The 9 Things You Need in Your Car This Winter
- Snow Socks. When you unexpectedly need extra traction, snow socks are a space-saving, temporary alternative to snow chains.
- Wool Blanket. ...
- Road Flares. ...
- Folding Shovel. ...
- Windshield De-Icer. ...
- Flashlight. ...
- First Aid Kit. ...
Full Answer
What should you keep in your car during winter?
1. Sturdy ice scraper and snow brush. This is one of the most crucial things to keep in your car during winter. You know the weatherman isn’t always right, so a small flurry could end up leaving a few inches of snow on your car.
How do you deal with snow and ice on your car?
Put an ice scraper and snow brush in your car as soon as the cold weather hits. Snow and ice on cars is dangerous because it could obstruct your view or fly off and hit another car.
What should I wear to clear my car’s Snow?
You have the snow brush and shovel, but now you need to actually use them. Wearing gloves and other warm clothing will make the task of clearing your car easier. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a few hand warmers in your car.
What makes a good car for snow driving?
If a vehicle boasts the appropriate combination of all these elements, even an inexperienced driver can get by when driving in snow. At the same time, the right combination of features can make an experienced Snowbelt driver even safer and more competent. This is true whether it’s a sedan, an SUV, or a pickup truck.
What to wear when driving in snow?
Sunglasses. While sunglasses are more of a summer accessory, the sun’s reflection on snow is bright. Wear sunglasses while driving to reduce glare. 14. Cell phone charger. Try to keep your phone charged before hitting the road, but always keep a cell phone charger in your car as well.
How to get your car out of snow?
A tow chain is a great tool to get your car out of snow. 11. Jumper cables. Cold weather can affect a car’s battery. You can’t start your car if the battery’s dead, which means you won’t be able to use the car’s heater for warmth. Waiting for a jump start in the cold is not fun.
What to put in winter driving kit?
15 Items to Put in Your Winter Driving Safety Kit. 1. Sturdy ice scraper and snow brush. This is one of the most crucial things to keep in your car during winter. You know the weatherman isn’t always right, so a small chance of flurries could end up leaving a few inches of snow on your car.
What to do when your car is stuck in snow?
2. Shovel. Buy a small or collapsible shovel to keep in your trunk. It will be useful if your car is stuck in snow or if you have to clear a path to drive. 3. Gloves and other winter clothing. You have the snow brush and shovel, but now you need to actually use them.
Why is it dangerous to drive in snow?
Snow and ice on cars is dangerous because it could obstruct your view or fly off and hit another car. Always clear your ENTIRE car of snow and ice before driving to prevent a crash.
Why is winter important for cars?
Winter car preparation is crucial for staying safe in cold weather emergencies on the road. Being prepared will make things easier if you get into a crash, break down, or get stuck in the snow this winter. Check out the list below for 15 important things to keep in your car during winter.
Why is it important to have a first aid kit in your car?
Although it’s essential year-round, this is one of the most important things to keep in your car during winter because emergency vehicle response time may be slow if it’s snowing.
What is the best tool to use to clean a car in the winter?
Let’s first state the obvious: Ice scrapers are the most essential winter car-care tool out there. Use one to clear off the snow and the ice, and don’t forget to clean off your front and back lights before you hit the road.
What to do if you get stuck in snow?
If you get stuck in the snow and your wheels are spinning, cat litter can help if it’s spread underneath the tires. Keep a box in your trunk or in the backseat to help give you some extra traction when you need it most.
What is a good flashlight?
A flashlight is a good addition to your glove compartment and can come in handy if you need to get out of the car in the dark to change a tire, check under the hood or just need to flag someone down. Look for one that is weatherproof so it can be used in all weather conditions.
How to keep tires in cold weather?
Cold weather can impact the air in your tires, so keep a tire pressure gauge handy. By checking the pressure on a regular basis and keeping tires at the right pressure level, you’ll help your tires last longer and get better gas mileage.
What to do with carpet remnants in car?
Keep a carpet remnant square in the car in case you need it for some extra traction. A piece of cardboard can also work. A car floor mat can also work in a pinch.
Is winter driving dangerous?
Winter driving can be nerve-racking and often dangerous. If you're heading out into the snow and ice, here are 12 things you should always keep in your car during the winter months.
A snow and ice scraper
A snow and ice scraper is easily the most used tool for drivers during the winter. Keeping one handy will allow you to efficiently clear off your windows and lights before driving. The Snow Angel features an extendable telescopic arm, so it's easy to store and won't take up a lot of space when not in use.
