Emergencies can happen to anyone. Prepare for the worst-case scenario (especially in wintertime) by keeping the following supplies in your winter car kit!
Car Emergency Kit List
Keep the below items in a bag in your trunk. Ideally, we’d suggest keeping these items in a clear, plastic container so it’s easy to see and locate everything. You can buy a pre-packaged kit or create your own.
Minimum Supplies:
In an emergency situation, in addition to a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze, the National Safety Council recommends having these with you at all times:
Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
Ice scraper and snow brush
Flashlight, plus extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight)
Jumper cables
First-aid kit (band-aides, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, medical wrap). See a first-aid kit checklist.
Bottled water
Multi-tool (such as a Leatherman multi-tool or a Swiss Army knife)
Road flares or reflective warning triangles
Windshield cleaner
Be Prepared for Winter Driving
Before You Go
If you must travel, make sure you share your travel plans and route with someone before you leave.
If you become stranded in bad winter weather, do not leave your car. Don’t try to push your vehicle out of snow. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or any object.
Besides checking the weather, it’s important to have a mechanic check the condition of the following vehicle systems before heading out on the road.
Make sure tires are properly inflated.
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.
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