Winter is officially upon us and while many of us were prepared for these snow squalls and the first snow; some of us weren’t (I am some of us). I haven’t put my winter tires on yet, I keep forgetting to put my snow brush in the car and I need to remember to put a blanket and some mitts in the car. If you’re like me and are prepping your car for the next heavy snowfall, consider adding these items to your vehicle this winter.
- Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: This is probably the most important thing on this list and I implore you to pick one up at your local hardware store!! And no, your forearm will not do the trick… This is important because snow and ice on your car can and will obstruct your view or it could fly off and hit another vehicle.
- Small Shovel: Keep a small shovel in the trunk of your car, it will come in handy if your car gets stuck in the snow or if you need to clear a path in the snow.
- Mitts and Winter Clothing: Listen, I hate wearing mitts as much as the next person, but when it comes time to actually brushing the snow off of your car: they are a game-changer – wipe your car off in comfort, wear winter gloves. Also, pack an extra jacket and some warm clothes in your car in case you’re stuck in the cold after an accident or your car fails to start.
- Blanket: Do you have any extra blankets lying around your house? Put one in your car. If you get stranded or are in an accident, it’ll get cold fast. You can’t always rely on your car’s heater, so keep warm with a blanket.
- Extra windshield washer fluid: Once the winter hits, it is important to make sure your windshield washer fluid has antifreeze components to prevent freezing. You will also need to use more wiper fluid to help clear your windshield in the winter.
- Flashlight: It gets dark early in the winter. If you experience car trouble at night you can use the flashlight to find out what’s wrong and it helps to make you more visible to others on the road.
- 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. You will need your phone to call for assistance if you are stuck or involved in a car crash.
- Water and non-perishable snacks: If you get stranded, you may have to wait a while for assistance, which can often be delayed by poor road conditions. Storing water and snacks in your car will come can come in handy during situations like this.
- Sunglasses: Snow blindness is very real and it occurs when the sun’s reflection on the snow creates a nasty glare that can temporarily disorient you. Wearing sunglasses while driving can reduce glare.
- First aid kit: A first aid kit is essential year-round, but it 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.
These are just some of the essentials that you should keep in your car during the winter, but before you even hit the road, make sure you have: gas, good wiper blades, and a decent set of winter or all-season tires. Stay safe out there this Winter!
