If you live or are traveling in a place where winter weather could turn icy, snowy, or just plain cold, you need to prepare for winter driving risks. Whether you are going across the country or across the town, having a well-stocked winter emergency kit could save you from a roadside issue. If your vehicle breaks down or you become stranded in a snow drift, you need to be prepared to get help sand stay safe until that roadside help arrives.
You can buy pre-made emergency kits or you could review our vehicle emergency kit list and go to your local grocery, hardware, or big-box store to pick the car essentials to meet your requirements. So, what are some items to add in your emergency car kit?
Car emergency kit items for winter road trips
For long-distance road travel in the winter and fall months, consider adding these extra items to your roadside safety kit. Drivers will find them mainly helpful in dealing with vehicle emergencies during road trips through the dark and cold.
Windshield scrapper
Best visibility is your most vital safety item, but president ice and snow can build up immediately and make it difficult to view. A soft-bristled, long-handled brush can also come in handy. Be sure to perform the heavy clearing with a tool, rather than the windshield wipers.
Chemical hand warmer
These little, affordable packets are accessible at ski shops and sporting-goods stores.
Water and nonperishable emergency food
Bring sufficient food and water to sustain you and any passengers for at least meal โ longer for remote areas or in high cold regions.
Tire chain and tow strap
Familiarize yourself with how to put chains on your carโs tires or attach a tow strap before you need to perform it in cold and possibly dark situations.
Blanket, extra layer, winter hat
If you run out of fuel or if your battery lost, the vehicle would not be capable to provide heat. An extra layer, blanket and hat can help keep you hot if you have to wait for a long time in chill conditions.
Little folding shovel
If you get stuck in snow, this can be an important tool. A folding camping-style shovel will need more digging effort than a longer-handed shovel, but it is more perfect to store in the vehicle.
Bag of cat litter
Spreading the littler around your tires might give extra grip to help you get unstuck from slippery embankments. Plus the included weight in the trunk might provide a bit more traction with a rear-drive vehicle.
Essential items to add in an emergency kit
First aid kit
You never know what the winter weather is going to throw at you; it is the top to be prepared for all eventualities. Always stock a big range of different first aid kits to keep you happy and safe, so be sure to keep one handy for any winter adventures.
That being said, it is still a best idea to have a first aid kit in your vehicle at all times of the year.
Flashlight
Be sure to pack a powerful torch like Arkfeld Pro flat EDC flashlight for winter driving as the darker nights draw in. if you do end up stuck or stranded by the side of the road, you will at least be capable to take a look at the vehicle and your surrounding without having to rely on your vehicles interior light or your phone.
Spare car bulbs
You are likely to perform driving in the dark during the winter thanks to the little days, so it is even more vital to ensure that all your lights are working โ not only is it unsafe to have one out, it is also illegal. Keep some spares in the vehicle to ensure you can get home safely.
Jumper cable
The jumper cable is needed when the battery of a vehicle goes dead, or runs out of charge. This issue is more general than you think. Turning off the engine and continuing to use electrical equipment needs electricity from the battery. Some people overdo it, and end up exhausting the vehicles batteries.
Jumper cable is a best way to solve this problem, but you will need another vehicle with a fit battery to do a jumpstart. If the journey passes via a remote area, it is better to go equipped with an emergency battery booster.
Spare Tyreย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
One of the most vital components here, most of us thinks that the spare typre in the boot is in flawless and ready-to-use situation. But, that is forever the case. Over time, the spare typre kept in the boot loses air, resulting in lower tyre force. It is advisable to check the typre pressure before embarking on long trips.
A spare tyre is only thing that can help you, when you encounter a flat/puncture tyre on the road. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.
Typre jack
That spare typre is useless when you donโt have tyre jack to lift the vehicle up. A jack is a mechanical device designed to lift heavy roads. With a highest lifting capacity of three tonnes, it can simply lift your vehicle up so that you can get to working on the real issue, changing the punctured tyre.
Super charge your winter car emergency kit
If you live in a rural place or taking a longer tour, becoming stranded could be more of an issue. If help could be delayed or perhaps passing vehicles might not see if you were in issue, consider adding items to your emergency car kit to help people find you and keep you relax until they do.
- Emergency strobes and flares
- Tire chains and/or tow rope
- Basic tool kit to handle your own repairs
- Toilet paper
- Disposable hand warmers
Avoid emergencies with winter car maintenance
As winter approaches, take steps to keep your vehicle in a best working order. While it is remarkable to be prepared for a crisis, avoiding one all together is even better.
