What Is In Your Trunk?

Are you one of those who think that a full tank of gas and keys are the only things needed to drive a car?  Sure, you can sometimes get away with being under prepared, but not during the winter. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make winter driving a lot more demanding than normal.

You should be prepared for typical accidents that could potentially happen on the road at any time. During the winter we are also tasked with shoveling snow, scraping ice from our windows, making sure our tires have good traction, and maintaining safe tire pressure.

There a few things that everyone should keep in their car at all times during the winter. 

No matter what year, make, or model your vehicle is, it should come with basics like a tire iron and jack, but those two items alone won't cut it. If you end up with a dead battery or a car that's stuck in the snow, you'll want a few other things to help you out.

Here are 12 items you should keep in your car at all times this winter...

Shovel 

Shovels are useful during the winter, but having one specifically dedicated to your car is a wise move. If you've ever had to dig your car out after a snow storm or gotten stuck along a snow-covered road, you know how convenient it is to keep one in your trunk.

A snow and ice scraper

A snow and ice scraper is easily the most used tool for drivers during the winter. Keeping one handy will allow you to efficiently clear off your windows and lights before driving, instead of resorting to using your hands. The Snow Angel features an extendable telescopic arm, so it's easy to store and won't take up a lot of space when not in use.

Jumper cables

A dead battery is one of the most common car issues, so jumper cables are a must-have. Whether you accidentally left your lights on or cold weather drained your battery, this will bring your car back to life.

A flashlight

Keeping a flashlight in your car year round is a good idea, but with less daylight during the winter, it can be especially useful. Sure, your smart phone has a flashlight app on it, but it's not as useful as a real one. Whether changing a tire or jumping your car, you want something that shines bright and is durable. 

A gas can

Running out of gas can be a major headache at any time of the year, but it's definitely worse in the winter. You don't want to store fuel in your trunk, but keeping a small gas container in your car can save you from a tow. Just walk to the nearest gas station and this more than 1 gallon tank will give you enough gas to drive to safety.

An external battery 

You probably already own a battery pack for keeping your electronics charged on-the-go, but having one that's always in your car is important. It can be the difference between making a quick call for help or being stranded for hours. 

A good spare tire

If your tires don't have good tread, you absolutely want to replace them before winter comes. Driving in wet, snowy, or icy conditions with bald tires extremely dangerous and shouldn't be done. Go for a quality set of all-season tires or you have an extra set of wheels, opt for a set of snow tires to run on your car during the winter months. In addition to the wheels on your car, it's important to keep a spare that's in solid condition.

Air compressor 

Whether your tires are brand new or used, cold weather can a loss of tire pressure. Since keeping the correct tire pressure is important to driving safely, an air compressor is a convenient way to maintain good tire pressure at all times. 

A first-aid kit 

You never know when you'll need a first aid kit, so keeping a small one in your car is always smart. Look for one that is in a  pack able case makes it easy to store or carry.

A basic tool kit 

If you're not a mechanic, having a basic tool kit can save the day when simple fixes need to be done. Look for one that includes everything you'll need for basic repairs - a wrench, sockets, allen keys, pliers, a screwdriver, zip ties and more.

Cat litter 

Have you ever been stuck in the snow and your tires just keep on spinning and spinning, no matter how much gas you give it? Even with new tires, certain cars can still lose traction, but luckily there a solution - cat litter. Spread the litter underneath the tires without traction and you'll be able drive away from the slippery snow and ice.  It's such a cheap and easy solution, everyone should keep some handy.

 

A warm blanket 

Being stranded is never fun, but during the winter it's more than a huge inconvenience. Going from driving in a warm car with heat, to losing power and breaking down isn't never a good feeling. In the event that you do have to tough it out inside your car for a few hours our even overnight, you're going to need a blanket to stay warm. You don't need a full comforter set, but a fleece blanket is warm and won't take up too much trunk space.

 Car-Lotta   Car Sales wants to make sure  you are prepared this winter!!!