Essential Winter Car Checklist

In the dead of winter, a broken-down automobile on the side of a snowy, dark road is a situation you don’t want to experience. No matter the reason, whether you’re stuck in the cold because you ran out of gas, crashed into a snow bank, or had a flat tire, you should be well-prepared.

Having a vehicle survival kit for the winter and sufficient insurance can put your mind at rest and ensure you’re ready for anything. Your first step in preparing for the cold season should be to seek an insurance policy that meets your specific requirements. A local insurance company is your best bet for this. For example, if you live in the Kitchener region in Ontario, make sure you look for Aha insurance Kitchener-based services, as they offer one of the finest quotes in the area.

After that is taken care of, use the following winter vehicle kit checklist as a guide for assembling your own emergency supplies.

Ice Scraper

It takes a lot less time than you would think for ice to build on your windshield. Don’t put all your faith in your defroster. Invest in a dependable ice scraper of good quality. Keep in mind that plastic is brittle and more likely to crack in the cold, so it’s smart to have more than one ice scraper on hand. One possible solution is to use a chemical de-icer for the windshield.

Blanket

If your vehicle breaks down and you have to wait for a tow truck or emergency services outside in the cold, you need to find a way to keep warm. That’s why you should always have a blanket and warm gear such as gloves, an additional jacket, etc., in your vehicle since you can never predict how long you will be waiting.

Kitty Litter

Although it may not make sense at first, you can really use cat litter to give your tires more grip. This may seem strange, but it’s true. Putting cat litter under and around your tires can give them something to grip onto if you become trapped in a snowdrift and can’t manage to get out.

Road Flares

Using road flares increases your visibility to other drivers at times when it is dark or when there is snow on the ground. In order to make other drivers aware of your presence, set them up behind or around your car. Flares are useful, but safety road triangles may also do the job if you don’t want to carry or can’t locate flares.

Jumper Cable

You should always have a blanket, jumper cables, and flares in your vehicle throughout the winter. Having a good pair of jumper cables is essential equipment for your winter automobile survival pack. You shouldn’t assume that all other drivers will have them; carry your own and you’ll never be caught without. However, you must also know how to utilize them effectively.

First Aid Kit

Regardless of the temperature or precipitation levels, a first aid kit should always be kept in your vehicle. Stock up on bandages, antibiotic ointment, and bandage tape, as well as scissors, safety pins, and other items that might come in handy. Even if you never end up needing it, having a first aid kit with you at all times is essential.

Map

Many people these days depend on their phones or satellite navigation devices to navigate from one place to another. They’re helpful, but when the signal goes out, they’re worthless. Prepare for a circumstance like this by carrying a map of the region with you at all times. To be able to utilize a map effectively to find your way out of a difficult position, you need to be able to read the map and understand what the symbols on the map mean.

Tools and Spare Tire

Do you feel confident in your ability to fix a flat tire if the need arises? Don’t risk being stranded in the snow because you don’t know how to change a tire. Instead, bring a spare and practice beforehand. The last thing you want when you’re on the side of the road on a snowy day is to have to rely on other people to rescue you. To change your tires fast and easily, all you need are the proper equipment and a few easy-to-follow instructions.

Final Thoughts

You and your passengers will be more prepared to deal with unforeseen circumstances if you have an emergency kit on hand. While it’s impossible to anticipate every emergency, kits like these may help drivers cope with issues, get aid, and safeguard their passengers. In addition, make sure you keep a water bottle with additional windshield-wiper fluid and a tire-pressure tester in your vehicle at all times.