Winter driving can be unpredictable, and while we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are. Here’s how I learned to assemble the perfect DIY winter emergency kit for my car, so I’m ready for whatever comes my way.
Essential Items for Your Winter Emergency Kit for Car
When most people hear that my family and I are moving from Georgia to Connecticut, they can’t believe we are going to brave the winter weather. I used to be a pro when it came to driving in the snow and ice but now, I can’t lie that I’m a little bit afraid of what’s to come. It’s important that I have a winter emergency kit for my car in case something happens when I’m out with the girls (or even alone).
I’ll never forget the time I was in high school driving home during a snowstorm in winter.
As I tried to creep down a steep hill, my tires began slipping and my car did a 360 degree turn in front of a group of kids getting off the school bus. Fortunately, no one was injured as my car came to a stop in a snowbank. I had to call my Dad to come pick me up and while I waited in my car I was cold, hungry, and scared. Knowing what happened twelve years ago has helped me to create a winter emergency kit for my car.
How to Assemble Your DIY Emergency Car Kit for Winter
The items you’d find inside a DIY Winter Emergency Car Kit can be personalized to your preferences, but here are a couple must-haves.
- Roadside Flare or Triangle Reflectors for Highway
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Spare Tire
- Jumper Cables
- Seatbelt Cutter
- Flashlight
- Ice Scraper
- Emergency Thermal Blanket
For my winter weather emergency kit for the car, I’ve added a blanket, water bottles, a few snacks, duct tape, mini tool kit, mini first aid kit, and a can of flat tire repair. Other helpful items would be a small shovel, hand warmers, or rain poncho.
Aside from the winter weather emergency kit, your car will need a little prep for the extreme winter weather it may find itself in the middle of come January. I’ve outfitted my Honda CR-V with a full set of weather ready tires. Whether it’s rain, snow, sleet or shine, winter weather tires will have you prepared for all the elements.
When I’m driving with my daughters, I want to feel safe and in control of my car. Between the winter emergency kit and my weather ready tires, I am confident to face any kind of winter storm. In Connecticut, winter weather can pose several hazards for drivers. Some of the most common winter road conditions and hazards include:
- Black Ice: Even a light layer of snow can conceal patches of black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. Black ice is particularly dangerous because it’s hard to see and can cause cars to slide.
- Glazed Roads: Freezing rain can coat roads with a layer of ice, which can make driving extremely treacherous. This can happen quickly and without much warning, especially when temperatures hover just above freezing.
- Reduced Visibility from Snowstorms and Fog
- Strong Winds: Winter storms can bring powerful winds that make driving hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles like trucks and SUVs. Gusts of wind can push vehicles off course or cause difficulty maintaining control.
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