Driving during the winter can be challenging and dangerous. Which is why it makes sense to pack some essential kit…
Torch
Winter means dark mornings and dark nights. Should your car breakdown, especially if you drive on rural roads, you’ll find a torch indispensable. Make sure to pack one along with a couple of extra batteries. You don’t want to be stumbling around in the dark, especially if there’s traffic or rough terrain.
Shovel
Ice, snow and sludge can cause your car to get stuck – especially on quieter roads. In which case, a shovel can make all of the difference. It’ll potentially help clear debris around your car, helping you to get moving again.
First Aid Kit
It might sound a tad extreme, but it’s better to be safe than sorry; pack a first aid kit in your car, if possible. In fact, you might benefit from travelling with one throughout the year. Should you experience an accident, or encounter someone who has, having some basic medical supplies can make all the difference before an ambulance arrives.
Ice Scraper
This should be fairly self-explanatory, but having an ice scraper to hand can speed up the whole defrosting process. After all, who wants to be sitting around in the cold waiting for their car to break free of ice and frost?
Blankets
If your car breaks down during the winter, you’ll probably find that its heating system doesn’t work. In which case, you’ll find that you end up getting cold and fast. Having a blanket to hand can make things much more comfortable, and may be especially important for very young, or very old, passengers.
Jumper Cables
Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on car batteries. In which case, having some jumper cables packed can save you the bother of waiting for a rescue if yours runs out of charge.
Water and Snacks
Depending on where you drive, you could be waiting a very long time if your car breaks down; or if you simply end up stuck in heavy traffic. It makes sense, then, to pack some fresh water and non-perishable foods.
Winter Clothing
Winter clothing will help protect you and your passengers from freezing temperatures. In addition, an illuminated jacket or coat will make you visible to other road-users. Some work boots, with extra grip, could also be very useful if the road or terrain is slippery or frozen.
Rope or Chain
If you end up stuck in snow or ice, having a rope or chain can make a rescue attempt much easier and, potentially, much quicker. Just make sure it’s designed to hold the weight of your vehicle.
A Map
Ok, it sounds archaic. We know. But think about it. If you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere you’ll be entirely dependent on your phone for rescue which may, or may not, have a good Internet connection. In which case, you’ll want some way of determining where you are and where to go to get help i.e. where’s the nearest village?
Apple May Be Planning To Release A Self-Driving Car In 2025 – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/apple-may-be-planning-to-release-a-self-driving-car-in-2025/
All In-Car Mobile Phone Use To Be Banned In 2022 – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/all-in-car-mobile-phone-use-to-be-banned-in-2022/