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Creating a Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car | Infographic

What Should You Keep in Your Car Winter Emergency Kit

Here’s a checklist of tools and supplies that will help get you out of trouble with winter weather.

  • Ice Scraper and Brush
  • Tire Chains and Pressure Gauge
  • Road Flares or Reflective Warning Triangles
  • Jumper Cables
  • Flashlight & Batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Cat Litter or Sand
  • Blankets and Snacks
  • A Well Maintained Vehicle

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1. Preparation is Key During Winter

1. Creating a Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car

3. What Should You Keep in Your Car

4. Keep Your Car Ready to Go

5. AAMCO Colorado Has You Covered

6. More From Our Blog

Preparation is Key, Especially During Those Rough Winters

You never know what you’re going to get with Colorado winters. One day it’s warm and sunny, the next freezing with a blizzard. That’s why it’s smart to always be prepared for anything, especially when venturing out of the city. Be ready by keeping a winter emergency kit in your car and regularly checking to make sure your car is ready for any inclement weather.

Related: Colorado Mountain Driving Tips
Related: Top 5 Colorado Road Trip Destinations
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What Should You Keep in Your Car – And Why?

Keeping a winter emergency kit in your car is about keeping both you and your car safe if you run into trouble. It’s also about having the tools you need to make sure you’re as prepared as possible when the weather changes. Common Colorado car advice heading into winter is to be prepared for the worst even if you aren’t expecting it. Here’s a checklist of tools and supplies that will help get you out of trouble with winter weather.

Ice Scraper and Brush

No one wants to walk out of their home in the morning to find their car covered in ice and snow with no way to easily get it off. Keep a sturdy brush with ice scraper in your car so you’re able to clear off your car and windows.

Tire Chains and Pressure Gauge

Many states with harsh winter weather and mountain roads have tire chain laws. If you’re planning to drive into the mountains in Colorado this winter, be sure to have tire chains on hand in case you run into snowy roads. Even without laws, tire chains will help your car maintain traction when roads get slick, slushy, and snow packed. This can make a huge difference when driving on steep and winding mountain roads.

It’s also a good idea to keep a tire pressure gauge on hand so you can make sure your tires are properly inflated. Colder weather often means you will have to top up the air in your tires and if you leave them under-inflated, you’re causing extra wear and making it more difficult to gain traction with bad road conditions.

Road Flares or Reflective Warning Triangles

If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, having road flares or reflective warning signs will help keep you and your car safe. During the night, it can be hard for traffic to see a car on the side of the road and keeping your flashers on can wear down your battery. Using flares or reflective signs will save car battery life and alert oncoming drivers that you’re stopped.

Jumper Cables

Winter temperatures can be hard on your car’s battery. Be prepared with jumper cables in case your car battery dies. This will up your odds of being able to get your car up and running again, since you will just have to find someone with a car who’s willing to give you a jump.

Flashlight & Batteries

Most people have flashlights on their phones now – but preserve your phone battery and make sure you can still see what you’re doing in the dark when your car breaks down by having a flashlight on hand. If you may be stranded for a while, you don’t want to use your phone for anything extra.

First Aid Kit

Be prepared for any injuries that may happen along the way. It’s best to have a first aid kit handy in your car with band aids, gauze, pain killers, adhesive tape, and antiseptic. You’re better safe than sorry when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere or on a long car trip and run into trouble.

Cat Litter or Sand

If you find yourself stuck in snow or ice, try spreading a little sand or cat litter around your tires. Doing this can help your tires find traction and make it easier to get going again. Keep a small container of either in your trunk so you aren’t caught off guard with bad weather.

Blankets and Snacks

Make sure you have what you need if you’re stuck, too. Have extra blankets on hand to keep you warm, plus snacks and water to keep you fed and hydrated.

Keep Your Car Ready to Go

Don’t neglect seasonal car repair – make sure key components of your car are working optimally before winter weather hits. Regular maintenance such as having your brakes, battery, and fluids checked will help ensure you and your car make it through the colder months without a hitch. Be proactive with car repair services – don’t wait to get stranded in a snowstorm.

Related: What type of drivetrain is best for winter?

Related: High Altitude Car Maintenance Tips

Head into Winter Confident with AAMCO Colorado Car Repair Services

Overdue for car maintenance? Head to your local AAMCO Colorado mechanics to get any car problems diagnosed and fixed before the weather gets bad. We understand the importance of seasonal car care – that means we can take care of any necessary car repair to get you back on the road in no time. Make an appointment with AAMCO Colorado and rest assured that you’ll be ready for anything this winter.

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