Every year, winter poses an absolute risk to home and vehicle owners. The consequences of being unprepared for extreme weather can be long-lasting, forcing many property owners and drivers to deal with the financial fallout well into spring and beyond. By winterizing your home and vehicle, you can protect yourself from the consequences of cold weather and winter storms. If you drive in a winter climate, your car is at risk of becoming entangled in slush, snow, or ice. Fortunately, if you’re equipped with these tips and strategies, you shouldn’t be stuck for long! You can take precautions to avoid a fender bender during the colder months. In any case, it never hurts to be prepared for a crisis if you genuinely do get into an accident. Winter vehicle readiness is critical for remaining safe while out and about in cold weather emergencies. Being scheduled will make things more comfortable if you get into an accident, separate, or stall out in the snow during this more freezing time of year. Check out the list below for 12 essential items to keep in your vehicle during the winter.
Sturdy ice scraper and snow brush
This is possibly an essential item to keep in your vehicle. You realize the meteorologist is incorrect, so there’s a chance that all of the whirlwinds will end up leaving a couple of crawls of snow on your vehicle. Keep an ice scraper and a snow brush in your car when the weather turns cold. Snow and ice on cars are risky because they can obstruct your view or cause you to crash into another vehicle. Clear your vehicle covered with snow and ice before leaving to avoid an accident.
Blanket
Do you have extra covers lying around your house? Put one in your car. It will get cold quickly if you are abandoned or in an accident, especially if your vehicle won’t turn on. In most cases, you can’t rely on your vehicle’s radiator, so keep warm with a cover.
First aid kit
An emergency treatment unit is essential if someone is injured in a fender bender. Although it is necessary all year, this is perhaps the most important thing to keep in your vehicle during the winter because crisis vehicle reaction time may be slow if it snows. Provide primary emergency care to the casualty until help arrives.
Jumper Cables
Whether or not you know how to use them, having a bunch of jumper cables readily available in your vehicle’s storage compartment can be a tremendously efficient device in the event of a dead battery. There will never be a terrible time to be left with a vehicle that won’t start than when the temperatures are freezing, and it’s either getting dark quickly, or it’s already evening, which we all know comes quickly in Canadian winters.
Emergency flares or reflectors
Blizzards reduce visibility, whether during the day or at night. Reflectors will help other vehicles and emergency vehicles see you stranded out and about.
Tow Straps
While tow straps may not be at the top of everyone’s side of the road crisis priority list, conveying a solid and rough arrangement of tow lashes can save you or another stranded driver hours looking for a tow truck. While some tow ties are available at various prices, you must ensure that you are not sacrificing quality for cost when purchasing them. Erickson’s 8,500-pound set with snares is one of our favourites. These ties are made of super amazing, brilliantly coloured webbing intended to absorb jerky developments while keeping erosion and dampness at bay. Look for snares that are made from manufactured composite steel. This robust network of ties can tow vehicles weighing up to 4,250 pounds. The lashes are 2-inches wide and 15-feet long, which is a good length for most side-of-the-road situations.
Shovel
Get a small or folding digging tool to keep in your trunk. It will be helpful if your vehicle becomes stuck in the snow or you need to drive somewhere.
Gloves and other winter clothing
You have a snow brush and a digging tool, but you don’t know how to use them. Wearing gloves and other comfortable clothing will make clearing your vehicle easier. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a couple of hand warmers in your car. Always be prepared to wrap up to avoid frostbite! When you’re warm, you’ll do a better job of clearing your vehicle.
Extra windshield washer fluid
To keep the windshield washer from freezing, ensure radiator fluid parts. Clearing your windshield with liquid will improve perceivability even more in a colder time of year storm.
Flashlight
In the colder months, it becomes dim right away. If you find yourself slowing down or being abandoned in the evening, use the flashlight to figure out what’s going on. It can also make you visible to others while you’re out and about.
Water and non-perishable snacks
If you are abandoned, you may have to wait for assistance. If the road conditions are wrong, the wait time could be quite long. Keeping water and snacks in your vehicle will come in handy in these situations. While you’re waiting for assistance, a snack like a granola bar will taste delicious. Also, keep snacks on hand for your children, as they may become antsy and grumpy in this situation.
Cell phone charger
Attempt to keep your phone charged before leaving, but always keep a PDA charger in your vehicle as well. If you are stuck or involved in an auto accident, you will need your phone to call for assistance.
