Winter Emergency Car Kit Essentials

Severe winter storms can catch even the most experienced O'Fallon drivers off guard. To keep yourself and your passengers safe during a winter storm, it’s important to make a winter car safety kit — and if you already have one, checking that everything is still present and accounted for is as important as routine maintenance. For additional peace of mind this winter, follow Auffenberg CDJR’s guide to build the best car emergency kit for those unexpected winter storms.

What do You Need in Your Winter Car Safety Kit?

When preparing your winter emergency car kit for Belleville winters, it’s important to keep a box or tote of items in your care to help you in case you become stranded on or off the road. Your emergency tool kit for your car should include the following items to ensure you’re warm and able to get out of your vehicle if needed.

Helpful Items When You’re Stranded:

• Flashlight
• Signal cones/triangles
• Backup flashlight batteries
• Safety vest

General Car Safety Items:

• Battery cables
• Ice scraper
• Portable shovel
• Basic first-aid kit
• Cell phone charger
• Camera
• Flat tire kit

Winter Car Safety Kit Clothing Items:

• Gloves
• Blanket
• Rain poncho
• Rags
• Boots
• Hat
• Change of clothes
• Change of socks (trust us, nobody likes wet socks)
• Other items that will keep you warm

What do You Need For a Winter Road Trip?

The holiday season is not only a time for fun in Smithton, but it’s also a time when many drivers visit family and friends in East St. Louis and beyond. During these trips, you will encounter a variety of winter weather conditions including black ice, packed snow, or slick snow. To be prepared, it’s important to have your winter emergency car kit ready and available to use. Including the above lists, you should include these items in your emergency tool kit.

• Tow strap: If your vehicle happens to get stuck in a ditch, a tow strap will allow another vehicle to pull your car out. Before you use a tow strap, you will want to take a look at your owner’s manual for recommendations.
• Fire extinguisher: A fire may sound like the opposite thing to expect in winter weather, but it’s better to be prepared than not. Keep a fire extinguisher that is intended for automotive use in your vehicle at all times.
• Long-lasting food and water: Granola, protein bars, and water can be kept in your vehicle for several months and can come in handy if you are stranded for several hours.

Get Your Winter Tires And Maintenance at Auffenberg CDJR!

Now that you’ve assembled your best car emergency kit, before the winter weather arrives in O'Fallon, visit Auffenberg CDJR to schedule an appointment with our service department. Do your tires wear unevenly? We’ll fit your car with new winter tires, show you our service coupons, and answer any questions you have about an emergency tool kit for your car so you can get your car in top condition before the first snow flies!