In the winter time, it is very important to have certain accessories in or on your car to help insure your passengers and your safety. Below are ten of the most overlooked winter accessories for your car.
1. Windshield wipers
Many people do not realize how worn their wiper blades are until they encounter heavy freezing ice or snow. Before winter sets in, notice how well your wiper blades are working in a heavy rainfall. If they are not doing a good job, buy new ones that will hold up under harsh winter conditions.
2. Compass
One of the most overlooked winter accessories for your car is having a compass. If out-and-about in heavy snowfall, it is easy to loose your direction. There are times when cell phones will not work in certain locations. Keep a compass in your glove compartment so that if you have to get out of your car, you will know which direction to travel.
3. Tires
Make sure that your tires are the correct type for driving in snow. Check and see that they are in really good condition.
4. Food and clothing supplies
Having an extra set of winter clothing, blankets, non-perishable canned food items, packaged snacks, water, a can opener, silverware and a dish in your trunk will help keep you from going hungry or getting very cold if you are stuck in the snow somewhere.
5. Antifreeze
Keep extra antifreeze in your trunk. It can turn cold very quickly. The last thing you need is for your car to freeze up and become stranded.
6. Gas
Always keep more gas in your car than you think you will need or try to keep it filled. This will help keep you from running out while sitting in snow waiting for help.
7. Emergency medical and travel car kits
Have bandages, scissors and antibacterial ointment in a container in your trunk in case someone needs them. Also, include glow alert rectangles, flashing containers, flares and or glow sticks. If an accident happens or you are stranded in heavy snow, they will alert oncoming traffic and will help other drivers to see you quickly.
8. Weather radio
Bad weather can sometimes develop very fast. Keep a weather radio in your glove compartment. This can alert you of the bad weather and where it is occurring.
9. Extra batteries
Always keep extra fresh batteries in your trunk for your gadgets, such as the weather radio. In case an emergency last a while, they could be needed.
10. Itinerary
If leaving on a road trip, leave an itinerary at home where it can be easily found. Also, keep paper and pen in the glove compartment. If you become stranded in the ice or snow and have to leave your car, you can write down where you are headed. Leave it on the seat where it can easily be found. When your car is located, rescuers will know where to start looking for you.
Wintertime can be so much fun. With all the holiday traveling, protecting yourself from the hazards of the season by using these much overlooked winter accessories for you car will help with your safety.