If you haven’t built your winter car emergency kit, there is no time better than the present. Winter makes road conditions a precarious place to be. Icy roads and deep snow could leave you stranded when you least expect it. Be prepared should this happen to you! A good winter car emergency kit will have supplies to help you with two different road-side challenges: 1) equipment to help you get unstuck; and 2) survival items in case you can’t get unstuck.
Preparation is part of having a car emergency kit for the winter. If you’ve not prepared your car for winter, you only have about have of your car emergency kit prepared. For example, if you travel in the winter often, it’s smart to have your tires changed to winter tires. These are different than normal tires, as the treads are deeper and wider, helping your car to grip the road in snow and ice. They can help you avoid crashes or going off the road.
Keeping extra wiper fluid in your vehicle is also a smart idea, as wiper fluid gets used more often in the winter to wipe away salt and snow melt placed on the road. This is the white sheen you get on your car when you drive that wiper fluid will take away.
In preparation for winter, your first steps to a car emergency kit should be to winterize your car by:
A winter car emergency kit is essential if you plan on driving anywhere in the winter that has snow, and most places in the northern U.S. get it. A winter car emergency kit will help keep you safe and possibly even alive if you get stuck in a blizzard on the road or have a car accident. That’s because it’s stocked with all the essentials such as food, clothing, blankets, first-aid items and more.
Whether you commute a short distance to work or you have a long trek each day, make sure you stock these items in a winter car emergency kit:
It’s easy for tires to lose air pressure in the winter due to the cold temperature outside that is more constricting. Always do a check of all 4 tires before a commute. If one looks low, but isn’t flat, stop at a gas station. Most should be equipped with an area to fill your tires with air, but you may need a tire gauge.
Tires that lose air each day may need a patch for a hole. Completely flat ones may need replaced.In case of a flat tire during your morning commute or a trip, keep these items in your car:
To fix your car:
Haven’t had your car serviced yet this winter? Bring it into the shop so we can make sure all brakes, tires, filters, heating, and other parts are in proper working order. It’s always smart to have your car inspected and serviced before the winter months. However, it’s never too late to get this check. Winter can last many months in the northern parts of the U.S. With the slightest issue with your car, err on the side of precaution and have your vehicle checked out. For your winter car maintenance, tips for a car emergency kit, or suggestions for car modifications, call Scott’s Fort Collins Auto today at (970) 682-4202!