Winter cottage trips often require long drives on dark, snowy roads. The last thing you want is to be caught unprepared if you end up stranded. Here are the things you should keep in your car during the winter to keep you safe.
Tire traction mats
Keep these durable mats in your trunk to get you out of snow, mud, sand or dirt.
Image courtesy of Nanuk/Amazon
First aid kit
Stock your car with everything you’d need in case of emergency (like bandages, rubbing alcohol, a cold compress, etc.). This waterproof, shockproof case is military-grade, so your important supplies stay dry and usable.
Image courtesy of FUNTA/Amazon
Snowbrush
This combination snowbrush and ice scraper extends for a longer reach.
Image courtesy of Amazon
Winter floor mats
It’s not likely these will help you out of a bind, but these heavy-duty mats are perfect for protecting your car floor from muddy, snowy, salty boots, shoes, and paws this winter.
Image courtesy of Tobfit/Amazon
LED flares
These waterproof LED flares should be kept in your car year-round. They allow passing cars to see you (up to one mile away at night) should you end up stuck on the side of the road.
Image courtesy of UCO/SAIL
Aluminum candle lantern
This lightweight, collapsible candle lantern provides heat and light for up to nine hours per candle.
Image courtesy of HotHands/Amazon
Hand and body warmers
Each of these adhesive body warmers provides 12 hours of heat, to help keep your core temperature if you end up stuck on the side of the road (or just forget your winter gloves).
Image courtesy of Datrex/Amazon
Emergency drinking water
Keep a stash of this purified drinking water in your trunk in case you get stranded.
Image courtesy of SOL/MEC
Emergency blanket
This water-resistance emergency sleeping bag is made of material that reflects up to 70 per cent of radiated body heat and is resistant to tears. The bright orange colour is intentional—it makes you easier to spot.
Photo courtesy of 72HRS
Shovel
This lightweight, compact shovel easily stashes away in your trunk. It’s perfect for digging out a vehicle stuck in the snow, and the metal edge is sharp enough to dig through ice.
Image courtesy of Swiss Ascent/Amazon
Car safety multitool
Keep this handy multitool in your glove compartment. It includes everything from an LED flashlight and digital tire pressure gauge to a glass hammer and seat belt cutter.
Image courtesy of NOCO/Amazon
Automatic jump charger
This best-selling compact charger in your car means you don’t have to wait for a good samaritan to jump a drained battery.
Image courtesy of BIOLITE/SAIL
Phone charger
This power bank is good for up to almost two full smartphone charges. Keep it in your glove compartment in case of emergency.
Image courtesy of BOREALIS/SAIL
Packable jacket
It’s never a bad idea to keep an extra warm jacket in the car, especially since temperatures tend to drop at night—you may not be dressed warmly enough in an emergency.
Image courtesy of CYECTTR/Amazon
Roadside emergency kit
When in doubt, get this kit of the essentials. It contains everything from a screwdriver to jumper cables and a reflective safety vest.
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