Winter Emergency Car Kit List
Driving in the winter can be stressful and, at times, extremely difficult. Any incident leading to getting stuck can put you in grave danger. That is why you need a winter emergency car kit list that will help you prepare before you start your journey. You should not drive if you have other options, such as working from home or asking for delivery service. Some people postpone their journeys altogether until travel conditions improve.
Remember: When you get stranded, you will need the assistance of emergency responders and will be putting yourself in danger as well.
Personal Protection Essentials for winter driving
Preparing your Car
Don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare your car for the trip ahead of time. Some points discussed here are also applicable throughout the year. Your car needs to be well-maintained to go through harsh winter conditions.
The engine’s running condition should be superb. Get it serviced even if it has 100 miles before the next service is due. This small additional cost will save you a lot of potential stress.
Conduct the following
- Clear snow from your windshield and the rest of the car body including the front, roof and back lights. You can get trouble with law in some states if you drive with snow or ice on car body. It is easier to scrape ice and snow from the windshield when the wipers are up and out.
- Check tires for good tread and traction. You need to ensure that the tire tread is right for safe driving. It is recommended that a tread depth of at least 5/32 inches is maintained for winter tires. According to Wyatt Dowling when all-season tires loose half of their thread braking effectiveness is lost .
- Ensure that the tires are properly inflated. If you are not sure about the tire pressure suitable for your car then you should check this out in the manufacturer’s handbook. You can also check on the door frames of the driver’s and passenger side.
- Windshield wipers: ensure that windshield is not worn out. If it has cracks get it replaced because most insurance covers will reimburse you. Always carry washer fluid for windshield.
- Lights: Make sure the car lights both front and back are working. Head lights, back lights and internal lighting play vital roles in your car.
- Ensure that anti-freeze and cooling system is working properly.
- Inspect your motor battery to ensure that sufficient power storage.
Lastly, you should ensure that you have sufficient fuel in the tank. At the very least, make sure the tank is half full. If you get stuck, your engine will be running while you wait for help, which might take several hours.
PRO TIP: Before starting the trip, find out the traffic conditions along your route and alternative routes. Inform others about your journey and expected arrival time.
Car Emergency Kit Essentials -Winter Driving Survival Tips
Survival kits are extremely important if you become stranded. This kit should not be in your trunk because it might be difficult to access it quickly. Consider the following items:
Personal Protection Essentials For Winter Driving
- Warm clothing for everyone in car
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hat
- Warm socks and gloves
- Heavy Coat
- Thick blanket
- Medications (depending on your personal equipment). You might be stuck out there for extended period before help arrives.
- Cell phone +cell phone charger / power bank
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable high calorie food such as energy bars or protein bars.
- Snow boots
- Reflective jacket
Safety Gear For Winter Driving
- First-aid kit
- Matches & Lighters
- Booster cables
- Flashlight plus extra batteries
- Windshield scraper
- Fire extinguisher
- Reflective triangle
- Sand or cat litter for traction
Essential Car Tools For Winter Driving
- Tire chains ( especially if you don’t live in the cities ). You also need to make sure that the laws in your state allow their use.
- Jumper cables
- Tow ropes
- Puncture repair kit
- Snow shovel
- Toolkit and duck tapes
How to start your journey during winter
Plan your route carefully and ensure to keep your FM radio on during the journey to get traffic updates. Remove snow/ice from the entire external of the car.You should then confirm if your lights are working well.
Headlights need to be on low-beam. This will be just enough to see 500 feet head and also allow others drive comfortably.
Drive slowly as respect the existing weather conditions. This will also help you avoid sudden braking that can cause skid of the road. Experts recommend that the use of cruise control should be avoided in winter driving. This applies to four –wheel vehicles as well.
You should be aware of milestones on your journey in-case you have to ask for help. Take special attention to bridges as they are usually slippery. Ensure to keep safe distance if you are driving behind truck. This will ensure that you have clear visibility.
What to do when vehicle breaks down or slide off the road?
Do not panic. You think clearly with a calm mind. Ensure that you remain buckled up. Someone may drive into your car due to visibility. You should then call for help possibly call 911.
Stay warm, keep yourself hydrated and take that high calories’ energy bar. You should also ensure that the exhaust system is working by regularly running the engine.
Maintain some low light inside the car to alert rescue teams when they arrive. Throughout, this period follow the instructions by 911 operators. You should also inform friends and family.
When you realize that the another driver is in trouble, do assume that they have called 911. Please make that call for assistance. You might just save a precious life.
There you go. Now you have it. Next time you are planning for a trip during winter, remember to plan ahead of time. Have your car serviced to ensure it is ready for harsh weather condition. Carry personal protection gear that will keep you warm as you wait for help. Most importantly, equip yourself with basic tools to survival . I hope you will draw for yourself an amazing emergency car kit list from the information and stick it to your fridge door.
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