15 Things You Must Always Keep in Your Car in the Winter

Try this: It's a frosty morning in the winter. Although a little snow fell over night, you awake to clear skies and roads. As you leave for work, you discover a covering of frozen snow on your automobile. Your ice scraper or snow brush is nowhere to be seen when you open the trunk. I never bought a new one when mine broke last winter, you think to yourself.

You use your arm to remove some snow from your car as you don't have a snow brush. However, you can only clean the windows because you are already late for work. You sit in the driver's seat and think, "Oh well, good enough." As soon as you leave the driveway, you pick up the pace on the main road. The frozen snow from your car's roof, however, suddenly rolls onto the front windshield. It distorts your view and emits a harsh glare. You are blind! When you attempt to put on your wipers, BOOM. At a stop sign, you hit the vehicle in front of you from behind.

Fortunately, the crash caused only minor damage and no serious injuries. But if you had been ready, this collision might have been avoided.

You can take precautions to prevent a winter accident while driving. But in case you do get into an accident, it never hurts to be ready for emergencies. In order to stay safe in cold weather emergencies on the road, winter car preparation is essential. If you have a crash, breakdown, or get stuck in the snow this winter, having a plan will help. 15 essential items to keep in your car during the winter are given below.

1. A solid snow brush and ice scraper. One of the most important items to keep in your car during the winter is this. The weatherman isn't always accurate, so a remote possibility of flurries could result in a couple inches of snowfall on your car. As soon as the cold weather arrives, put an ice scraper and snow brush in your car. It's risky to have snow or ice on your car since it may block your vision or fly off and damage another vehicle. To avoid a collision, remove ALL snow and ice from your car before you get behind the wheel.

2. A shovel. To keep in your trunk, purchase a tiny or folding shovel. If your car becomes stuck in the snow or you need to clear a path to drive, it will be helpful.

3. Winter clothing, such as gloves. Now that you have a snow shovel and brush, you must really put them to use. Clearing your car will be simpler if you're wearing gloves and other warm clothes. Additionally, keeping a few hand warmers in your car is not a bad idea. To avoid frostbite, be prepared to bundle up at all times! Warmth can help you clear your car more easily.

4. The blanket In your home, are there additional blankets? Place one in your vehicle. It will get chilly quickly if you are stuck or in a mishap, especially if your car won't start. You can't always rely on the heating in your car, so wrap up in a blanket to stay warm.

5. Reflectors or flares for emergencies. Snowstorms both during the day and at night limit visibility. If you are stopped on the side of the road, reflectors will make it easier for other drivers and emergency vehicles to see you.

6. Sand, kitty litter, or rock salt. If your car becomes stuck in the snow, these rough materials will helps your tires recover grip. To get out of a slippery situation, spread the material around your tires and on your car's path.

7. First-aid supplies. If a person gets hurt in a car accident, a first aid package is important. Even though it's necessary all year round, this is one of the most crucial items to have in your car during the winter because it may take longer for emergency vehicles to arrive if it's snowing. While waiting for help, provide the victim with basic first aid.

8. Extra cleaning fluid for the windshield. To avoid freezing, make sure your windshield washer fluid has antifreeze components. In a snow storm, clearing your windshield with fluid will surely enhance.

9. Lights . Wintertime sees an early onset of night. During the night, if you stall or become lost, use the flashlight to identify what's happening. Additionally, it can increase your visibility to other drivers.

10. Chain or rope. To get your car out of the snow, use a tow chain.

11. Jumper cables. The battery of a car may weaken in cold weather. If your car's battery is dead, you won't be able to use the heater to stay warm since you won't be able to start the vehicle. It's hard to wait outside in the cold for a jump start. If you have jumper cables with you, the wait won't be as long.

12. Small toolbox.

Simple tools can solve minor car issues. To avoid having to wait for assistance, learn how to carry out basic maintenance on your own.

13. sunglasses

The sun's reflection on snow is vivid, despite the fact that sunglasses are more of a summer item. To reduce glare, put on sunglasses while driving.

14. A charger for a phone.

Try to charge your phone before you start driving, but maintain a charger for your phone in your car at all times. If you get stuck or are in a car accident, you'll need your phone to call for help.

15. Non-perishable food and water. You might have to wait for help if you become trapped. If the roads are in bad shape, the wait can be extended. In these circumstances, having water and snacks in your car will be helpful. Granola bars are an excellent choice for a snack while you wait for rescue. Also, don't forget to pack snacks for your kids because they could become angry and hungry in this condition.

*While having all of these items in your car during the winter is crucial, make sure you also have gas and good wipers before you get behind the wheel. During the winter, always have half a tank of gas in your car, and make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. You might want to consider purchasing snow tires as well.