, though I’d skip canned goods.
Flashlight, Phone Charger, Etc.
Having a few basic electronics, including a flashlight and a hand-crank radio, is also a good idea. A weather radio that lets you check on weather conditions is a great choice. You should also have a phone charger in your vehicle. If it’s been a while since you thought about this, make sure the charger you already have works with your current phone.
Winter Emergency Kit Items
Some items that you should pack in your emergency kit are specific to cold winter conditions. These are safe to remove from your vehicle during the summer, but there is no harm in leaving these in year round.
Blankets and Warm Clothing
Few things are as vital as having some warm blankets and a change of clothes. If you get stranded somewhere with your vehicle stuck in snow, cold is the enemy. Make sure you have some clean, dry socks, shirts, pants, and gloves to put on. It’s easy for these to get wet if you make a failed attempt to free your vehicle, and sitting in wet clothes could lead to hypothermia. You should also have some good blankets just in case, plus a sweater or two. Even an extra jacket and pair of shoes that live in your car is always a good idea.
Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
I shouldn’t have to say this, but judging by how many people I see driving around in winter with snow piled on the hood of their cars, it seems I need to. Get a snow brush and ice scraper tool, keep it in your vehicle, and use it. Don’t leave a bunch of ice on your windshield or snow on your roof or hood. Clear your vehicle off completely before you hit the road. It’s not only a good idea, it’s also the law in some places.
Collapsible Shovel
A small, collapsible shovel is a great tool to have in your vehicle, particularly in winter, though it works well throughout the year. You can use this to clear snow and slush from around your tires, which is perfect if you get off work or out of class to find that your vehicle has been snowed in. You could use your hands to clear snow from around your wheels, but you’ll thank me when you can still feel your fingers as you hit the road after shoveling yourself out.
Kitty Litter, Sand, Ice-Melt, or Salt
If you find yourself stuck in the snow, you’ll be very happy to have these items, since they can be the key to getting unstuck. Once you clear away snow and slush, you can sprinkle kitty litter, sand, ice-melt, or salt in front of and behind your tires to get some traction. This is extra helpful if there’s ice on the ground that’s keeping you from moving. Personally, I go for ice-melt or salt, since it will both provide traction and clear away ice.
Traction Mats
To take your “getting unstuck” game to the next level, consider picking up some traction mats from an auto supply store or online retailer. These mats have cleats that dig down into snow or ice and give your tires traction, providing you with better performance than old-fashioned kitty litter or sand. They’re not perfect, but they can work well and are worth considering if you find yourself needing to fight your way out of slush and ice often.
Are You Ready for Winter?
This might seem like a lot of things to keep track of, but the good news is that most of this stuff can get tossed in your vehicle, and you don’t have to worry about it again. Be sure to check your first aid kit, water, and food supplies occasionally. Clothes, ice scrapers, and traction mats don’t expire or go bad. Ultimately, it’s far better to spend a couple of hours going over these things and restocking your vehicle than wishing you had some dry socks while losing feeling in your toes.
I also want to point out that if you are driving somewhere in bad weather, let people know where you’re going and what route you’re taking so that they know where to look for you if you do get stranded. If you find yourself stuck, stay with your vehicle. Don’t get out and go wandering for help. There’s a good chance someone will find your car and try to help you. If you’re not there, out lost in freezing conditions instead, you could be in real trouble. Stay safe out there.