New 13 Things to Prepare a Winter Kit for Your Car
It’s worth packing a few essential items in your car’s boot to make sure you’re ready in case of getting stuck in cold and wintry weather with winter kit for your car
Ice scraper and de-icer for Winter Kit for Your Car
These are basic items, but winter must-haves nonetheless. Legally, you must keep your front and rear windscreen clear of snow and ice before driving.
In-car phone charger for Winter Kit for Your Car
And related to both of these – have an in-car phone charger, so you can top up your battery even when you’re out and about. But what if you break down somewhere with no phone signal? If you’re on the motorway, you’ll need to locate the nearest emergency phone. On quieter roads, assess the situation – it may be a case of walking to the nearest house or sitting tight and waiting for a passing motorist to stop and help.
Portable Air Compressor for Winter Kit for Your Car
Powered by the 12v outlet in your car, a portable air compressor doesn’t take up much space and can help fill low tyres or more importantly, fill a flat or low spare tire. Tire pressure-related tire failures are surprisingly common, so it’s always a good idea to check your tires regularly.
Notepad and Pen or Pencil for Winter Kit for Your Car
When you call for a tow, there are likely additional phone numbers a dispatcher will give you, as well as a possible incident number. Or if you’re in an accident, you’ll need the other driver’s license and plate number. If your pen isn’t writing, it could be frozen, so warm it up between your hands. Or you can use a trusty pencil, too (though it might be harder to read in poor lighting).
Warm clothes and blankets for Winter Kit for Your Car
It’s sensible to have some warm clothes to wrap up in case of a breakdown – a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, hat and gloves.
High-visibility clothing for Winter Kit for Your Car
If you need to leave the vehicle in the dark, it’s crucial that you can be seen by other motorists – it could even save your life.
Jump leads for Winter Kit for Your Car
Flat or dead batteries can happen to any car regardless of age and at any time, but in cold weather such problems are far more likely to occur.
Always have a set of jump start cables or jump leads in the car, and here’s some RAC advice on how to jump start a car.
Empty fuel for Winter Kit for Your Car
In an ideal world you would plan your journey to include fuel stops but sometimes things don’t go to plan. If you find yourself without fuel, it’s essential to have an empty fuel can available.
Food and drink for Winter Kit for Your Car
When setting off on a journey – particularly one in winter – you should take some food and drink provisions. Hot drinks in a flask are also a good idea.
Foldable Shovel for Winter Kit for Your Car
Unless the weather is very snowy, you shouldn’t usually find deep snow on treated roads, but if you’re driving on smaller roads or there is a snowstorm or blizzard you may be surprised. With a shovel, you can dig yourself out
Warning triangles for Winter Kit for Your Car
A warning triangle is used to warn other motorists that your vehicle has broken down. Ideally you need two – one to position in front of the car and the second at the rear. And you might be surprised how far away they should be placed – the signs should be at least 45 metres away from the vehicle.
First Aid Kit for Winter Kit for Your Car
Keep the essentials in your car—including spare medications if you need them—to make sure you can stay alert while you’re waiting. Brush up on your first aid skills, so you’re ready if the situation calls for something more than a bandage
Sunglasses for Winter Kit for Your Car
The winter sun can seriously affect the driver’s visibility, creating a glare which makes it difficult to see the road. Always ensure you have a pair of sunglasses to hand.
You probably already have a few of the items in this winter car survival kit in your garage, but they, and few other things, belong in the car! All you need to do is put them together in a box, in your car during winter for roadside emergencies.
So equipped, you’ll be ready to deal with most winter roadside breakdowns, and avoid getting frostbite or freezing to death in the process! This is particularly true for those of you that live or drive through rural, sparsely populated areas, where being stuck in a blizzard can cost you your life.
