This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase via my link, I might earn a few pennies. Thank you.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose sounds cute, until you’re broke down on the side of the road, in below freezing temperatures. I haven’t found anyone yet who leaves the house knowing their vehicle is going to break down; that’s why you need to be prepared.
When the temperatures outside take a dip; you’re not the only one to suffer, your vehicle will too. Metal contracts when below freezing, fluids tend to thicken, tire pressure decreases, and the salt on the roads can cause corrosion and damage.
You can expect vehicles will break down more often during the winter, and ice covered roadways are the cause of many accidents. Unless you give up leaving your home entirely, you won’t always be able to avoid a winter emergency. But you can be better prepared.
First and foremost, be sure to keep your vehicle serviced and fluids changed as recommended. Outside of keeping your car in tip-top shape, here’s what you should have in your vehicle to prepare yourself for winter emergencies:
• Jumper cables: Purchase solid copper cables if you can afford it, they’re the most reliable and will last longer than cheap alternatives (winter is a terrible time to find out they don’t work and it’s the time of year when batteries are most likely to die). I suggest choosing cables at least 16ft long, 20ft if you own a truck or SUV.
• Flashlight: There are different kinds of flashlights, LED’s will last long after the battery dies, but aren’t as bright as those with an incandescent bulb. It’s your call what to go with, but if you can swing it, get one of each.
• Spare tire: Invest in a full-size spare tire and when the time comes that you need to use it, you’ll be thrilled you did. Make sure you have the tools necessary to change a tire and get a lesson if you’re not sure how. Fix-a-Flat won’t always work, but it might in a jam, so grab that too.
• Blanket: When your body is exposed to freezing temperatures for a prolonged period of time, it’s highly dangerous. Whenever venturing out of the house during the winter months, always have a thick blanket on hand. If you’ve got the space, grab a sleeping bag designed for below freezing temperatures.
• Fire extinguisher: Don’t just run out and by any fire extinguisher; get one specifically for carrying in your car. Make sure you know how to use it. Using a fire extinguisher on the wrong type of fire can have dire consequences and will only make matters worse.
• Knife or Multi-tool: A knife can come to the rescue over and over again. It truly is a multi-purpose tool that everyone should have.
• Road flares: Road flares are great because they can alert oncoming traffic, signal distress, and if really desperate, start a fire. Don’t underestimate the need in cold, damp weather.
• First Aid Kit: When emergencies happen, people get injured. Critical care and basic first aid can be life-saving and change the outcome of an injury. At the very least, you should keep a first aid kit in your vehicle, in your home, and with any camping supplies.
• Food and water: In cold weather, it’s important to stay hydrated because you won’t have the heat from your body to remind you. Before leaving the house, ask yourself if you were stranded with what you have in the car, would you be good? You might consider keeping Meals Ready to Eat (a.k.a. MREs) in your vehicle, but remember they can be temperature sensitive and do need to be rotated out regularly.
• Fire starter: Prepare yourself with the tools you need to be able to start a fire. In the winter, it can be difficult for emergency vehicles to locate those in trouble, and some roadways become impassable quickly. Hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but it could save your life if you do.
▪️Tire Chains: If you live in an area where it snows, these are a must-have. Keep them in your trunk.
Last week’s Polar Vortex storm showed us just how cruel Old Man Winter can truly be. Don’t take any unnecessary chances with your life, or the lives of your loved ones.
