Winter Necessities: 11 things you need in your car this winter

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter weather, every single day. Let’s face it, no one plans to slide off the road, get stuck in a snowbank or on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck in subzero temperatures. However, the reality of it, is this could happen to anyone of us and it’s better to be prepared then not prepared at all. Do you have a winter emergency kit in your car? If you don’t I highly recommend creating one! If you already have one, good for you! Just make sure you have these 11 items in it. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this emergency kit stashed in the trunk of your vehicle for those just in case unexpected moments that life may throw at you.

Jumper cables
Jumpers cables are a must. Keep them stashed in your truck, you never know when you or someone else may need them.

Flashlight with fresh batteries
You’ll want to make sure you have a working flashlight.

Pro Tip: Keep it in your glove box, center console or door compartment so you do not have to dig around for it.

Portable phone charger
When heading out into dicey road conditions – or any time really, you will want to make sure your phone has a full charge. Phones typically die quickly when it is cold outside. Having a portable phone charger that is fully charged as a backup is important, especially if your vehicle loses power and you cannot charge your phone.

First aid kit
You always hope that you will not need a first aid kit, however accidents do happen, so it’s best to have one in your car.

Pro Tip: Stock your first aid kit with bandages, gauze, pain reliever and disinfectant. 

Emergency roadside flares
You make think this is overkill, however, it will be easier for drivers to see your vehicle pulled over on the side of the road when you have flares and reflective triangles out.

Extra mittens, hat, and warm clothing
Even though you may have your winter jacket with you, if you have to wait in a cold vehicle for any length of time you will be thankful for a little extra warmth. This will also be especially helpful if you have to walk to get help.

Blankets or a sleeping bag
Having an extra blanket or even a sleeping bag can provide extra warmth while you wait for help.

Kitty litter or sand
Keep roadside sand or a container of kitty litter in your trunk during this winter months. If you get stuck and need some traction simply sprinkle the sand or kitty litter around your wheels for instant traction. This inexpensive solution could be the difference between getting back on your way or calling a tow truck.

Snacks and water 
Put small snacks such as granola bars, nuts, Snickers and more in a Ziploc bag for those just-in-case instances. Remember, water freezes so this is something that you want to bring with you on every trick. Especially if you are going on a long road trip.

Ice Scraper
Make sure to always keep an ice scraper in your car. Keeping it in your garage doesn’t do you any good when you’re away from home.

Shovel
Yes, shovels are typically for driveways – but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I used to keep one in my car just so I could shovel my car out at work.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share?