6 Surprising Things Smart Drivers Keep in Their Car winter edition

Have you ever trembled at the thought of getting stranded in the middle of nowhere? 

If so, you’re not alone. We call it “auto anxiety” because a lot of women share your fear. 

There’s no way to guarantee you’ll never get stranded…

but you can take preventive measures to make that possibility seem less frightening!

Click ahead to discover six surprising things smart drivers keep in their car. 

  1. Flashlight and extra batteries

Could you imagine getting stranded on a country road in pitch black darkness? That sounds like a scene straight out of a horror movie. Just thinking about makes me tremble! Trust me when I say you would be relieved to have a flashlight if you ever find yourself in such a situation. Keep some extra batteries in your glove box just to be safe. 

  1. Shovel, gloves, and blanket

Winter weather calls for extra preparation. There’s nothing “fun” about wiping snow off your windshield with bare-hands. Gloves will protect you from frost-bite. If big storms are common in your town,  a shovel can dig you out of trouble. A blanket will keep you warm if you ever find yourself shivering for hours while you wait on a tow truck. 

  1. Flares

It’s stressful to pull over on the interstate. Some cars might go by so fast that your vehicle shakes when they pass. This is a nightmare when you have to change a tire. Depending on the situation, it might be best to just call a tow truck. If you want to change the tire yourself, keep some flares in your trunk. Cars will see that light, assume it’s a cop, and slow down. 

  1. First aid kit 

I hope you never experience a dangerous accident, but it’s best to be ready for the worst. If you or a passenger ever gets injured in a wreck, it is essential to slow the bleeding as quickly as possible. The faster a wound is bandaged, the less likely an injury will result in shock. Basic car repair also comes with the possibility of scrapes and bruises. Be prepared! 

  1. Booster (jumper) cables 

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a parking lot? If so, I bet it was due to a dead battery. It’s scary to turn your keys to hear a sputtering engine. Doesn’t it sound angry? I think so! Anyway, I recommend keeping a set of booster cables in your trunk. I bet you’ll need them someday. You’ll also get the opportunity to play hero for fellow motorists in need. It’s fun to save the day! 

  1. Ice scraper and snow brush 

We got a HUGE snow this morning. My car was completely buried! It would have been a hassle to clear all that snow with my hands. It’s not smart to remove snow with your windshield wipers, because the cold could cause them to snap off. Keep an ice scraper and snow brush handy. You might not use them very much, but they sure make a big difference when you do. 

I’m curious. Are there any other items you keep in your trunk just in case you ever need them? Tell us in the comments. If you want to help your friends be more confident drivers, please share this post on Facebook and Twitter. Click here to join Women Auto Know (it only takes a second!). 

Teaser

Getting stranded sucks. It would suck a lot less if you had these six essential items in your car. Click here for a list that will save you from a lot of trouble. 

Tip-In (Front) 

It’s unpleasant to think about getting stranded, but it’s best to brace yourself for this possibility. The whole situation will seem a lot less scary if you’re prepared. Smart drivers brace themselves for the worst by keeping some essential items in their vehicles. 

Tip-In (Back)

  1. No preventive measure can remove the possibility of getting stranded. Lots of preventive measures can help you navigate that situation more confidently. 
  2. Keep a flash light and batteries in your car at all times. You’ll be glad to have them if you ever get stranded on a country road after the sun goes down. 
  3. Be mindful of the fact that some seasons require more preparation than others (hint: winter deserves the most attention!). 
  4. Gloves are a must-have. They can warm your hands and protect you from frost-bite. 
  5. Keep a blanket in your backseat during the winter months. If you ever have to wait for a tow truck, it will keep you warm.  
  6. Your windshield could get covered in snow or freeze over while you’re at work. Keep a snow brush and ice scraper in your vehicle so you don’t have to wait for it to defrost. 
  7. Flares are a good way to slow down traffic if you ever have to change a tire on the interstate. Depending on how busy it is, you might just want to call a tow truck to be safe. 
  8. No one likes to imagine going through a car accident, but it could happen to anybody. Basic auto repair can also cause cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Keep a first-aid kit just to be safe. 
  9. If you get injured during a wreck, you’ll want to apply pressure to the wound as fast as you can. Slowing the bleeding can prevent shock.
  10. Invest in jumper cables. You won’t have to call for help and can even save the day for fellow motorists who need a helping hand.  

 

Facebook Post Ideas:

Have you ever trembled at the thought of getting stranded? Keeping these six things in your car could save you from a scary situation (especially #1!):  (link).

It’s good to think positive, but you should also be realistic. Car accidents can happen to anybody. If you’re prepared for the worst, you’ll feel more confident in emergency situations. (link)

Twitter Post Ideas:

6 Surprising Things Smart Drivers Keep in Their Car  (#1 is a must-have!) – (link) #auto #car #blog #WAK

#MotivationMonday Hope for the best, but be ready for the worst. If you’re prepared, emergency situations won’t seem as stressful. #WAK

#TryItTuesday Your tire blows out and you have to wait on a tow truck for two hours. What tools would help you navigate that situation? #WAK

#WhyWednesday Flares are a good way to get the attention of fellow drivers if you ever have to change a flat tire on the interstate. #WAK

#ThrowbackThursday In colonial times, street-lights were lit by candle and put in a glass vessel to stop the wind from blowing it out. #WAK

#FunFriday Have you ever got really into a song, stopped at a traffic light, and realized the person in the car next to you is staring? #WAK

#SimpleSaturday Throw a blanket and pair of gloves in your backset. They will help you stay warm if you ever get stuck in the cold. #WAK

#InspirationalSunday Learning how to perform basic repairs and maintenance can make you feel empowered in every aspect of life. #WAK