Winter Safety Kit

Check Your Winter Car Safety Kit Before Travelling This Winter

No one wants to think about being stranded while on the road this winter. Just to be on the safe side, Spitzer CDJR St Marys recommends you carry a winter safety kit in your car starting in the fall. If you find yourself stranded, you’ll be better positioned to wait while help arrives.

Empower yourself by including these items in your kit:

Blankets – If you get stranded or get into a crash, it’ll get cold fast, especially if your car won’t turn on. You can’t always rely on your car’s heater, so keep warm with a blanket. Spare blankets from your house will work, but reflective emergency blankets can work better and take up less space.

Mittens, Socks & Hats – 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. Always be ready to bundle up to prevent frostbite! You’ll do a better job of clearing your car when you’re warm.

Ice Scraper & Snow Brush—Keep an ice scraper and a snow brush in your vehicle to clear your windows and lights. Pick one up next time you fill up with gas; it’s more efficient than using your least favorite credit card.

Multi-tool or Small Tool Kit – A multi-tool, such as a Leatherman Tool or a Swiss Army Knife, may allow you to fix minor vehicle problems instead of waiting for help.

Shovel – Buy a small or collapsible shovel to keep in your trunk. It will be helpful if you get stuck in the snow or must clear a path to drive.

Emergency Flares or Reflectors – Storms reduce visibility, no matter what time of day or night. Reflectors will help other cars and emergency vehicles see you if you are stopped on the side of the road.

Battery or Wind-Up Radio – You can monitor the weather if your battery is dead.

Tow Chain & Tire Chains – A tow chain is a great tool to get your car out of snow. Add in some tire chains if your state allows them to help with traction.

Sand, Cat Litter, or Traction Mats can help your tires gain traction if your vehicle is stuck in the snow. Place them near your tires and in your car’s path to help you get out of a slippery situation.

Small Tarp – A small 5′ x 7′ tarp makes kneeling in the snow and slush a lot easier and drier.

Cell Phone – Either an extra cell phone, a burner cell phone, or a rechargeable battery pack for your regular cell phone. If traveling in an area with a low cell phone signal, you’ll need extra battery power, and weather affects cell phone service, too.

Roadside Assistance Number – If you’re driving a new vehicle, your car may have come with some sort of roadside assistance package when you purchased it for a certain period of time. There may be a sticker on one of your windows with your manufacturer’s roadside assistance number, but just in case, look up your manufacturer’s phone number and program it into your cell ahead of time.

Spare Tire/Tire Sealant – Know where your spare tire is located, and how to change it. While most trucks and SUVs come equipped with a spare tire, many new cars today don’t. These cars come with a flat-like tire sealant to seal a damaged tire in the case of an emergency. Some people purchase a spare tire if their vehicle isn’t equipped with one.

First-Aid Kit – Many new cars come equipped with one typically near the spare tire, or in your trunk. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, you can pick one up locally before your next trip.

Food and Water – Make sure to get foods that won’t spoil, like protein bars or granola bars. Also, remember to keep bottled water in your vehicle or near your door to grab before trips.

A portable jump starter is a wise investment. It’s a long-lasting solution that doesn’t rely on another vehicle, ensuring you’re never stranded with a dead battery.

Fire Extinguisher – Ensure the fire extinguisher you purchase is intended for automotive use.

Flashlight – Many of us use the light on our phones, but it’s still a good idea to have a regular flashlight in case the battery runs low. The new LED flashlights are inexpensive and provide a perfect amount of light.

Sunglasses – They’re not just for summer! The glare from snow makes it more challenging to see and contributes to eye strain.

Before You Go

Before you travel, always share your plans and route with someone. This simple step can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a difficult situation.

• If you become stranded in bad winter weather, do not leave your car. Don’t try to push your vehicle out of the snow. Light flares in front and behind the car to ensure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud, or any object.
• Keep your gas tank filled above halfway to avoid a gas line freeze-up.
• Avoid driving when you have the flu, which can reduce your reaction time almost six times as much as moderate alcohol intake.