10 Essentials You Should have in Your Vehicle During the Winter Driving Season

Posted: February 19, 2021 11:30 am

Although many people are smart about stocking their homes with the necessary items to ride out a weather emergency, not everyone thinks about what they need to keep in their vehicles during the winter season. With a slew of winter storms affecting the majority of the nation in recent weeks, many people are evaluating what they need to keep in their vehicle in order to prepare for an emergency. Here are 10 of the most important essentials to keep in your vehicle when you head out during the winter.

Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: You should never leave home without a sturdy ice scraper in your vehicle during the winter months. You never know when winter weather will strike and you do not want to come out to your car and be left without a way to remove snow and ice from your windshield and windows. Along with an ice scraper, you also need a snow brush to remove all of that white fluffy accumulation before you take off.

Shovel: A shovel can bail you out in a variety of road emergencies. Use this piece of equipment to dig out of fresh snow or mud so that you can improve the traction of your tires. There are a variety of compact and foldable shovels that will fit nicely into your truck so that you are not hauling around a full-size shovel.

Blanket and Warm Clothes: A blanket is another essential item to keep in your truck during the winter season. This will help to keep you warm in the event that you become stranded because of poor road conditions. A warm blanket offers good protection in case your vehicle will not start and you need heat until help arrives. In addition, consider keeping an extra pair of gloves, thick socks, and a winter hat in the vehicle. A pocket-sized heat reflective blanket is also a great investment of your money and trunk space.

Sand or Kitty Litter: Road safety experts also recommend keeping a bag of sand of kitty litter in your vehicle when traveling in inclement conditions. If you get stuck in the snow, you can spread the litter or sand to support your tires gaining traction. Simply spread the material near the tires and through your intended path so that you can get the traction that you need to move forward without slipping.

Jumper Cables: Regardless of the season, it is a good idea to always keep a pair of jumper cables in your vehicle. If you have your own cables, you will not be at the mercy of finding someone who has them in order to find a jump. It is never fun to have to wait for a jump when the temperatures are plummeting and you are trying to keep warm.

Cell Phone Charger: Just because your phone is fully charged when you leave the house, it does not mean that you will need more juice should an emergency happen. Being stranded without communication is one of the worst feelings. Protect yourself against this happening by keeping a charger in your vehicle at all times, increasing the odds that you are able to summon help.

Extra Vehicle Fluids: You also need to keep extra vehicle fluids on hand when the temperature starts to dip. Some of the most useful essentials are windshield wiper fluid and anti-freeze. Other good ideas include brake fluid and an extra can of motor oil. Sometimes all that you may need to fix a minor issue is to top off your fluid levels.

First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is an essential item to keep in your vehicle at all times. However, it is particularly important during the winter when emergency response times may be slower because of poor road conditions. A first aid kit may be invaluable as you wait for assistance. Good items to stock your kit with include antibiotic ointment, scissors, gauze, adhesive tape, and medications.

Non-perishable Food and Bottled Water: Always be sure to keep a small stash of non-perishable food and bottled water in your car for road emergencies. Granola bars, beef jerky, fruit leather, and nuts make good options.

Flashlight: Throwing a flashlight into your glove compartment for use at any time of the year is a good move. If your vehicle stalls and you are stranded in the dark, you are going to want a flashlight to light your way if you have to walk for help. You can also use this light to make you more visible to others on the road.

This list is a good start as you look to brave the winter roads.

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