Did you know that motorists are 15% more likely to experience a car accident in the winter than in the warmer months? This spike can be attributed to longer periods of darkness reducing visibility, icy road conditions, and the effects of harsh weather on the vehicle. An accident can happen to anyone in these circumstances.
Take the necessary steps to minimise the possibility of a crash and ensure you’re prepared to manage one if you do. Make sure your car is stocked with winter essentials before you start your journey with this reminder of basic maintenance basics, winter car essentials for emergencies, and safety precaution items.
Car Maintenance Essentials
Ice scraper and de-icer
Having an ice scraper and de-icer fluid in the car may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to mention nonetheless. Particularly because drivers are required by law to keep their windscreen clear while driving! Don’t leave the house without it in winter.
Jump Leads
Though a car battery can go flat any time, cold weather provides the perfect conditions for it to do so. Be prepared and keep some jump leads in the car. That way if you or another stranded traveller needs them, you’re covered.
Winter Car Essentials for Emergencies
Large torch
Though most phones have a torch on them, it’s best not to rely on it in an emergency situation. Having a large torch with batteries is beneficial as it’s a stronger light source and won’t affect your phone battery. In case of a breakdown, preserving your phone battery to make and receive calls is more important than using it as a light source.
Road atlas
Though a physical road atlas may seem unnecessary in the digital age of sat navs and map apps (discover our favourite driving apps here), they can be a saving grace in a pinch. If you get lost somewhere without reception or if your phone battery dies, you’ll be able to identify your location. From there, you can navigate to the nearest petrol station for help. If your car has broken down, you can try locating the nearest emergency phone booth.
Warm clothes, blankets, and hand warmers
Temperatures in the car drop fast when your car battery goes flat. Not only is it a matter of physical comfort, but one of safety. Getting stranded without a heating source for lengthy periods of time in extreme cold is dangerous, some cases leading to hypothermia. Additional items that you can leave in the car are blankets, bulky coats, gloves, hats, scarves, or even hand warmers.
High visibility clothing
If you break down, especially when it’s dark out, high visibility clothing is essential. It alerts other motorists where you are, preventing any collisions or your being hit. Particularly with the sun setting earlier, keeping a high-vis vest in your glove compartment is a good idea.
Warning triangles
In the same vein as high visibility clothing, two warning triangles—one for the front wheel and one for the back—alerts other vehicles of your emergency stop. This prevents further damage to your vehicle and could save your life.
First aid kit
In the event of serious injuries, call an ambulance immediately. For minor scratches, however, a well-stocked first aid kit can be invaluable. Even injuries unrelated to a car breakdown or collision can be managed more comfortably with essentials like plasters, dressings, antiseptics, and pain relief. A prepared kit not only ensures your safety but also promotes a more comfortable and focused driving experience.
Additional Car Safety Precautions
In-car phone charger
Now that most people use an app on their phones in place of a traditional map or satnav, keeping your phone charged is essential. While it’s convenient that one device gives you the ability to call, text, Google information, navigate and more, it is decidedly inconvenient when that single device dies. Be sure to keep your battery topped up with an in-car phone charger. Ideally, not the same charger you use in the home as moving it back and forth can lead to forgetting it when you need it most.
Food and drink
Having a reserve of food and water is essential in case of a breakdown. Such a step will make all the difference if rescue services or a tow truck can’t get to you immediately (or if you get peckish on your road trip). Choose something like a protein bar, vacuum-sealed nuts, or trail mix, for a non-perishable good that can stay in your car for a while.
Sunglasses
Just because the sun shines for fewer hours in the winter doesn’t mean its intensity is any less powerful. The winter glare, often made brighter with snow reflecting the light, is a powerful distraction and visual impairment. Glare can lead to distracted driving and accidents. Pack sunglasses to protect from general eye strain and minimise distractions on the road.
Shovel
Main roads are likely to get cleared quicker, whereas small country lines take longer to get cleared (if at all). A shovel is a necessity in case you get stuck and need emergency access. If you’re not planning on taking the scenic route though, this item may be less essential.
Tyre inflator
Don’t get caught out with low pressure tyres. Low pressure leads to less control over steering and braking takes longer. Responsive brakes are never more important than when roads are icy. Make sure you’re always driving with optimal tyre pressure and have the ability to inflate them with a tyre inflator.
Cat litter
Cat litter is only necessary if you’re traveling in icy and snowy conditions—otherwise you can leave it in your garage. When your tyres are spinning and the car won’t move, you can pour out some cat litter in front of the tyres to act as road grit. This gives you greater traction to get back on the road.
Drive Safer This Winter
Driving in the winter is the most hazardous season for motorists due to extreme weather conditions. Ensuring your car is in good condition before driving and preparing for any vehicular mishaps can enhance your safety should an emergency occur. Need advice for driving safely in winter weather? Check out our winter safety tips here. Stay safe on the roads this winter season, packing your vehicle with our list of winter car essentials!
Need a reliable, well-maintained vehicle while traveling this winter? Explore our fleet of regularly serviced vehicles here.