With the onset of snow, ice and sleet that comes as the winter months set in, driving becomes a lot more hazardous. The temperature drops, it might be harder to see and the roads may be slippier than usual so all of a sudden, the chances of being involved in an accident or getting stranded are much higher. You need to be prepared.
This guide can be used as a checklist for things to include in your winter emergency car kit to keep you and any passengers safe in these colder months.
Prevent Emergency
- Windshield scraper and de-icer: It's common for ice and snow to accumulate on your car and this can seriously affect your vision. A scraper and de-icer solution will make sure you can always see the road clearly.
- Jump cables: Car batteries don't like cold. In fact, they lose around 60% of their strength when the temperature drops to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sunglasses: While this may seem a strange thing to include in a winter emergency kit, the low winter sun can be dazzling for drivers, especially when its light is also reflected off fresh snow. Sunglasses will make sure your vision isn't affected by glare.
Cold Protection
Adverse weather affects everyone on the road so if you do end up stranded somewhere, you can't be sure how long it will take for help to arrive. These items will help keep you warm until it does.
- Blankets
- Hand warmers
- Warm clothing
- Gloves
Emergency Tools
- Portable phone charger: Keeping your phone fully charged is essential. If you breakdown or are caught up in an accident, you'll need to be able to call for help and you might want to let loved ones know where you are.
- First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential thing to keep in your car. A good kit should have sterile wipes, plasters, dressings and scissors so you can treat minor wounds.
- Food and bottled water: If you're delayed because of the weather or an accident, a nutritious snack will keep your energy and concentration levels up so you can stay safe.
Be Safe, Not Sorry
You might think you don't need to pack these things because you live in a southern state with milder winters. The truth is the cold is that cold can be deadly when you're stranded. It's better to be prepared.
If you need assistance getting your vehicle ready for winter, we invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today!