There are a variety of items to keep in the automobile, and that list expands when living in an area with significant winter weather and snowfall.
There are items that should be maintained in the vehicle year-round, including a basic car tool kit, first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, jumper cables and a seatbelt cutter/window tool. Emergency flares or reflectors are recommended as well to mark an accident or disabled vehicle. And as in all conditions, you want to be sure the gas tank is full and the wiper blades are in good condition before setting off on any trip.
For cold weather, there should be a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush. Long handles help reach the roof of larger vehicles like a pickup or big SUV. In addition to clearing the windshield for visibility, sweeping excess snow from the car cabin is suggested, because nobody likes having a snowdrift fall on their car from the vehicle ahead of them on the road.
Speaking of snow, keep a small or collapsible shovel in the vehicle. It can come in handy to dig your way out of a small drift or clear the way into your drive should it blow shut while you are out.
Because snow is cold and wet, keep gloves and other winter clothing in the car. It will pay dividends in case you have to use that shovel, or if you get wet while digging out or working on a stalled automobile. Wet clothing is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous in cold temperatures. Extra clothing can be invaluable if the car becomes trapped and the occupants have to wait for a tow or other help. A spare set should be carried for each member of the family. Check the fit for children’s clothing each year.
Blankets are another way to stay warm, but one with waterproof capabilities, such as a space blanket, can also serve as a tarp to use as a shelter while working on a car engine or to keep snow out of a damaged vehicle while waiting for help. A large garbage bag will also suffice, and can be cut open to increase coverage.
A flashlight has multiple uses, including making a stuck or broken down auto more visible or signalling oncoming traffic for assistance. A headlamp is considered the most efficient way to light up the area under the hood while attempting repairs.
Duct tape can be used for temporary hose repairs to limp into a parts store or service station.
A folding saw can be helpful to clear roads or to build a small fire for heat, to melt snow or signal for help.
A whistle may also be used to signal for help, but you are going to want to hide that from the kids.
Old towels or rags and wipes or hand sanitizer can be used for cleanup after making repairs.
A good multi-tool can save space and still be very useful. They come in a variety of sizes, configurations — think Leatherman or Swiss Army knife — and in all price ranges.
Work gloves will serve well to protect hands as they struggle with changing a tire or jumping a battery, and also help keep hands warm in frigid weather.
Extra batteries for your flashlights or other battery-operated items can be practical to have on hand, if they are checked frequently for longevity.
There is room for old school preparations as well. Candles are convenient to quickly add heat and light to the situation. Canned de-icer spray is good to have around to melt ice from windshield and windows.
A metal container, whether cup, coffee pot or can, is suitable to use for melting snow or preparing food in an emergency.
Rock salt, sand or non-clumping kitty litter may help create traction to escape a snowdrift or icy patch. In a pinch, consider using car floor mats for traction builders. There are multiple videos on this process available on the internet.
Extra windshield washer fluid can be a welcome tool, provided it has antifreeze properties.
A rope or tow chain is necessary if using one vehicle to extricate another or move it to a shop or home, unless a tow truck is utilized.
As odd as it might sound, sunglasses are as important in winter as summer and perhaps more so, because reflection off snow can be blinding.
Cellphones should be fully charged before starting out, but a car cellphone charger is important, too. Besides calling for assistance, a cellphone can check changing forecasts, road conditions and alert friends or family at the destination of delays.
If those delays should become a reality, sufficient water and non-perishable snacks like unsalted nuts, granola bars, raisins, dried fruit, peanut butter and hard candy should be part of the car pack. Storing the snacks in a metal or thick plastic container can discourage rodents that otherwise could be attracted to the food source and chew the items, rendering them useless.
Other items that might prove useful in a winter weather event include a lighter, box matches in a waterproof container, knife or scissors, cord or string, paper maps of the area, a compass and extra cash.
For longer trips, pack winter boots and sleeping bags for each occupant, and copies of ID, insurance papers and emergency contact information can help rescue squads assist you in an emergency situation.
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November 06, 2020 at 10:15PM
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Car checklist for winter - Powell Tribune
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