With what seems to be a very snowy season this year, I thought it was important to share the 14 essential items to keep in your car this winter. These items are meant to help you in case you get stuck in the snow, are involved in some type of collision, or if there is some issue with your vehicle.
A couple posts ago, I informed everyone that I’ve been a cop for a few years now. I’m retiring as a Police Officer this Thursday and moving to my wife’s home state in May or June of this year.
With that being said, I’ve worked A LOT of traffic accidents, so I’ve got some experience from a first responder’s perspective when it comes to collisions and car troubles, especially in the winter.
If you live in a rural area, it can take an extremely long time for first responders to arrive at your location if you are stuck in the snow or have been involved in a traffic accident. Add in inclement weather, other accidents being tended to, or the inability to access your location safely, and the risk of being stranded out in the cold for an extended period of time is high.
My goal with this list of essential items to keep in your car this winter is to equip you with knowledge on how to prepare for wintery conditions while driving if you get stuck and need help.
This list is especially important if you have children, as it’s crucial to keep them warm, safe and as comfortable as possible until help arrives, or until you can fix the problem yourself.
Note: You can toss everything into an old duffle bag and throw it into your trunk (hatch), so everything stays together and remains organized. If you’ve got a truck, put it in your toolbox or underneath your seats.
14 Essential Items to Keep in Your Car this Winter
1. Ice Scraper with Brush
This is arguably one of the most important items you can have in your car for the winter. A clear windshield, rear window, side windows, and mirrors will ensure proper visibility, so you can avoid hazards and slow down if necessary.
Be sure to clear headlights and taillights, so other motorists can see your vehicle as clearly as possible, and so you can see adequately at night.
Spend the few extra dollars and invest in a quality scraper with brush. It will make clearing snow and ice faster and easier.
2. Salt, Kitty Litter or Sand
Last week, I ran into a situation where a woman was driving a rear wheel drive Mustang on a brick road covered in two inches of ice. She wasn’t able to get any traction and was spinning in place, even with the help of a neighbor trying to push the vehicle from behind.
Luckily, I had rock salt and kitty litter in an old, large, Nalgene type water bottle in my patrol vehicle. I spread some of it in front and behind the rear wheels.
The coarse grittiness gave her enough traction to get going. She pulled back into her driveway and said she that wasn’t going to go to work. I agreed and said it was a good idea.
Salt, kitty litter, or sand may be all you need to become “unstuck” and be on your way. Otherwise, you may need to wait until a tow truck arrives to pull your vehicle out with a winch. This is not cheap and can sometimes run $125 for five minutes of work.
3. Collapsible Shovel
If you are in really deep, a good quality collapsible shovel can help you get unburied out of the snow.
Additionally, unburying your vehicle can help passing motorists or first responders spot your car if needed.
Invest in a good quality shovel, as you don’t want it to break while you are working, adding more stress to an already stressful situation.
4. Winter Apparel & Blanket
Chances are, you wouldn’t have planned on getting stuck or getting into a collision, so you likely won’t be properly dressed for handling an accident, standing on the side of the road or working to get your vehicle out of the snow for long periods of time.
It is good to keep an extra pair of thick gloves, warm winter hat, jacket, and thick blanket in your vehicle for times like these. You can always go to Goodwill or the Salvation Army for these items to save money.
Remember, there are times when leaving your car running may not be a good idea, especially if its buried in snow and the exhaust is covered. This can lead to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the cab.
5. Cell Phone Charger
Calling for help if needed is a necessity. You may also need to inform your boss or family what is going on.
A phone charger is critical in ensuring your communication won’t die when it’s needed most.
6. Jumper Cables or Battery Jump Starter
Vehicle batteries tend to “die” in the wintertime due to reduced cranking power and a thicker, colder oil consistency.
With jumper cables or a small, lithium ion jump starter, you can ensure that your vehicle will start if the battery is the problem.
7. Flashlight
The days get much shorter in the wintertime than they do in the summertime, so chances are you will be driving at night.
If something happens to your vehicle, having the ability to see is critical to fixing the problem.
8. Reflectors or Flares
The last thing you want is to be on the side of the road and get involved in a traffic accident because someone didn’t see your vehicle on the shoulder.
Reflectors or flares will alert other motorists of your location, hopefully giving them time to slow down and get over. Additionally, it will help first responders locate you if needed.
9. Tow Rope or Chain
As stated earlier, it can be a long time before a tow truck arrives at your location, especially in bad, wintery conditions. It’s also not cheap when a tow truck is called out to help you.
A tow rope or chain can allow someone else, like a family, friend, or good Samaritan to pull you out, saving time and money in the process.
10. Windshield Wiper Fluid
Salt and moisture can accrue onto a windshield fast, especially on the highway in the wintertime. Like a good ice scraper with brush, an adequate supply of windshield wiper fluid is a must for proper visibility.
11. Small First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit can buy time until help arrives. This extra time can be critical for you or someone else.
12. Candle in a Can with Matches
Surprisingly, a small candle inside any old metal can will give off enough heat to prevent hypothermia.
Make sure to pack matches and ensure you don’t tip the candle over. You don’t want to start a fire.
13. Fix-A-Flat
This is essential all year round, not just in the winter, as it can partially inflate and seal a small hole in a tire. This can allow you to get off the road and somewhere safe, so the tire can be repaired or replaced with a spare.
14. Non-Perishable Snacks
Nuts, jerky or energy bars can supply you with enough calories to sustain you until help arrives or while you are working on the vehicle. It can also prevent children from getting “hangry and upset.
That’s it!
With these 14 Essential Items to Keep in Your Car this Winter, you’ll be adequately prepared to handle almost any unplanned vehicle problem in the winter!
Check out more of our winter articles: 6 Ways to Prevent Dry Skin in the Winter or 5 Quick Tips on How to Dress for Winter.
Safe driving!
-Chris