Winter Survival Kit: 7 Things to Keep in Your Car This Season
With the season's first big snowstorms on their way to New England, it's important to make sure your car is equipped with a winter survival kit. This kit should contain all of the cold weather supplies and emergency equipment you'll need if you find yourself stranded in your car the middle of a storm or a cold snap. Any number of things that can go wrong during a winter storm—crashes, malfunctions, stuck tires— and cold temperatures make even small roadside emergencies even more dangerous.
While we hope you never have to use it, it never hurts to be prepared. Taking some time to get the right gear together will make things easier if things do go sideways. Here are a few things we recommend keeping in your car's winter survival kit:
This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for accuracy.
Checklist: Building A Basic Winter Survival Kit
- A sturdy snow brush and an ice-scraper. With the massive amounts of snow we get here in New England, having a quality brush and scraper in your car at all times is a must.
- A small shovel. A shovel will be really helpful if you get stuck, or if there's an unexpected storm. Otherwise, you'll have to get resourceful and dig your way out.
- Extra blankets and other winter layers. If you break down in the snow or get stranded in a storm, you may not be able to walk to get help; depending on the severity of the weather, you might be waiting for roadside assistance for a while. In situations like these, having extra layers in your car to bundle up and keep warm could save your life. Add a blanket to your trunk, or pop some extra hats and mittens in your car for extra warmth in an emergency. Plus, it's always nice to have a backup pair of gloves in case you forget them on your way out the door.
- Jumper cables. Batteries can be finicky in the winter, particularly older ones. You should always have cables in your car in case of an emergency; during the cold weather months, this becomes especially important.
Additional Items to Consider for Your Winter Survival Kit
In general, it's wise to keep a first aid kit and a flashlight (with extra batteries) in your car in case of emergency, or minor injury while on the road. Many of our customers in New England also keep a bag of sand or kitty litter in their trunk during the winter months to provide extra traction if they get stuck in packed snow or on ice. Here are a few additional things to consider for winter emergencies:- Emergency reflectors, flares, or a flashlight. If you're stuck in a storm, it's often difficult for oncoming cars to see you through the snow. Having reflectors, flares, or even flashlights on hand will help alert other drivers.
- Rock salt, sand, or kitty litter. If your tires are spinning in snow or slipping on ice, these can help you create traction. The granular mediums provide something for your tired treads to grip to.
- Extra windshield washer fluid. You'll go through a surprising amount of windshield washer fluid trying to keep the grime and water off your windshield, especially if you regularly drive on the highway. It's always a good idea to have an extra jug in your truck to make sure your visibility isn't compromised if you run out unexpectedly.
- Water and non-perishable snacks. While not as essential, keeping some snacks and water handy will help you stay more comfortable, in the event that you're stuck in a storm for several hours.
Vehicle Safety At V&F
Keeping a winter survival kit in your car may seem like overkill now, but being prepared for the worst could save your life in an emergency. At V&F, we strive to provide our customers with a well-rounded knowledge of all things automotive. Since 1988, our family-owned and operated service center has provided top-quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield, and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. If your car needs maintenance or repair before this winter season, call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.
This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for accuracy.