Putting together a winter car kit is a very sensible thing to do. It need not cost the earth and could end up being a lifesaver. There are some basic bits of equipment every driver should carry in their car in case of emergency. But harsh winter weather can throw up a whole new set of challenges. Our winter car kit will help to keep you safe when the weather turns cold.
In heavy snow, you may have to wait in your car to be rescued. Cars don’t have much in the way of insulation so having a blanket in the boot will make life comfier.
Warm clothes/boots
If you have to walk through snow and slush to get help, you probably don’t want to do it in your smart work shoes. Equally, a suit jacket won’t keep you warm when it’s below freezing outside. And you probably don’t want to be wearing work clothes if you have to dig your car out of snow. A warm coat, boots and gloves come into their own here.
Food and drink
Stow some energy or chocolate bars in the boot, along with a bottle of water. That way you won’t be tempted to tuck in until you really need them. And you never know when they may come in handy.
Shovel
You can get some really neat folding snow shovels from hardware stores. They’re handy to keep in your boot and cost less than £10.
Tow rope
Rescue services don’t advise towing. But in heavy snow it may be the only way you can get moving. And if someone with a tractor or 4×4 comes along, they may only be able to help if you can supply the tow rope. Remember, even a small car weighs the best part of a tonne. You need a rope or chain that will take the strain.
Full tank of fuel
Although it’s not strictly kit, make sure you’ve filled your car before embarking on a long journey in challenging winter weather. You’ll have enough to worry about without fretting over your fuel level.
Kit to keep in your car all year
Reflective jacket
These are compulsory in many countries in continental Europe. It makes perfect sense. Drivers wearing dark clothes on an unlit stretch of road at night can be invisible to on-coming traffic. Remember to keep it in the door pocket or glove box. That way you can put it on before leaving the car. And you won’t have to root around in the boot to find it.
Mobile phone charger
Your phone could be a life saver. And it’s surprising how quickly a battery can run out, especially when you need it. The answer is a mobile charger. At least if the weather has deteriorated when you embark on your commute home, you can replenish your phone’s battery before you need it.
Torch
Virtually everyone has a torch on their mobile phone. However, these gobble up battery life should you need them for any length of time, perhaps while changing a wheel. They’re also difficult to point into small spaces if you need to do something under the bonnet. A cheap torch and if you can, spare batteries, is the way forwards.
First Aid kit
The Red Cross says most road accident fatalities could be prevented if first aid was administered before the emergency services arrive. It, along with St John Ambulance, advises drivers to carry a basic first aid kit in their car. You can put one of these together yourself or buy them in most supermarkets and motor retail outlets.
Warning triangle
As these are compulsory in many European countries such as France, Belgium, Spain and Italy a lot of cars have them as standard. But they may be well hidden. Before you buy one, check your car’s spare wheel well, compartments to the side of the boot or even in the tailgate.
Jump leads
Look in your car’s user manual: some manufacturers advise that you don’t use jump leads. If you can use them, it makes sense to have some in the car for emergencies. Read how to jump start a flat battery here.
I’ve been writing about cars and motoring for more than 25 years. My career started on a long-departed classic car weekly magazine called AutoClassic. I’ve since pitched up at Autosport, Auto Express, the News of the World, Sunday Times and most recently the Daily Telegraph. When I’m not writing about cars and motoring, I’m probably doing some kind of sport or working in my garden.
