8 Things You Should Keep in Your Car This Winter

The holiday season is already here and, for many of us, that means spending long periods driving to spend time with our families. Unfortunately, bad winter weather can significantly affect a vehicle's performance and reduce our visibility, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations. If you are driving to places where weather can be an issue, it would be beneficial for you to make sure that your car is ready first. In order to stay safe this winter and be prepared for any emergency, here are some essential items to keep in your car this season:

First Aid Kit

No matter what the season, a first aid kit is one of the most important items to have in your car. The items in your first aid kit should be able to treat a variety of injuries. Customizing your own first aid kit could be better than purchasing one if your family has specific needs and requires certain medications. If you do pack your own first aid kit, make sure to include all the basics.

Blankets and Hand Warmers

Don't rely on your car's engine to keep you warm in the case of an accident. Keeping small blankets in your vehicle is a good idea because they can be used for many different situations and don't take up much space. Hand warmers are also small items to store in your car, but they can make all the difference when your engine isn't heating you up. If you are doing repairs, it is especially important to keep your hands warm.

Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are another item that should be stored in your car during all seasons. When your car battery dies, jumper cables can help you out if you find another person willing to help. If you don't know how to use jumper cables, now would be a good time to learn or to refresh your memory before an accident occurs.

Kitty Litter

Roads can get slick, and there is a chance that your car could slide off the road and get stuck in a ditch. Keeping kitty litter or sand in your car could help you get out of a tough spot this winter. The condition of your tires can play a large part in handling icy roads, and it is a good idea to get them inspected before heading out to your destination this winter. You can get your tires inspected at places such as Mavis Tires & Brakes to make sure that your tires are ready to hit the road this winter.

Shovel

In addition to the kitty litter or sand, it is important to have a shovel in case you need to dig yourself out of the snow. You can purchase compact folding shovels that fit nicely in your car. While it might take you longer to dig yourself out, it will work in case of an emergency and take up less space in your car than a big shovel would.

Spare Phone Charger

This is another item that should be kept in your car during all seasons, but it could be especially vital in the winter. When we get into trouble, our cell phones are usually the first things we use to get help. The cold weather can drain batteries quickly, and having a backup phone charger is a good idea in case your phone suddenly dies on you.

Flashlight and Batteries

It gets dark quickly in the winter, and you need to see what you're doing if your car has broken down. New advancements in LED technology has made LED flashlights the choice for many because they last longer and are brighter than traditional flashlights. Make sure that you also have extra batteries stored as a backup.

Food and Water

It isn't fun to be stranded on the side of the road waiting for help to arrive, and you could get hungry or thirsty while you wait. If you are driving long distances, it is a good idea for you to pack some extra water and non-perishable food items such as jerky or energy bars.

Stay Safe by Being Prepared

The winter season is a time when many people are on the road so that they can spend the holidays with their families. Car accidents are more common in the winter, making it more important than ever to be prepared. By storing a few essential items in your car, you can keep yourself and your family safe in case of emergencies.