With cars becoming more reliable, we can take driving for granted. It remains that we must partially alleviate road risks. Emergencies can happen to anyone while driving, and help may not be readily available. It can be worse when it is freezing and snowing.
It can be hard to drive and control your car when it snows because of reduced visibility, which increases accident risks. Every year, about 900 people die in crashes during sleet, confirming how dangerous it can be. If you must travel during the winter, you should stay prepared by having a winter emergency car kit if you are in a predicament.
You will learn what to pack in your emergency kit and the best winter car kits to consider today.
Purpose of Winter Emergency Car Kits
Fundamentally, winter emergency car kits are meant to help you get back on the road safely and continue your journey if you are stuck. It could be that you ran out of fuel, punctured your tire, or drifted off the road, all requiring a certain level of preparedness. Here are more reasons why you need a winter emergency car kit.
- Safety on Roads
Winter weather isn’t enjoyable for driving, as it can get unpredictable. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can be hazardous conditions that could result in emergencies. If you puncture your tire or run out of fuel in the middle of a snow-covered road, having a fully equipped winter emergency car kit can help you get back on the road safely or stay safe until help arrives.
- Self-reliance
Help may not arrive immediately in an emergency due to hazardous circumstances like poor vision and extremely low temperatures. Additionally, a car emergency could happen in an area where getting aid right away is difficult. In these situations, having an emergency car kit allows you to be self-reliant and aids you in dealing with the emergency without needing outside assistance.
- Preventing Hypothermia
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, 25% of winter-weather-related injuries happen to people caught in a storm. Freezing temperatures increase the chances of hypothermia, and extended exposure can even lead to death. Being prepared with warm clothes and blankets in your emergency kit ensures you are as warm as possible.
- Reducing Stress
Driving in dangerous weather conditions can cause anxiety and stress. However, knowing that you have the necessary items to help you escape an emergency can put your mind at ease. This way, you can turn all your attention to navigating the road.
Essential Safety Equipment in Winter Emergency Car Kits
Your emergency car kit must-have essential items to help you stay comfortable and safe if you ever get into a winter-related emergency. Consider basic supplies, winter clothing, and maintenance tools. You can create a checklist to help you gather and pack all items into a storage container. Your winter emergency car kit should also always be stored inside your car.
Here is what you need to pack in your emergency car kit.
- Jumper Cables
You will need jumper cables in your car in case your battery dies or if you need to help someone else on the road. You must also know how to use them correctly to avoid any accidents. It can serve as a reminder to have printed instructions in your emergency car kit. Alternatively, you can pack a portable jump starter that does not require another car to jump-start your battery. They are efficient, as some will notify you when you have the clamps plugged backward to prevent damage.
- Ice Scrapper
Ice scrappers are vital for scraping snow and ice from your windshield when driving in winter. This will help you get better visibility on the road. Additionally, it saves time and your battery since you do not have to use it to defrost all the ice from your windshield. In some countries, like the United States, you may attract huge fines if you drive with patches of ice on your windshield.
- Portable Snow Shovel
A portable snow shovel is handy when digging out your stuck car in the snow. They can also help you keep your vehicle visible to rescue teams. These shovels are usually collapsible and come in different sizes. A full-size one will be ideal for performing big jobs compared to compact shovels. Consider parking some kitty litter or road salt to provide traction and get you back on the road.
- First Aid Kit
Like in every emergency kit, it is vital to have a basic first aid kit containing essential products like medication, bandages, and band-aids. A first aid kit helps treat minor injuries when you cannot access medical supplies. If you are on daily medication, having some packed in your first aid kit is always a good idea if you are stranded.
- Cell Phone Charger
It is common practice for most people to carry a cell phone charger in their car, but to be safe, you can add an extra one to your emergency car kit. However, they can be rendered useless if you run out of gas and batteries, so consider adding a portable phone charger to the equipment.
Keep a copy of printed emergency contacts in your emergency car kit for when your phone dies, and you have no charger. You can borrow someone’s phone and call for help or inform your loved ones that you are okay.
- Water
Drink plenty of water while trapped on the road in the winter to avoid dehydration, which could make you more susceptible to health risks. We advise keeping a gallon or more of water in your car. And since the water can remain in your car for months without being needed, it is recommended that you regularly replace it.
- Food
Food, like water, is essential when stranded on the road. Park several non-perishable foods that can last for a long time without going wrong, like canned food, nuts, Granola bars, crackers, jerky, and dried fruit. Similarly, ensure you replace these once every few months.
Winter Emergency Kits
Considering the many options available, finding a suitable winter emergency car kit can be challenging. The best winter emergency kits contain a basic first aid kit and essential emergency supplies to ensure you can survive a car emergency when driving in the winter. We have compiled the best winter emergency car kits to consider in 2023 to help you make an informed purchase.
