Winter Car Emergency Kit

Before we know it, winter will be upon us. While there are many things we love about this season, like snow and the holidays, winter can cause many things to go wrong with your vehicle. Of course, we hope that none of this happens to you, but if it does, it’s important to be prepared with equipment to get you out of a jam. Below we’ve highlighted four items that all car owners should have in their vehicles during the winter months.

Essential Item #1: Stay Warm Kit

If you do get stranded roadside during the winter months, you’ll want to stay as warm as possible. While your vehicle does give shelter from the harsh conditions of winter, you definitely don’t want to keep your engine running when you have a limited amount of fuel. Plus, there is always the possibility that deadly exhaust can find its way inside. This is why we recommend that you pack a Stay Warm Kit, which includes a thick blanket, extra pair of socks, warm boots, and hand and foot warmers. Add bottled water and snack bars to help you stay more comfortable while you wait for help.

Essential Item #2: Spare Mobile Phone or Charger

While spare mobile phones and chargers go hand in hand, it’s honestly up to you on what you prefer to use. Keeping an extra mobile phone (even a cheap flip phone or one that charges you per minute) will help make sure that you stay connected, no matter how long you’re stranded. Conversely, you can also keep an extra charging cord in your vehicle. Why are these two items so essential? For starters, you don’t know how long you’ll be stranded (especially if you’re not by a big city), and your phone can lose its charge quickly or shut off, depending on how cold it is. Having a backup will allow you to always stay connected.

Essential Item #3: Flares

Winter time means that the sun is up for fewer hours, increasing the likelihood that you’ll need help after dark. Should you find yourself stranded late at night, a flare will help to keep your vehicle visible to others who are passing by, so they don’t hit you. It will also make you more noticeable when assistance arrives.

Essential Item #4: Shovel

Keeping a shovel on hand can help to get you out of a sticky situation. Whether it’s a light snow that lasts throughout the working day or a huge snow pile that you accidentally swerve into, a shovel is a great tool to help dig your vehicle out. We also urge you to buy one with an ice scraper at one end, as this tool can also come in handy.

And these are just some of the essential items you should have in your car during winter. Do you have any questions about driving in winter or want to know how you can fully prepare yourself? Contact our team here at Honda of Sumner; we’re always ready to help.