When is the right time to assemble an emergency winter car kit to store in your trunk, hatch, or truck bed? The answer is easy: Now -- before winter approaches and snow storms unexpectedly descend upon you.
eBay Motors offers complete emergency winter car kits - opens in new window or tab., or you can craft your own to suit your vehicle and driving needs. Either way, the key to effective winter prep is using a checklist to ensure you're not missing that one item that stands between safety and peril.
Get started with a complete made-to-order winter emergency car kit.
Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist
Here's a list of recommended winter supplies to keep in your car or truck. Please add to the comments below if you have additional suggestions.
Battery Jumper
Instead of jumper cables, which require the assistance of another helpful motorist, a battery jump pack - opens in new window or tab. can provide an energy boost when you're alone. Many jumper packs also include emergency lights and USB ports to power your phone. In addition, most retain a charge for six months, so now is the perfect time to give your jumper pack a full charge.
One small pack can jump your car battery, provide power to your cell phone, and offer lighting.
Blankets
An old blanket can help keep you warm while waiting for help. It can also minimize contact with the wet, cold stuff if you need to get under your car. Some folks use a compact, reflective "space blanket - opens in new window or tab.” to save space in their emergency winter kit.
Cat Litter
Buy a heavy bag of cat litter and drop it in the back of your car. The extra weight can provide better traction for the rear wheels. You can also toss cat litter under the wheels to create a firmer surface if you're stuck in a slushy pool. Don't forget to remove the sack from your vehicle at the end of the season to free up space and reduce weight.
Tire Chains
Tire chains - opens in new window or tab. might be necessary, especially if you travel roads not quickly cleared by road crews. Practice putting them on in and taking them off in comfortable weather to verify the right fit and to fully grasp the installation process.
Poorly maintained snowy roads require tire chains.
Duct Tape and Wire
These mandatory handyman tools will help hold things together. For example, duct tape - opens in new window or tab. can seal a leaky hose or temporarily take the place of a missing bracket. Wire can clamp a loose fitting or be used to hold up exhaust tubing.
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit - opens in new window or tab. with some bandages, gauze, pain relievers, and wraps can help until medical attention is available.
Fix-a-Flat
A quick way to inflate a flat tire in bad weather can be a godsend. A can of Fix-a-Flat - opens in new window or tab. contains gas and sealer under pressure. When you attach the can to a flat tire, the aerosol helps to inflate the tire. The sealer is a latex mix that, as the tire rotates, will help to seal a small leak or puncture. It is not a permanent solution but should get you to the next tire shop without needing the spare.
Gloves
Of course, you would expect most motorists to have gloves. But that's not always the case. When you're stuck or your car needs emergency repairs in freezing weather, a spare set of winter work gloves - opens in new window or tab. in your winter emergency car kit will keep your fingers toasty. That makes a world of difference.
Ice Scraper
An ice scraper is the key to visibility.
Pick up a long, sturdy ice scraper - opens in new window or tab. to remove ice that covers your windshield overnight. Visibility is essential, and many defrosters take a long time to thaw thick ice. Also, it's dangerous to have chunks of ice and snow falling off your car. Other drivers will appreciate it when you remove that hazard.
Reflectors
While some drivers prefer bright flares—which are a good idea—they only last for about 20 minutes before needing to be replaced. An official-looking triangular reflector - opens in new window or tab. will warn approaching motorists of your presence. Also, toss a reflective vest - opens in new window or tab. into your winter emergency car kit. The vest should be large enough to wear over a heavy coat. It will help others see you—wave it like a flag to signal that you need help.
Snow Shovel
We recommend a collapsible shovel - opens in new window or tab. that doesn't take up much space for your winter emergency car kit. A collapsible shovel can be a lifesaver for digging out from an encounter with a snowbank or a muddy trench.
A collapsible shovel could be helpful when stuck in snow or loose dirt.
Tool Kit
Keeping a basic tool kit - opens in new window or tab. in your car is a no-brainer, regardless of the season. The basics are easy to assemble. But check every few months to make sure your tools haven't migrated from your vehicle to your workbench. Start with a basic set of sockets and wrenches. Be sure to have either metric or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) depending on your car's make. Throw in a few screwdrivers as well.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.