#1: AA Emergency Winter Car Kit AA5281
The AA Emergency Winter Car Kit AA5281 is a compact emergency car kit with all the essential items to give you peace of mind when driving in wintry conditions. This kit has a handy storage bag to easily store in your car’s trunk. The kit has a compact, foldable, yet strong shovel with snow and ice grips to help you escape any snow emergency.
If your car battery dies on you, there is no need to worry. The AA emergency car kit has booster cables to help you revive your engine. When in such a predicament, you will need to be seen by other motorists. The Hi-Vis jacket increases your visibility, backed up by a LED torch that doubles up as a light source to illuminate your surroundings during dark winter nights on the road.
Additionally, a warning triangle falls flat in the storage case provided in the kit. The warning triangle is essential for notifying other motorists of an accident or breakdown. This is not to mention the rain poncho and blanket to keep you warm as you wait for assistance.
#2: SafeTravel Winter Motoring Emergency Breakdown Kit Gold
If you need an efficient emergency kit with all essentials stored in a compact canvas bag, consider the SafeTravel Winter Motoring Emergency Breakdown Kit Gold. This emergency kit arms you with everything you need to stay visible, safe, and protected from injuries when driving in the winter.
This kit has been designed to prioritize safety when driving. It includes a mini foldable thermal foil blanket to keep you warm when you get stuck on the road, avoid hypothermia, and make you less susceptible to health risks. Insiders say the canvas bag is also a wind-up touch that is handy for illuminating your environment if you are out in the dark. It can also be used to alert other road users. It functions without batteries; you only need to wind up the handle for a few minutes and are ready.
You do not have to keep removing your gloves to operate your smartphone. The touchscreen gloves in the SafeTravel emergency kit allow you to call or send a text on your phone while keeping your hands warm. It is worth noting that this kit does not have a warning triangle. What you get, though, is a high-visibility vest that can increase your visibility on the road.
#4: Am-Tech Automotive Winter Emergency Kit
The Am-Tech Automotive Winter Emergency Kit packs everything you need for a winter car emergency in a small box. Emergency essentials such as a tow rope, an emergency blanket to keep you warm, 9 LED mini, an ice scraper, and jumper cables are included.
To shake things up, this product includes an emergency harmer and windscreen protector that help prevent your windshield from frosting. It is worth noting that despite all Am-Tech Kit offerings, it lacks essentials like a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a visibility vest that can enhance emergency preparedness.
#5: Arctic Hayes 3 Pieces Winter Essential Car Care Kit
The Arctic Hayes 3 Pieces Winter Essential Car Care Kit has a few products, but the three included ones can be handy during a car emergency.
The compact box has a de-icer spray to help prevent freezing on your windscreen. It effectively removes freeze in any glass and aids in releasing frozen locks. And you do not have to worry about it leaving marks on your car, as the de-icer spray is made with a non-smear formula. All these are paired with a screen wash designed to remove dirt from your windshield for better driving visibility.
There is also an ice scraper with a foam grip handle to clear snow and ice from your windscreen. You can drive safely in hazardous winter driving conditions using these three products. However, there are several necessary items, including a warning triangle, jumper cables, and a visibility vest, to mention a few.
#6: Pineocus Car Heater Defroster
The Pineocus Car Heater Defroster doesn’t precisely cut it for a winter emergency kit, but it is beneficial when driving in the cold. This product is multi-functional despite its compact size. Thanks to its size, however, it can easily be carried around.
The car heater defroster is designed to enhance visibility by removing frost and mist from your windshield. It also doubles up as a heater and provides warmth for enhanced comfort when driving during the cold season. Just plug the device into the cigarette lighter socket and turn it on.
The Pineocus Car Heater Defroster remains useful past winter and can be used throughout the year. It does not only defrost but can be used for cooling during hot seasons. For enhanced efficiency, it has a 360-degree rotatable base that allows you to adjust the heater’s angle to your preference.
Additionally, this product only takes a minute or less to heat your car. Other selling points of the Pineocus Car Defroster are overheating protection, ease of use, and low consumption. It can also help with air purification and smoke removal in your car.
However, you may need to compliment this product with other winter emergency car kit essentials like a touch, jumper cables, a first aid kit, and a shovel. Note that this may significantly increase the cost.
#7: Car Fan Heater, Portable Air Fast Heater, Windscreen Defroster Demister
This product is similar to the Pineocus Car Heater Defroster, functioning nearly similarly. The Car Fan Heater, Portable Air Fast Heater, and Windscreen Defroster Demister are designed with heat-resistant hard plastic and cable to ensure it does not heat up during use.
