Driving during a snowstorm can be extremely dangerous, and if possible you should always do your best to avoid driving during a snowstorm or in the snow at all.  Unfortunately, sometimes you will have to get behind the wheel of your vehicle either alone or with your family.  Following proper winter driving tips should help you manage the journey.  

However, there is always a chance that you could end up getting stuck on the side of the road.  If this happens, you need to be prepared for the worst.  This is why having a car emergency kit is the best thing to keep in your vehicle to help keep you and your family safe.  

Let’s take a look at some of the best winter items to keep in your vehicle during an emergency situation.  

Car Emergency Kit List

If you end up on the side of the road, the very first item that should be in your winter emergency car kit is the best snow shovel for a car.  Luckily, there are tons of amazing options for snow shovels out there nowadays that fit conveniently into your vehicle and also won’t break your back.  

A snow shovel can be used to help shovel snow out of your vehicle in the event that it does get stuck.  Shovels are great at digging out all the snow and mud that your car can get stuck in.  Try looking for a foldable shovel!  

Just like a snow shovel, a car ice scraper can be extremely useful for clearing ice off of your vehicle.  Especially things like windows and mirrors that can get thick layers of ice making it almost impossible to see.  Never leave home without an ice scraper!  

Another item to consider keeping in your roadside emergency car kit is a car battery jump starter.  In the event that your vehicle does end up on the side of the road during the winter or summer months.  It’s always useful to have a battery jump starter in your vehicle in the event that your battery dies.  Many people are willing to help someone with a dead battery as long as you have the cables.  

If you are a bit of a handyman that can figure out some quick repairs, having an emergency tool kit for a car can also be useful.  If you can figure out how to handle a quick repair, keeping some small tools in your vehicle can always be useful in the event that you need to do a quick fix.  

Essential Things to Keep in Car

During a winter storm, you don’t just need tools.  You also need things to keep in your car in case of an emergency.  These are basic things to help keep you comfortable in the event that you are stuck on the side of the road for a period of time.  

The first and most important thing is a snow blanket and maybe some winter jackets and clothing.  If you end up stuck on the side of the road, you need to be able to keep yourself warm by having a nice thick snow blanket.  It’s also ideal to keep a warm hat and gloves in your vehicle.  

Another thing to keep in your car for winter situations is a flashlight.  This can be used in multiple situations such as helping you out in the dark or signaling to other vehicles.  You can also purchase some hazard triangles to put on the roadway to alert oncoming vehicles that you are there, so they either slow down or avoid hitting your vehicle.  

Finally, keeping shelf-stable non-perishable snacks and water in your vehicle is important.  If you get stuck in the snow for a few hours waiting for roadside assistance you might need to have snacks or water ready to handle your appetite.  A first aid kit is also useful to keep in your vehicle in case you or someone else has a small injury.  

Roadside Assistance

One of the best things to have your vehicle’s glove compartment is an extended auto warranty policy booklet.  In the event that you end up on the side of the road during a winter storm whether you are just stuck or a vehicle breakdown occurred.   You will need some assistance.  

Having an extended auto warranty with DriveSmart gives you the guarantee to have 24/7 roadside assistance in the event that your vehicle is stuck in the snow or broken down.  Our roadside program will help you get back on the road or help you get to the nearest mechanic shop.  America Drives, We Protect.  

Written By: Stephen Lubas