11 Most Essential Things to Keep in Your Car During Winter
No matter how many precautions you take, you could still face a winter weather car emergency. Getting stranded or stuck in the icy weather is no picnic, but if you have the best winter car emergency kit, you can be up and running in no time.
Some basic checks before you start traveling during wintertime include making sure that your wiper blades are in good condition. You also might want to get snow tires, especially if you face harsh winters. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to keep a half-full tank of gas in your car during winter months – you don’t want to have to go for a gas station run in the pervasive chill!
We found the most useful items to keep in your car during winter. Go ahead and pop these in your trunk and you will be glad you planned ahead.
Sturdy Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
During winter, ice flurries can quickly grow to inches of snow on your windshield. One of the most crucial things to keep in your car during winter is a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush. Use this to rid your car of snow and ice so your view of the road is unobstructed. Grab the RevHeads compact ice scraper for cars and small trucks or the Hopkin’s SubZero long-handle telescoping ice scraper for larger cars.
Snow Shovel
A shovel in your trunk will come in handy if you get stuck in mud or snow. Also, if you have to clear a path to drive or when your tire is spinning, you can use your shovel to pack in snow or dirt for that extra grip. Buy a small or collapsible shovel to keep in your trunk.
Cell Phone Charger
Your phone becomes doubly vital when you are stuck in the snow. You may have to call any number of people for help – friends, family, or emergency rescue services. So, if you have your phone charger or power bank, you won’t have to worry about running out of charge.
Blankets & Extra Cold-Weather Clothes
Your winter car safety checklist is incomplete without a set of warm winterwear. You may have to step outside your car when dealing with an emergency, and you want to keep your body warm. Winter gloves, a hat, and a warm blanket will keep you toasty and let you focus on the problem at hand.
Emergency Flashlight
Winter darkness sets in early, so it’s a good idea to have your emergency flashlight for car ready at all times. You will need it to light up your environs. Plus, if your lights fail while driving in snow, this LED flashlight will help you navigate the road – while also announcing your presence to other motorists.
First Aid Kit
It is recommended that you keep one of these in your car at all times, not just during winter. In case of an injury, you want to be able to start first aid as you wait for emergency response- which might also be slower than usual.
Choosing First Aid kits for winter weather will depend on whether you want basic kind or a 299+ piece premium first aid emergency kit. Either way, be ready to handle common minor injuries or medical emergencies.
Jump Starter
The pervasive winter’s chill can wreak havoc on your car battery. If your car stalls, your jump starter will boost your battery without needing another car for a jump. Plus, the best portable jump starters come with useful emergency built-in tools, such as ports and adaptors to charge your phone or power your 12V tire compressor. You may opt for a heavy-duty jump starter like the STANLEY JUMPiT for large engines.
Emergency Flares & Warning Triangle Reflectors
Wintertime can be quite foggy even in the daytime, so visible road signs are one of the most important things to keep in your car during winter. If you are involved in a winter weather auto accident, you want to make sure that your vehicle is easily seen by other motorists and any rescue or emergency personnel.
We found this great winter car emergency kit pack that includes a waterproof magnetic LED road flare, keychain screwdriver tool, and a glass window breaker and seat belt cutter escape tool. Add this reflective warning triangle and you are well prepared for winter emergencies.
Rock Salt, Sand, Or Kitty Litter
These come in handy when your tires get stuck in snow or slush. Pouring the course material around your tires will provide your tires with the traction to get your car out. Plus, the extra weight in your trunk will give your more grip or traction on slippery roads.
Some situations may require an ice or snow melter like this 25lb Snow EB Melt de-icer or the smaller Harris ice melter (15lbs).
Car Towing Straps And Hooks
The best winter car emergency kit must have a heavy duty tow strap for towing vehicles in roadside mishaps.
We found a great bright yellow tow strap that is strong yet flexible. Unlike tow chains, the Neiko strap with safety hooks is made of premium polyester material and will not damage your car.
Windshield De-Icer
When preparing your car for cold weather driving, be sure to toss in a can of windshield ice-melter. A clear windshield improves visibility in a winter storm.
Simply spray the formula on your frosted windshield, window, or mirror. Then watch the ice crack and fall away. Look out for defrosters with an anti-freeze component to prevent them from freezing too.
Final thoughts
Winter car preparation is essential if you want to travel during the winter season. What to keep in your car for winter emergencies will depend on the severity of the weather and the length of your travels. However, you must stock up on these must have winter car accessories in case you get into a crash, a break down, or get stuck in the snow.