This product is built to aid in defrosting windscreens during winter driving. It is very efficient and can get the job done in a minute or less, thanks to the doubled heating grille that accelerates the heating process. Additionally, it has a temperature control you can use to set the temperature. This way, this product does not only suit the cold weather but also the hot weather when you may need cooling.
The base is 360 degrees rotatable, enabling you to adjust it to your preferred angle. It is worth noting, however, that the Car Fan Heater cannot entirely replace the air conditioner and should mainly be used to defrost and demist your windshield.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness Tips
Staying prepared is as essential as maneuvering snowy and icy roads during the winter. Here are safety and emergency preparedness tips that can help you deal with a car emergency.
- Invest in a Winter Emergency Car Kit
The best way to prepare for any car emergency is to have a functional emergency kit. The good thing is that these kits are relatively easy to build using the things you have in your home. Alternatively, you can purchase an all-in-one winter emergency kit. Ensure it has all the necessary items to help you survive if stuck on the road. Consider including additional things like water, non-perishable food, and a blanket.
- Prepare Your Car
Your car needs to be in good working condition before you think of hitting the road while it’s snowing; you should inspect your vehicle for any faults and ensure it is functioning correctly. If anything is wrong, fix it before starting your journey. Additionally, ensure you fill up your car, as the last thing you want is to run out of fuel during your trip.
- Research the Route
What’s more dangerous than driving in winter weather is driving on a route whose condition you are unaware of. Ensure that you research the way you plan to take it. Ensure that the conditions are favorable for driving; if not, consider taking an alternative route or rescheduling your journey. Fortunately, most towns have local traffic websites that provide information on the state of the roads.
- Have the Right Tires
Worn-out tires or with few treads are likely to skid off the road. Therefore, if you plan to drive on snow-covered roads, ensure your tires are in good condition. Consider changing the tires for ones designed for snow if you often go in winter weather, as they are more flexible and have added siping in the tread for enhanced steering control.
- Practice Winter Driving
If you haven’t driven in winter conditions before, it is essential to familiarize yourself with winter driving. The best way to do that is by practicing to find out your car’s behavior, such as what your breaks will do and why stopping distances are longer when driving on ice.
- Practice Safe Driving
When driving in winter weather, avoid risky driving behaviors like texting and drunk driving, which can impair responsible driving. Always be alert when driving and take note of speed limits to ensure your safety and that of other road users. Remember also to wear your seat belt when driving.
Are there specific considerations for winter emergency car kits in snowy or mountainous regions?
- Road salt/ Kitty litter: road salt or kitty litter can increase friction under your car’s tires if you get stuck in snow or ice in a mountainous region.
- Warm clothes and blankets: when planning a trip to snowy or mountainous areas, pack extra warm clothes and blankets to keep you warm, as it can get pretty cold. These will also help prevent hypothermia and reduce the risk of developing other health conditions.
- Tire inflator: low temperatures can lower your tires’ pressure, so it helps to have a tire inflator with you. It will help you quickly inflate your tire when the low-tire-pressure light shows and save you time on detours to a gas station.
- Winter tires: If you frequently drive or live in a snowy or mountainous region, getting winter tires can help you survive the road conditions. They provide better traction, reducing the risk of accidents.
Conclusion
Driving in winter conditions can be tricky, even dangerous. With low visibility, freezing temperatures, and snowy roads, there are high risks of skidding off the road or getting stuck. You should therefore have a winter emergency car kit with essential items to help you survive such ideals. Remember to include a flashlight, jumper cables, a blanket, a basic first aid kit, a visibility vest, an ice scraper, and a portable shovel, to name a few. You can gather all the essential items and build your kit, or you can buy one. The AA Emergency Winter Car Kit AA5281 and the Am-Tech Automotive Winter Emergency Kit are among the best winter emergency cars you can buy today.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What items are in a winter emergency car kit?
A winter emergency car kit should contain the necessary items to get you out of any car emergency. That includes jumper cables in case your battery dies, a first aid kit for nursing injuries, an ice scraper, and a portable shovel. Additionally, food and water can be helpful when stuck in a storm.
- What is the best winter emergency car kit in 2023?
Although there are several excellent options on the market, consider the AA Emergency Winter Car Kit AA5281 and the Am-Tech Automotive Winter Emergency Kit, as they include a variety of essentials, from a visibility vest to a shovel and ice scraper.
- How can I drive better in the winter?
Driving in the winter differs from driving during other times of the year. Because there are greater chances of skidding, it is wise to practice winter driving before getting on the road. Other than that, accelerate and decelerate slowly to avoid skidding, and remember that the stopping distance is usually longer when driving on ice or snow-covered roads.