How to Prepare a Winter Car Emergency Kit
Winter conditions can get you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Whether you run out of fuel, slip off a snowy road or puncture a tire, a car emergency kit can help you get back on the road quickly or at least make the time waiting for assistance safer and more comfortable. If you want to learn how to prepare a Winter Car Emergency Kit by yourself, read the list below to find out the essential items you should store in your trunk.
Read more: Learn How To Avoid and Correct a Slide on Snow and Ice
Items to Help You Move the Car
In the luckiest scene, you can use a set of tools to get unstuck and avoid spending the night stranded:
Folding Shovel, ice scraper, and snow brush. These tools will help you remove compacted snow out of your way and keep your vehicle’s roof and windshield clear.
Portable air compressor and tire sealant. You can use an air compressor to fill low tires or get a can of tire sealant to temporarily fix a tread puncture.
Tire chains and/or a bag of sand. In packed snow road conditions, tire chains are an excellent way to gain traction and prevent sliding in the first place. If you don’t have them, a bag of sand spread out under each tire can also help your car achieve better traction.
Jumper cables and a tow strap. Jumper cables are helpful to start your car without paying a tow truck. In case you don’t bring them, a tow strap can be super useful to be pulled out of the roadside.
LED flashlight and backup batteries. Necessary items to keep you lit up in blizzard or dark situations.
Items for More Comfortable and Safer Waiting
If you can’t get unstuck and need to wait for assistance, the following list of items will help to keep yourself and the passengers protected from the cold and as comfortable as possible.
First aid kit filled with basic supplies to attend small injuries, like band-aids, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes or medical wrap. You should also remember to bring any medications for specific needs.
Extra warm clothes. Carrying a change of clothes and some extra insulating layers will let you warm up. Items like warm blankets, hats, gloves, socks, hand and foot warmers or boots are a must.
Candles, lighter and box of matches. These items will also be useful to keep yourself warm.
Bottled water and long-lasting food. One of the most important things is to keep yourself hydrated and nurtured. High-energy foods like nuts, raisins or dried fruit are a good option.
Road flares or warning triangles. This is essential to notify other drivers that you are stuck and that there is possible danger ahead.
Phone charger. A standard plug-in charger is also a must in the car to stay connected and to ask for help.
Read more: Top 5 Reasons To Buy a Used Car or Truck
At The Car Lot etc. you will find the best pre-owned car models to drive under unexpected conditions in Greater Sudbury, ON. Check our inventory or contact us for more information.