How to Make a Winter Driving Survival Kit

We are in the heart of winter so today I thought I would share a few tips on how to make your own winter driving survival kit. While this kit is a must-have for winter driving it’s also important to make sure your vehicle has had all it’s recommended services and is operational for winter weather driving. One way I do this is by taking my vehicle to the dealership and having them perform all recommended maintenance.

Here is everything you need to create your own Winter Driving Survival Kit –

First, find a 3 lb coffee container or a small plastic container with a lid to store the items below.

Small candles and matches
Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons
Red bandanna or cloth
Pencil and paper
Large plastic garbage bag
Safety pins
Whistle
Snacks
Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
Plastic flashlight and spare batteries

Reverse batteries in the flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout. Warm batteries before using them. Store safety items in the passenger compartment when severe winter weather threatens in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut. Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.

Here are a few suggested food items:
Raisins in small packets
Semi-sweet chocolate in pieces for sharing
Miniature candy bars
Chewing gum
Wrapped hard candies
Food bars
Canned soup, meat, and poultry

Store bulky and heavy items in an
accessible place:
30-foot cord to use as a homing line when you must exit the vehicle
Booster cables
Basic tools
Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton
Shovel
Tow cables or chain
Sleeping bag or blankets
Road flares and reflectors
Snowmobile suit and heavy boots

Preparing your vehicle with these items for winter travel could save your life. I always try to be over prepared rather than under prepared.