Winter weather can create some hazardous road conditions in the Minnetonka area, so it is important to make sure you are prepared. Getting your vehicle ready for winter driving and putting together a winter survival kit for your car are essential. Here at Motorwerks MINI, our service team has compiled a guide for a winter car safety kit that will have you ready and prepared to hit the icy roads this winter. Review our tips on how to assemble the best car emergency kit, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact our service center.
Winter Car Safety Kit
Slick, icy roads, and unpredictable weather are part of winter in the St Louis Park area. At Motorwerks MINI, we want to make sure that you have the necessary items in the event you get stranded or your vehicle breaks down. Below is a look at the winter car safety kit recommended by our certified service technicians. Items you should add to your winter emergency car kit include:
- Battery jumper cables
- Ice scraper
- Portable shovel
- Basic first-aid kit
- Cell phone charger
- Camera
- Flat tire kit
Some additional items such as a flashlight, warning signaling cones, backup batteries, safety vest, and roadside triangles will come in handy if you find yourself stranded. You should also include common winter items like gloves, blankets, rain ponchos, rags, boots, and socks, to ensure that you keep warm if you’re stuck in a snowstorm outside of Minneapolis.
Essential Items for Long Road Trips This Winter
Planning on driving cross country or anywhere relatively far this winter? It’s also important to include these items so you’re fully prepared.
- Tow strap: If your vehicle gets stuck in a ditch and you need another vehicle to help pull you out you’ll be glad you have a two-strap handy. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will include information regarding the proper way of using a tow strap.
- Fire extinguisher: It’s good to have a fire extinguisher in your car, not only during the winter months but year-round. Make sure the fire extinguisher you purchase is intended for automotive use.
- Long-lasting food and water: It’s always a good idea to have some water and long-lasting food, especially if you are heading out on an extended road trip. Granola, protein bars, and water can last in your vehicle for about six months before they need to be replaced.
If you are stranded after going off the road in inclement weather, it’s important to stay inside or as close to your vehicle as possible, as long as it is safe to do so. Never leave your vehicle and go out on your own. Emergency responders will be able to find your vehicle easily, but if you wander off on your own you’ll be harder to find. Until help arrives, you’ll be prepared with a winter survival kit for your car.
Get Ready for Winter Driving With Motorwerks MINI!
The team at Motorwerks MINI can help you prepare the best car emergency kit so that in the event your vehicle breaks down or you get stranded this winter you’ll be prepared. Schedule service with us to have our experienced technicians attend to all of your required vehicle maintenance. We’ll make sure that you have clean oil and the proper windshield wipers and antifreeze so you can take to the winter roads with confidence.
