10 ITEMS TO KEEP IN CAR IN THE WINTER
If you live in Colorado and are a frequent driver in the mountains, you know that timing is everything when heading up or down I-70.
Of course, I got stuck in Evergreen while showing a property, and it took two Realtors and three buyers to get my car out of a snowbank. And a tow rope!
All of us have found ourselves in traffic for hours. Years ago, some moms took our son and his friends to Vail, but when the snow conditions shut down the tunnels, they had to return home with six hungry, loud boys. Traffic moved in 1-inch increments. What started as a two-and-a-half-hour drive turned into an eleven-hour tour of I-70.
The boys had a blast, but the moms in the car were teetering on the edge of breaking into a sketchy cabin in the woods.
Our son, who volunteers at Winter Park’s Adaptive Ski program, has sat in his car in similar conditions, with the highway closed in both directions.
10 ITEMS TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR IN THE WINTER!
The first tip comes from my husband!
Keep a candle and matches in your car.
Battery charger ! My husband gave each of our kids a battery charger for their cars. Two of them have had to use it!
My list began with food.
I suggested keeping a dozen granola bars and waters in the back of all cars.
It turns out we were both right, and this list includes the extended version of what to keep in your car in the winter.
Always start with a full tank of gas.
My friends and family tease me for how a half-tank triggers a fight-or-flight response to the nearest gas station.
Here is a list of items to keep in your car. The list will vary depending on where you live in the country. Please comment what state you live in and your own tips! I will add to this list!
Let’s go and read my favorite tip at the end of this list!
- Water Bottles
- Ice scraper/brush combo
- Extra gloves (dry)
- Kitty litter for traction ( or sand or mulch).
- Use plastic bags over your mirrors to keep them from freezing overnight
- Fun fact: Hand sanitizer can unfreeze stuck door locks.
- Matches and a Candle for heat.
- Handheld shovel (make sure to clear snow near the exhaust!
- Wool blanket, socks, and ski gloves.
- Flashlight (handheld) doesn’t rely on your phone’s flashlight.
- Share your location with more than one person if anticipating poor weather.
This next tip is from my dad when I was a new driver: If it’s foggy or snowy, lightly tap your brakes so the car behind you can see your car!
I saved my best tip for last on this list!
Remember: There is no shame in driving in the far right lane.
What items would you add to this list? Please leave a comment or email me!
LED baseball cap – they turn on with a tap of a button built in the rim. A neon vest so people can see you. Umbrellas, a plastic tote to throw wet clothes/ towels in, a change of clothes, printed numbers of your emergency contacts, toilet paper.
From Sacramento area, CA.
Great tips! Thank you!
Great tips. Thankfully our winters a much milder than your but these are all still helpful.
One of my best friends in junior and high school’s parents grew up in Minnesota and they owned a camp resort and sometimes went there in the winter. She told me everyone always carried bags of peanut shells to burn if they were stranded. I don’t know why I remember that.
Great tips, Laura!
I’d add a backup battery charger for phones. And a basket or tote to keep everything in! Thanks for the list.