When the weather starts getting cold, it’s time to evaluate whether or not you’re prepared for every possible emergency. This includes putting together a kit for the trunk or back seat of your car. If you get stuck in a snowstorm and end up on the side of the road, if you don’t have the right provisions, you could end up in major trouble. Here are nine essentials that you shouldn’t leave home without.
1) A Sleeping Bag
There are emergency sleeping bags that fold up into a small pouch. These also are a very bright color that can help you get spotted should you end up in a situation where you’re snowed in. However, you don’t absolutely need to purchase one of the special sleeping bags when a standard one will do. You can also include a few blankets in your emergency kit.
2) Oil
The last thing that you need is to end up with a car that’s running low on oil, especially when the snow is flying. Although you can prevent this by having a complete tune up done on your car before the weather turns cold, there’s always the possibility that it’ll end up low on oil – and if you don’t some handy, your car could break down.
3) Food and Water
It’s always a good idea to have some non-perishable food items, as well as a case of bottled water in your car. These are two important essentials that you’ll want to have on hand in case you get stuck someplace and have to wait to be rescued. I learned how to make the ULTIMATE survival food from The Lost Ways: You too can learn, take a look at this ULTIMATE survival food here>>>
4) A Fire Extinguisher
There are two main types of fire extinguishers, and you should keep one of each in your car. A class A fire extinguisher is for things like cloth and wood, while a class B is designed for gasoline. Ideally, you should keep these fire extinguishers in your car even when the weather is nice.
5) A Flashlight
A good heavy duty flashlight, preferably an LED one, is a must for emergencies. It can assist you in signaling for help, as well as illuminate your engine should you break down in the middle of nowhere where there are no street lights. On top of the flashlight, you should also carry at least one set of extra batteries.
6) A First Aid Kit
Purchase a pre-made first aid kit, or put one together using items that you already own, and put it in your car. This way, if you need a Band-Aid, some Neosporin, or anything else while on the road, you’ll be set.
7) Windshield Washer Fluid
The best windshield washer fluid for snowy weather is the kind that contains de-icing compounds. This can be used both in the appropriate basin, and you can pour it on your icy windshield in order to speed up the de-icing process on exceptionally cold days. It really does come in handy.
8) Coolant
You probably think that your car may not need coolant when it’s cold outside, but the truth is that your car is actually more prone to overheating when the weather drops. In order to avoid this, keep some coolant in your trunk or in the back seat of your car. Remember that it’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!
9) A Car Tool Kit
This kit should consist of all of the basics that you might need. You can purchase a pre-made car tool kit (these come in handy packages that unfold), but you can always put one together yourself. Make sure that it includes jumper cables, a knife, a wheel wrench, a jack, and some multi-tools. Take a look at the Tool Kit I have, it’s super inexpensive and has everything you need: Check it out here>>>
