The winter driving season is coming up fast. With that in mind, here are a few items that every driver should pack in the trunk or glove box during the wet, cold winter months.
Multi-bit Screwdrivers, Locking Pliers, and Work Glove
Combo tools like a multi-bit screwdriver or locking pliers store easily in the glove box or trunk—and give you the flexibility for emergency repairs. And don’t forget a pair of work gloves, which can keep your hands clean and dry when working in the wet and cold.
Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is the most often forgotten tool in a vehicle’s emergency kit, and one of the most important ones to have. It sounds scary, but a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a crispy hose and a toasted car.
Fire extinguishers for cars come in two dry chemical configurations (ABC and BC) to fight different types of fires. Having a multi-purpose ABC extinguisher is best. Keep it in the cabin of your car under the seat or on the kick panel.
Flashlight
Why does it seem like no one ever has an emergency on a bright sunny warm day? To be ready for the dark and cold, make sure you have a flashlight with good batteries in your vehicle. A flashlight is a must for every vehicle.
The best flashlights today use LED lights for a bright, white light. Also, LED flashlights last longer than older incandescent units. The best LED lights also have built-in rechargeable lithium batteries that stay charged for a long time. They are easily recharged by plugging into your vehicle’s USB port or cigarette lighter.
Portable Jump Starter Battery
Wintertime is theprime season for dead batteries. You don’t want to get stranded without a way to get your car started, or not fully prepared to provide a jump to somebody else in need.
Portable jumpstart technology has significantly advanced. A jumpstart device can fit in your glove box. At the minimum, having jumper cables in the trunk can save frustration and anguish when your car’s battery gives up the ghost in the dead of winter.
Sand, Salt, Kitty Litter, or Traction Mats
Having a bag of one of these items in your trunk next to the wheel wells can help increase traction in the snow.
An alternative to helping provide traction in snow and mud are traction mats. These plastic mats lay down in front of your cars drive wheels to provide enough traction to get you going. They easily store in your vehicle’s trunk.
Snowbrush and Ice Scraper
A snowbrush and ice-scraper tool can be indispensable after a fresh snowfall. It’s a critical yet inexpensive tool for every vehicle in a snowy region. Some scrapers are now heated, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Pre-Packaged Winter Survival Kits
If you’re still not sure about what tools you need, consider a pre-packaged winter survival kit.
These kits have everything you need for a winter emergency, including basic tools needed to jump-start your car, dig out of a snowdrift, and keep warm.