Jumper cables
A dead battery is one of the most common car issues, so jumper cables are a must-have. Whether you accidentally left your lights on or cold weather drained your battery, this will bring your car back to life. EPAuto uses thick 4-gauge cables for solid and reliable conductivity.
A flashlight
Keeping a flashlight in your car year-round is a good idea, but with less daylight during the winter, it can be especially useful. Sure, your smartphone has a flashlight app on it, but it's not as useful as a real one. Whether changing a tire or jumping your car, you want something that shines bright and is durable.
Hand warmers
Even if you have the right gear, tools, and knowledge to get out of a mishap, freezing cold hands can really keep you from getting the job done. Disposable hand warmers heat up in seconds and last for hours. They can help you keep your hands warm while you're changing a tire, jumping your battery, or waiting for help to arrive.
A gas can
Running out of gas can be a major headache at any time of the year, but it's definitely worse in the winter. You don't want to store fuel in your trunk, but keeping a small gas container in your car can save you from a tow. Just walk or take a cab to the nearest gas station and fill this can.
An external battery
You probably already own a battery pack for keeping your electronics charged on-the-go, but having one that's always in your car is important. It can be the difference between making a quick call for help or being stranded for hours. The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 acts as a charger flash, LED flashlight, and even has a plug-in to jumpstart your car.
A good spare tire
If your tires don't have good tread, you absolutely want to replace them before winter comes. Driving in wet, snowy, or icy conditions with bald tires is extremely dangerous and shouldn't be done. Go for a quality set of all-season tires, or opt for a set of snow tires to run on your car during the winter months.
Why do you put sand in your car?
First, the added weight in the trunk can help rear-wheel vehicles gain traction on slippery roads. Second, the sand or kitty litter can actually be poured around your tires if they get stuck in snow, slush, or ice. It will provide that extra grit your tires need to gain traction and get you moving.
What are the warning signs for a car that is going to be hit?
In less than clear conditions, these visible warning signs give passing cars more time to reduce their speed and avoid hitting your vehicle, while helping emergency personnel spot your location more easily.
What to do if you get caught without warm clothes?
In an emergency, getting caught without warm clothes could make it more difficult to deal with the situation at hand. Keep a few blankets in your trunk, as well as any old sweatshirts, warm socks, boots, and thick pants that you don’t mind keeping in your car for the season.
What to do when you park outside in the cold?
When you park outside in the cold, you risk coming back to a car that's frosted over with a frustrating layer of snow or ice. Keep an ice scraper with a long handle in your car so you can easily clear off your windows, mirrors, and lights before driving. 3. Shovel.
Can you get stuck in your car during a blizzard?
Snacks & Water. It may be a rare occurrence nowadays, but people can get stuck in their car for days during blizzards. Keep a stash of non-perishable snacks and bottles of water in the car, just in case.
Can you charge a phone in a car?
If you're unable to start your car, a phone charger that plugs into your car's USB port or cigarette lighter won't do any good. A portable battery, on the other hand, will charge your phone on-the- go, wherever you go, regardless of whether or not your car starts.
Can you jump start a car without jumper cables?
Jumper Cables. You can't jump start your car battery without jumper cables. It's as simple as that. Low temperatures put additional strain on your battery and can turn a weak battery into a dead battery overnight. Keep a pair of jumper cables in your trunk, especially if your battery is more than three years old.
What to put under tires when stuck in snow?
It’s a good idea to keep a bag of sand, rock salt, ice melt or a cheaper option — non-clumping cat litter — in your car to spread under your tires in case your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice.
Do you need a blanket for a car?
Safety experts say all drivers should keep a blanket or extra clothing, like sweatshirts and winter gloves, inside their vehicle in case they get stuck in heavy traffic for a long time or get stranded in cold weather. Although any blanket from home will keep you warm, here are a few thermal blankets, designed for emergency situations:
Can you use a flashlight in a car?
A flashlight or lantern is helpful to have in your car in case you get stuck at night and have to walk somewhere for assistance. Yes, you could use the flashlight app on your cell phone, but remember that phone batteries drain faster in cold weather.
What gear should I drive in when it snows?
It’s recommended that you start off in second gear to prevent your wheels slipping, but you need to change up to a high gear as quickly as is safe.
What speed should I drive in snow?
Drive a lot more slowly than usual in snowy conditions, and try to avoid changing gear or braking.
