• January 29, 2018 /
• Car Safety Driving Tips Staying Safe /
• By sprint /
• 1 Comments

Packing Your Car for a Winter Road Trip

When it comes to winter road trips, you can never be too prepared. Packing your car with a few essentials will keep you and your family safe, whatever weather conditions you come up against.

Winter Car Safety

First, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary equipment you’ll need if your car breaks down or gets stuck in the snow.

Battery Pack and Jumper Cables

If your battery dies during your road trip, a battery pack will be a lifesaver. But at the very least, pack some jumper cables to get a jump start.

Ice scraper, De-icer and Gloves

It’s important to completely clear the ice and snow from all surfaces of your car for a safe trip. Make sure you don’t forget gloves to keep your hands warm while you work.

Shovel and Sand

If your car becomes stuck in the snow, you’ll need to dig around your wheels to get yourself free. And sprinkling sand under the wheels will give the traction your wheels need. To learn the best way to dig yourself out, check out this in-depth post.

Flash light

If you break down at night, you’ll be thankful you packed your flashlight!

Spare Tyre

It’s easy to use your spare tyre and forget to replace it. But if you blow a tyre in a rural area, you’ll need it to get you safely to the nearest garage, so make sure you’ve got it with you.

Chains

If your winter road trip takes you over mountainous passes or very snowy roads, chains are a must have.

Family Supplies

As well as essential supplies for your car, there are some key items to pack to keep your family safe and sound during your winter road trip.

Water and Snacks

No matter how long the trip, you should always pack plenty of water and non-perishable snacks. If you break down, you need to prepare to be stuck for a while. Protein bars and granola bars are good snacks to have, as well as plenty of bottled water.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit should be on your list for any trip, but they are especially important for winter road trips. The changing weather and harsh conditions make accidents much more likely.

Phone Charger & Power Pack

Along with your phone, make sure to pack your charger with USB connector and a separate charged power pack. If the battery in your car dies, the power pack can be used as a back up to call for help.

Entertainment for the kids

Winter road trips can often run over schedule, and it’s important to keep the kids entertained. A DVD player, some books or music will keep them happy if things go a little awry.

Map & GPS device

A GPS is handy for letting you know how long you have until your next destination. What’s more, it will easily remap your journey if you run into a blocked road. But make sure to also pack a paper map just in case your GPS stops working mid-journey.

Blankets

If you break down or get stuck in snow, you may have to wait for some time for help to arrive. Keep warm by stocking up on cosy blankets.

 

Enjoy your winter road trip!

It’s easy to overlook essential items for a winter road trip, only to realize how handy they would be when you need them most. By following this list of essentials, you can relax and enjoy your road trip, knowing you’re prepared if the worst should happen.