Winter comes around all too quick and if you aren’t prepared you could get caught in a snowstorm in the blink of an eye. All too often snowstorms cause drivers to pull over or even worse get stuck in stand still traffic. Without the necessities you can find yourself uncomfortable or even at risk of illness or death from the cold. Keeping these things in your car during the winter, or even all year, can only help you if you get stuck, stranded or are in a snowstorm.
Perhaps one of the most obvious things to keep in your car is a snowbrush. However, you should also always keep an extra pair of gloves, a small shovel shovel and a jar of rock salt. Gloves can be used if you have to go outside of your car, but also just if you’re sitting and getting cold. The shovel and rock salt could both help you get your car out if it gets stuck in the snow.
In addition to those snow removal items you should also keep a blanket, at least two bottles of water and a flashlight. On top of that, it couldn’t hurt to keep a few granola bars or a jar of nuts in case you are stuck in your car for a few hours. Lack of food and water can be detrimental to your health just like getting too cold. All year round, you should keep a first aid kit on hand in your trunk or glove box for small injuries or pain.
If you live in an area that’s prone to intense freezing, ice and snowstorms you should also consider keeping jumper cables and a tow chain in your car during the winter season. If you don’t normally have a tire jack and spare tire in your car, its especially important to keep this in your trunk during the snowy months. A few small things that you should also keep in your car are a tire gauge and lock de-icing solution.
Taking just a few minutes to buy or collect these items as well as keeping them in your car will keep you well prepared for all the surprises that a winter can have in store. Best-case scenario is that you never have to use any of the items in your preparation kit. However, if you do get stuck in a snowstorm, you will be so happy that you were prepared.
