Hitting the road during winter entails more risks. That's why carrying a car winter emergency kit is vital. To learn how to assemble it, keep reading this post by Schell Distributing Inc. in Idaho Falls.

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Freezing temperatures can negatively affect your vehicle's mechanical systems. Any issue caused by cold weather could leave you stranded in the middle of a blizzard or snowdrift. That is why equipping your car with a car winter emergency kit is imperative. Keep reading this post to learn which safety items and supplies to include.

But First, Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Before making a car winter emergency kit, have your car inspected by a professional. That way, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that it's in reliable running conditions for the winter. The following are the top winter checks:

• The colder the weather, the less water your antifreeze mixture should have. So, ensure your antifreeze formula is suitable for winter's temperatures.
• Checking your tires is vital to ensure a safe grip on icy and slippery roads. If necessary, replace your tires with a winter set.
• Ask for a battery test to guarantee your car has enough power for the winter. Also, check your terminals to keep them tight and corrosion-free.
• Replace your windshield wipers with a resistant winter set to clear slush and ice.

Keep your engine in mint shape for longer by feeding it with top-quality formulas like AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil. To place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Idaho Falls, call Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322 or stop by AMSOIL's online shop.

How to Put Together a Car Winter Emergency Kit

Below is a list of essential items for your emergency kit. When assembling it, read each item's instructions of use to ensure proper handling. Also, check the expiration date of each element to keep the kit in good condition. Here are the things you need:

Essentials to Stay Warm

Keep gloves, hats, socks, and wool blankets in your car. These elements will help you fight the cold in case of an emergency. An example of this is getting stranded due to a battery failure. In such a case, you wouldn't even be able to use the vehicle's heater for warmth while waiting for roadside assistance. Thus, it is wise to have the essentials to stay warm in your car.

Food and Water

Having granola bars, dried fruit, or canned meats in your car is vital. Not only will high-calorie foods help you beat hunger on the road, but they will also keep your body warm. It's also crucial to stay hydrated by including juices and water in the kit.

Jumper Cables

During winter, the increased use of the heater and defrosters makes the car use much more electrical power. Hence, the battery is highly prone to drain. That is why it is essential to have jumper cables in your kit. Preferably, they should be of good quality and at least 20 feet long. Or better yet, you can buy portable jump starter systems, for which you don't need another vehicle to jump-start your car's battery.

Shovel and Traction Devices

If you get stuck in the snow, you'll be glad to have a small, handy shovel to dig your car out of trouble. It's also a good idea to have traction devices such as sand ladders, snow chains, or sand. This way, you'll be able to get unstuck in case your tires need to overcome snow and regain traction.

Flashlight

Having a flashlight can work in your favor if, let's say, you need to look for help in the middle of a snowy road with no cell service. It can also be helpful if you need to install your snow chains at night or if you need to take a look at your engine. Whatever the case, make sure you have a rechargeable LED handheld flashlight in your kit.

First Aid Kit

Lastly, you should always include a first aid kit in your car. It should gather essential medication to treat common ailments. Things like painkillers, band-aids, antiseptics, and gauze are must-haves. If possible, include basic medical equipment to treat mild wounds in case of a minor crash.

We hope you found this post helpful in preparing a car winter emergency kit. For more information on improving your car's maintenance for safer rides, call Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for the most reliable synthetic oil in Idaho Falls.