If you’ve ever experienced a road emergency, you know how important it is to be prepared. There’s nothing more inconvenient than being stuck on a highway without basic necessities, especially during the winter. Make sure you have all your tools in your car at all times, even for a simple drive to the grocery store.
Winter weather is unpredictable, so it’s essential to carry all the essentials in case of an emergency. Here are some essential winter emergency gear to keep in your car.
Car Maintenance
Jumper Cables
You should always carry jumper cables all year round, but it’s particularly important during the winter months. It gets cold during the winter, meaning your car may need an extra boost. In the case of a dead battery, jumper cables can give you temporary support until you reach the nearest stop.
It’s also relatively easy to maneuver jumper cables on your own. Even so, make sure you look up a few YouTube tutorials before handling the cables.
Gas Canister
Carrying an empty gas canister allows you to fill up your tank if you run empty. Bring it to your nearest gas station by public transport or walking. Try to purchase a gas can that can get up to at least two gallons.
This will give you enough gas to drive to the nearest station and completely fill your tank. Many people test their luck on gas, so it’s essential to have a gas canister available if you overestimate the amount of fuel in your tank.
A Well-Conditioned Spare Tire
When driving in icy and slippery conditions, it’s vital to have reliable tires. Tires are usually designed to be durable and resilient. Even so, accidents happen, and you may have a flat tire before you even realize it. You may have a spare tire, but it may be a remnant of a previous accident.
The moment that you experience a damaged or flat tire, replace it with a fresh, well-maintained spare. Try to have your tires replaced before winter to prevent balding or damage.
WD-40 and Duct Tape
Sometimes, WD-40 and duct tape can be enough to get you through a crisis. These simple maintenance tools may not be fancy, but they’ll get the job done. If something breaks, falls off or stiffens, they can provide a temporary solution.
You should always get your car repaired once you reach your nearest mechanic shop. But, if it’s something that can be secured with duct tape until you can get it professionally repaired, that’s what’s most important.
Tire Replacement Kit
Thankfully, replacing a spare tire is a straightforward mechanical skill. Consider purchasing a replacement kit that includes a tire jack, iron, inflater, sealer, and pressure gauge.
Take some time to look up YouTube tutorials, so you’re ready when the time comes. In the meantime, being prepared with these tools will help you feel secure when or if something goes wrong with your tires.
Basic Tool Kit
You don’t need to be a mechanic to repair basic car issues. A spare tire is different from a damaged engine. An issue unrelated to the car may require a basic toolkit, especially when embarking on road trips.
A good, essential toolkit should include a wrench, screwdriver, and sockets. When it comes to roadside safety, you never know when a good toolkit will come in handy.
Safety Supplies
First Aid Kit
Emergencies can happen when you least expect it, so a first aid kit is required. If you don’t get anything else for your car, at least buy a first aid kit. Choose the type of first aid kit based on your car and personal preferences.
A small, compact first aid kit can be great for minor emergencies and small families. A larger, more complex first aid kit may be necessary for larger families or people who use their cars for road trips.
Multi-Tool
You never know when a multi-tool may come in handy. If you get into an accident or need to endure the elements, it can be a vital survival tool.
They can even be used to make food if it’s required. Make sure that it has all the necessary materials that you need. An average multi-tool should include a knife, scissors, and essential tools found in a kit.
Flashlight
You should keep a flashlight in your car all year round, but it can be beneficial during the winter. When the days are shorter, and there isn’t as much daylight, the sun can set as early as 5 p.m. While you can use a flashlight on your phone, that can drain its battery very quickly.
If you happen to get stranded in an isolated area, there may not be enough light to investigate the problem. Use a reliable, regular flashlight and use your phone for emergency calls.
Hand Warmers, Blankets, and Extra Layers
It’s important to be completely prepared for winter weather. If you get stranded without power in your vehicle, you’ll be forced to withstand the cold until help arrives. Equip your car with extra hand warmers, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets.
It’s a good idea to set aside additional layers specifically for your vehicle. Even if you’re wearing a full layer of winter clothing, that may not be enough during a windy winter evening.
Map
We’re not talking about the GPS on your phone. We’re referring to an old-fashioned, reliable paper map. Have you ever noticed that your phone will lose signal when it’s least convenient?
You should always have an updated map available in your car for this exact reason. If your phone dies or you lose signal, you won’t use your GPS. During an emergency, it’s best to use reliable forms of navigation.
Snacks and Water Bottles
In the middle of an emergency, you may not have immediate access to food and water. Since these are required for survival, it’s always a good idea to keep a few ingestible goods in the car.
Take out bottled water when you’re home and keep it in the warm areas of the car when you’re on the road. While you may not feel like it’s necessary, having a few extra snacks and bottles of water could potentially save someone’s life.
Matches or Flint
While we hope you never have to get here, having matches in the car may save you during a dire situation. This should only be used for major emergencies that require you to survive a night or two in the cold.
Even so, having the ability to make a small fire may be enough to keep you warm during a severe emergency. Matches can also be used as a light source if your flashlight goes out.
Convenience
Shovel
Shovels are always convenient, especially during the winter. If you live in an area that tends to get a lot of snow, a shovel may be vital. Purchase a collapsible shovel that’s designed to be stored in a car.
This can help you dig out your vehicle after a snowstorm or from a snowy road. Not only is it convenient, but it also increases car safety. When it comes to winter weather, it’s always good to prepare for the unexpected.
Snow Brush and Ice Scraper
Have you ever woken up for work only to find your car engulfed in snow and ice? It’s never a convenient situation, especially if you don’t have the tools to remove it.
Thankfully, a snow brush and ice scraper can do the job for you. It’s even better if you order a device that conjoins them together. These are often easy to store and convenient for any blizzard that comes your way.
Extra Writing Utensils
There have probably been many times when you’ve had to search your car for something to write with, especially when it’s least convenient. Always remember to leave a few extra pens or pencils within reach.
They don’t have to be fancy, they just need to work enough to get a few signatures or sentences down. If you ever need to fill out a last-minute card or drive through a bank, having a writing utensil can be handy.
Masks and Hand Sanitizer
Wintertime means increased flu cases and infectious diseases. On top of that, we’re still living through a global pandemic. Every location has different mask regulations and COVID-19 protocol, so it must be prepared.
At this point, we’ve all experienced a moment of forgetfulness when it comes to our masks. With that in mind, it’s best to have some extras in your car. Always leave at least one extra mask in your vehicle for you or someone else that needs it.
Spare Clothing
With every changing season, switch out your clothes to have something to change into. It may seem gratuitous, but it can be convenient during an emergency. For example, you have to stay at a hotel during a blizzard.
Having an extra change of clothes can feel refreshing, especially after a long day dealing with a stressful situation. During the winter, have a spare outfit ready in the car if you ever get stranded in an unfamiliar area.
USB Cell Phone Charger
Most modern cars have phone USB slots, but older models may not have this feature. If that’s the case, it may be a good idea to purchase one and place it in your car.
If it already includes slots to charge your phone, buy a portable charger. An extra charger could be vital if there’s still power in your car. It also helps for long road trips if you rely on your phone’s GPS for navigation.
You can keep your family healthy throughout the winter season with these simple tips
