Winter Car Kit |
Login |
Updated Apr 7, 2006
When driving in winter you should take some common sense precautions. Trying to hit fresh powder can mean driving in some nasty conditions. You could easily end up in a ditch, broken-down, or simply stuck in an unplowed resort parking lot. The following is a list of items you should think about keeping in the vehicle.
Cell phone
These days a cell phone can be the easiest way out of most situations. However, a phone with a dead battery isn't going to do you any good, and often there isn't reception near resorts. It's still a good idea to carry one, and have the numbers for a tow truck and someone you can count on in the directory, but you can't rely solely on it.
Gas
Obviously, have enough gas to get where you're going. If you drive a rear-wheel drive vehicle, a full tank of gas can seriously help with your traction. Gas weighs something like 8lbs per gallon, and it's often situated low and near the rear wheels which is where you would want any weight. Also, if you are stuck you can run the engine to keep warm. You might want to keep a small empty gas can in the car as well so that if you run out, you can hitch a ride to the nearest gas station and back.
Snowbrush and Ice Scraper
Every Canadian driver should already have these in the car.
Washer Fluid
It's critical to have some extra washer fluid in case you run out when you need it most. You don't want to be miles from anywhere with a windshield that's smeared with road gunk and no way to keep it clear.
Lock De-icer
Frozen locks aren't as much of a concern with keyless entry. If you do need it though, it doesn't do any good in the glove compartment. If you're really stuck, heating the key with a lighter or match then inserted into the lock should thaw things enough to unlock it. Without access to fire, holding your hand against the lock for a minute or two might do the trick through heat conduction, depending on how cold it is. Ideally, keep some de-icer in a pocket.
Flashlight
Since there's not much daylight in winter, and it's good to be able to see when it's dark, a flashlight is good to have on hand. Just make sure it has fresh batteries. You may need to secure the switch with tape to ensure it doesn't accidentally get turned-on.
Blanket
Imagine that it's cold, you're stuck somewhere, and unable to run the engine to keep warm. Or, you're at the scene of an accident and someone else is cold or in shock. A blanket could come in handy.
Gloves, Toque, and Boots
Chances are if you're going skiing or snowboarding, you have sufficient warm clothing. It's still not a bad idea to toss that old out-of-fashion stuff in the car just in case you don't have your gear with you. Also, in the event of ending up in a ditch, you want some boots if you're going to try digging yourself out. Snowboard boots will do, but again, if you don't have your gear with you then having those old boots there could be nice. Also handy if you get to the hill and realize you forgot your gloves at home, it saves buying a new pair at inflated ski shop prices.
Shovel
You can get collapsible plastic shovels pretty cheap. Good for digging your car out of the snow bank that the snowplow buried your car under while it was parked on the street. And, hey, it can double for building jumps!
Traction Aid
Sand bags or kitty litter both help add some ballast to the rear end of rear-wheel drives, and can be sprinkled on the ground to help with traction. Rock salt is an option as well. Tire chains are good but expensive. You can usually get metal crampon-style traction aids at department stores; I have a set which has saved my ass a few times. Some people say to use strips of carpet, but I've found that anything that can get spun under the tires, will.
Jumper Cables
Good to have year-round, but especially so in the winter. It's not unknown for car batteries to just konk-out. Cables can get you started even if the battery won't hold juice. And you can help out others in need of a jumpstart. You can get portable jumpstart power packs fairly cheap these days as well, perhaps more useful since they can get you out of a fix if no one is around to give you a boost.
Flares
I'd put these low on the priorities but they could be useful if visibility is poor and you're stuck at the side of the road to help prevent someone on a cell phone from plowing into you.
First Aid Kit
One of these things you hope you'll never have to use. On the other hand, keeping your edges tuned can result in the occasional finger slicing where having some band-aids handy is a good idea. Anyone with necessary medications should also keep some fresh supplies around.
Tools
You should have at least some vice grips and a multi-bit screwdriver, or a leatherman (or even a cheap imitation). Even if you don't know anything about cars, someone may stop to help who does, but doesn't have any tools.
Food
In the event you get stranded, or are just plain hungry. Energy bars would seem like a good idea but most should be eaten with some fluids, and any drinks you have may be frozen. Chocolate and cookies will keep well for food, and can help boost spirits.
Duct Tape
Whether it's to mend an engine hose, temporarily fix a windshield wiper, hold a broken window together, or just blister care for ill fitting boots, duct tape is a wonderful thing.
Paper and Pencil
You should have these on hand for getting the info from another driver in an accident.
Candle and Lighter
These are cheap and don't take up much room. If you are stuck and can't run the engine, a candle can help ward off the cold.
No comments yet.
Login to add a comment
