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15 Must-Have Items to Keep in Your Car for Winter

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Here’s a list of essential items to keep in your car to stay safe and comfortable during the colder months.

Also See: 10 Essentials to Grab at the Grocery Store Before a Winter Storm

1. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

Close-up of a young woman using an ice scrapper to defrost her car's window

Source: Luka Jankovic / Getty

Quickly clear your windshield and windows of ice and snow for better visibility.

2. Jumper Cables or Jump Starter

A mechanic connects jumper cables to a car battery in a garage during daytime, ensuring proper vehicle electrical function and troubleshooting issues

Source: zoff-photo / Getty

Cold weather can be tough on your car battery—be ready to give it a boost.

3. Blanket or Emergency Thermal Blanket

Toddler car camping in the mountains

Source: VAWiley / Getty

Stay warm if you get stuck in freezing temperatures.

4. First Aid Kit

Doomsday prepping: water bottle, protective mask, candle, lighter, warm clothing, scissors, packing bags, pills, flashlight. Emergency kit, top view in a real home setting. Banner top view

Source: Natalia Lebedinskaia / Getty

Accidents can happen anytime; a first aid kit is always a smart addition.

5. Flashlight with Extra Batteries

Close-Up Of Fire Hydrant Against White Background

Source: EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty

Visibility is crucial during winter evenings or if your car breaks down in the dark.

6. Non-Perishable Snacks and Water

Cliff Bar, Larabar, Luna Bar, healthy food, snack food, protein bar, retail display, CVS, pharmacy, queens, New York, food, store, for sale, no people, peanut butter, banana, chocolate

Source: UCG / Getty

Keep energy bars and bottled water on hand for unexpected delays.

7. Sand, Cat Litter, or Traction Mats

Cat litter granules close up. The texture of granular toilet filler. Cat litter in granules box. active carbon. texture pattern. Clean Cat litter in a litter tray. Background of white bentonite fresh

Source: Healthy Shot / Getty

For those times when your tires get stuck in snow or ice, these can help you gain traction.

8. Shovel

An unrecognizable person in snow boots holding a plastic shovel in order to clean, remove snow from a sidewalk for safety

Source: Iuliia Mikhalitskaia / Getty

A collapsible shovel can be a lifesaver if you need to dig your car out of snow.

9. Gloves, Hat, and Scarf

Afro hair young woman wearing wool scarf under the snow in winter

Source: Nando Martinez / Getty

Dress warmly to stay comfortable if you need to step outside.

10. Windshield Washer Fluid (Winter Formula)

Pouring winter washer fluid into car reservoir during winter, protecting it from freezing.

Source: Halfpoint / Getty

Ensure your washer fluid won’t freeze and can effectively clear salt and grime.

11. Tire Chains or Snow Socks

Close-Up Of Chains On Tire During Winter

Source: EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty

If you’re traveling through areas with heavy snow, these can help you maintain control.

12. Portable Phone Charger or Power Bank

Powerbank charge smartphone on wooden table.

Source: Hychko Oleksandr / Getty

Keep your phone charged to stay connected or call for help.

13. Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife

army knife

Source: nono57 / Getty

A versatile tool can come in handy for a variety of situations.

14. Road Flares or Reflective Triangles

Car breakdown on a rural road in autumn with adverse weather conditions.

Source: Jose Gonzalez Buenaposada / Getty

Increase your visibility if your car is stuck on the side of the road.

15. Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench

mechanic is preparing the equipment and spare tire to change the tire of the car that had a flat tire during the journey and the mechanic was called by the emergency application of the service center.

Source: korawat thatinchan / Getty

Ensure your spare tire is in good condition and ready to use in case of a flat.

Bonus Tips

  • Always keep your gas tank at least half full during winter.
  • Check your car’s emergency supplies periodically to replace expired items or replenish stocks.

15 Must-Have Items to Keep in Your Car for Winter  was originally published on roneb1057.staging.go.ione.nyc

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