Winter is a time when the temperature drops and the weather is very cold. Driving during this period is dangerous since the ice on the road can make the surface slippery.
Since cold temperatures aren’t great for the car, it’s wise to plan ahead during the winter period and be prepared for any unwanted situation by keeping some essential gadgets in your car.
In this article, I’m picking up the 10 most important gadgets that you should keep in your car this winter.
1. Power Bank
Our phones have become an integral part of our lives and the chance of leaving the house without them is very slim. On the other hand, the chance of the battery running down is very high. Having a charger in the car can ensure that you don’t have a low battery situation as you will be able to charge the phone when the car is on.
The only problem that may arise will be if the car can’t start and the phone charger won’t work. A power bank or portable battery will charge your phone even if the car won’t start.
2. Bag of Sand or Rock Salt
A bag of sand or rock salt will help in getting the car out of a ditch. Pour it around the tire to give it that needed grit and traction to come out of the ice puddle or mud.
3. Ice Scraper
This is a very important item to have in the car during winter. A parked car during winter can develop a layer of snow and ice on it. This can be dangerous as it can impair visibility and even hit other cars on the road. A sturdy ice scraper or brush will remove the layer of snow or ice and ensure safety.
4. Shovel
The car can get stuck in mud or a snow pile and a shovel will be needed to dig out of it. To save space in the trunk, look for a foldable or small shovel that will easily fit in there.
5. Blankets and Winter Clothing
Going to work may mean dressing in clothes that may not be too warm. Being out in the cold in clothes that are not suitable may be dangerous. So, it is advisable to have some winter clothes stashed in the car.
A blanket will be helpful if you need to stay in the car especially when the heater doesn’t work due to any fault. Having gloves will also help if you need to change a tire or dig the car out of a ditch. Make sure to keep the Saturn sky best waterproof car cover in the trunk to avoid damage to your car from rain or snow.
6. First Aid Box
No one hopes to be involved in an accident but having a first aid box in the car can make a difference in an accident, especially during the winter. A first aid box can be bought or made as long as it has the essentials like bandages, scissors, antibiotic ointment, and gauze.
7. Jumper Cable
Winter puts additional strain on the car battery and can make weak or old batteries become dead. Having a jumper cable in the car means that you can easily jumpstart the car from any other driver.
8. Food and Water
Getting stuck in the car during the winter and having to wait for help can be frustrating, especially if the help may take a while to get there. Having nonperishable food and water in the car can make you more at ease.
This will be very helpful if there are kids in the car.
A granular bar is enjoyable and a healthy snack and a thermos will keep whatever liquid you have in it warm.
9. Hazard Triangles or Flares
During winter, the roads can be slippery and it’s easier to slide off the road or crash into something. Having a hazard triangle or emergency flares will make you visible to other vehicles plying the road. It will also make it easier for help to get to you.
10. Flashlight
It quickly gets dark during winter and a flashlight will make you more visible to other drivers if you get stranded or if the car breaks down. It is also useful if you need to change a flat tire or check the hood of the car during the night.
Winter is a period where there are more accidents due to the nature of the roads. Being prepared for driving during the winter can be the difference between having a life-threatening incident and simply going through an inconvenient one. Having these items in the car may not only save your life, but it could also save another driver’s life.