A winter emergency kit is a must-have for any vehicle. It can save your life and your family’s lives in an emergency. Winter conditions can leave you stranded in bad weather. Having a well-stocked emergency kit could keep you safer until assistance comes to help. The best kits will include items to help you physically and repair your car mechanically. Here are what you need to get for the best kits.
Ice Scraper
You don’t need to be in the snow belt to know how ice and snow can impair your driving and the driving capabilities of those around you. Look for an ice scraper of good quality to get you on the road, as well as a snow brush. Snow brushes remove all snow from your car to not blow onto the car behind yours. Removing snow from your vehicle may not be illegal in your state, but it can seriously hurt your driving capabilities.
Portable Shovel
Sometimes in heavy snow, your tires can get stuck and spin out. Shovels are great for digging out your car’s tires from beneath the snow. They also clear space around your tailpipe to keep the inside of your car safe from fumes. Portable shovels are great, but make sure they are of good quality, especially foldable. Foldable shovels are easily stowed away in your car but may not be of the best quality. You know your climate the best, so judge which you can evaluate which shovel is best for you. Kitty litter or sand are also suitable for your car if you need to give yourself some traction.
Flat Tire Repair Materials
Tires often can go flat in winter due to the change in air pressure. Keep materials to repair your tires handy if you have that problem on the road. These could include tire sealant that will temporarily fix a tread puncture or even a spare tire to restore more extreme tire injuries. The number for roadside assistance is best to have on hand if you need a tow.
Battery Booster Cables
These are great to have in your car year-round. Dead batteries are a pain to deal with, and whether it’s your batteries or someone else’s, these are great to have. You can also use a portable jump starter if you keep it charged on the road.
Cell Phone Charger
You can’t plan when your emergencies happen, but you can prepare for them. Stow a phone charger to give yourself a chance to call for help.
Basic First Aid Kit
It is a good idea to grab a kit with all of the essentials—bandages for minor cuts and even gauze for more substantial injuries. Then, add items you need for your health and consider how freezing temperatures may affect your medicine.
Flashlight with Batteries
Daylight is shorter in the winter, and using a flashlight can save you during a nighttime emergency. Pack additional backup batteries in case you need them.
Water and Snacks
These are great if you are stranded for a more extended amount of time. Water less than six months old is safe to keep in the car. Long-lasting food makes excellent snacks for the road. Try granola and protein bars for a lasting fill.
Are you looking for a pre-made kit you can buy? Check out some of these Safety Kits Plus recommended options.