Winter can be a difficult and dangerous time for drivers – ice and snow are especially treacherous, and can make even the shortest and simplest of journeys a risky proposition. Here is our handy guide to the best motoring essentials for the winter, to help you navigate through to the spring in safety.
De-Icer and Ice Scraper
De-icer is probably the most obvious of the essentials – it’s the easiest and quickest way to clear your windows of accumulated ice, giving you clear sightlines all around as you drive. Use the de-icing spray in conjunction with an ice scraper for even quicker results – you can use the scraper to also get rid of looser snow.
Traction Tracks
Getting your vehicle moving in the first place can be near impossible if ice has accumulated underneath the tyres. In this situation, much like with mud or even sand, your tires cannot get the traction they need to start moving – luckily there is an easy fix though. Use car traction tracks to provide an artificial grip for your tyres: these consist of a combination of steel cable and deep PVC cleats, and are placed in front of or behind the tyres (depending on the direction you want to start moving). Top quality models will roll up for easy and convenient storage and movement.
Jump Cables
In the extremely cold weather, it can be difficult to even get your engine started in the first place. Keeping jumper cables handy will let you get a helping hand from other drivers, or directly from the mains electricity if you have a charging kit.
Shovel
Not restricted just to motoring, the shovel is a very versatile and useful piece of winter equipment. Use it to clear your driveway, footpath, or car parking areas of snow, and then use it to spread a de-icing salt or grit to remove remaining ice and to help prevent further snow and ice settling.
Blanket
Imagine for a moment that the worst case scenario comes to pass, and your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere at night. You’ve called for assistance, but in the meantime, the temperatures are below freezing and you can’t use your car heater to keep warm. Keep a good quality extra-large blanket in your car, and you will be able to better fend off the chills.
Food, Water, Power
On the subject of that worst case scenario – what if it is going to take several hours for assistance to arrive? The weather is atrocious, emergency road assistance services are at their busiest, and you are stranded. Keeping a couple of snacks in the car will make your experience less uncomfortable, as will a bottle or two of water. Having an external power pack/portable battery charger available for you to charge your phone up is also a great idea – it will let you call for help, update family and friends, and if there is a GPS feature you will be able to pinpoint your exact location.
Sturdy ice scraper and snow brush.
This is one of the most crucial things to keep in your car during winter. You know the weatherman isn’t always right, so a small chance of flurries could end up leaving a few inches of snow on your car. Put an ice scraper and snow brush in your car as soon as the cold weather hits. Snow and ice on cars is dangerous because it could obstruct your view or fly off and hit another car. Always clear your ENTIRE car of snow and ice before driving to prevent a crash.
First aid kit.
A first aid kit is crucial if someone is injured in a car crash. Although it’s essential year-round, this is one of the most important things to keep in your car during winter because emergency vehicle response time may be slow if it’s snowing. Administer basic first aid to the victim until assistance arrives.
Jumper cables.
Cold weather can affect a car’s battery. You can’t start your car if the battery’s dead, which means you won’t be able to use the car’s heater for warmth. Waiting for a jump start in the cold is not fun. You won’t have to wait as long if you have jumper cables with you.
Water and non-perishable snacks.
If you get stranded, you may have to wait for assistance. The wait could be long if road conditions are bad. Storing water and snacks in your car will come in handy in these situations. A snack like a granola bar will sure taste good while you’re waiting for help to arrive. And don’t forget about snacks for your kids- they might get hungry and cranky in a situation like this.
Cell phone charger.
Try to keep your phone charged before hitting the road, but always keep a cell phone charger in your car as well. You will need your phone to call for assistance if you are stuck or involved in a car crash.
