Must Haves for Winter Driving
We live in North Idaho. Where it snows. Sometimes a lot.
We also drive to Seattle quite often. To get to Seattle we have to cross a mountain pass.
These are my top ten items, in no particular order, that I put in my car every winter.
Usually around Halloween because snow around that time is not unheard of.
1. Car Chains
Normally, if conditions call for chains, I stay home.
That’s not to say I could be in town, 40 minutes away, and have weather go down hill quickly.
2. Blankets
Always in the car. Especially if we are going over the mountain passes. Either to MT or to Western WA.
I have been known to leave a sleeping bag or two also. If you get stuck while they do avalanche control you don’t want to run your gas gauge down trying to stay warm.
3. First Aid Kit
This really goes without saying. I have 4 kids. I always need a bandaid or neosporin.
4. Thermos of coffee
OK So I don’t drive around with this in my car all winter. But you can bet me it will be on our 6 hour drives to Seattle. Again, you don’t want to get caught on the pass without it.
5. Water
Stay hydrated. This is more frugal for me than anything. We all have our own water bottles and I fill them before we leave. Most gas stations will let you refill, for free, using the water on the soda fountain.
6. Snacks
In case you get stuck behind a slide off or the like. Nothing worse than crabby kids due to hunger.
7. De-icing windshield fluid
In summer I buy the bug kind, in winter I buy the ‘good to -20’ kind. This is a safety issue and I like to keep some in the car so I don’t run out.
8. Cell phone charger
When mom went into the hospital the first time my cell died from so many calls. My charger wasn’t in my car. I never leave the house with my phone low. Winter or otherwise.
9. This should be #1 A FULL TANK OF GAS!
I don’t let my car get below half tank in winter. Especially if there is a storm warning. Again, it comes down to ‘what if’ you get stuck behind an accident or you, God forbid, slide off the road. You need to stay warm.
10. Ice Scraper
I have the luxury of parking in our garage at home. But, again, if I’m in town I need something to clear my windshield off with.
Did I forget anything?
Please leave your suggestions in the comments.
I also keep a bag of kitty litter in my car, works great for traction. I suppose that is why you keep tire chains, but I don’t have chains. I also keep a small tote with extra socks, mittens, hats and scarves just in case 🙂