Dear Ask a Mechanic,
It was rather timely that there was an article on winter safety supplies in the latest auto club magazine, right around when I was removing things from my trunk to make space to take my snow tires to the local garage to be changed.
It got me thinking about whether I really need everything that I’ve toted around for years; a shovel, kitty litter, and the like. I’m retired now, and rarely venture out of town.
What do you recommend as a minimum?
Safety Kit Fit
The contents of your car’s preparedness kit — some call it an “emergency kit,” but realistically it should include items that are of value and use at times that aren’t emergencies, too — should absolutely vary based on a number of factors, including anticipated travel conditions and available space.
A retiree who lives in the city, as you do, who seldom travels outside of urban areas is unlikely to need some of the things that would be a good idea for a motorist who often travels beyond the city. It also helps that as a retiree, you’re more likely to have the option to look at the weather and road conditions and be able to stay home or postpone a planned outing.
Those who simply have no choice but to get somewhere regardless, like essential workers, or those who live rurally and are more likely to both encounter uncleared roads and to find themselves far from help, will have to be better prepared to be self-sufficient.
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An urbanite would be less likely to need the classic small candle and coffee can for heat, than a country traveller, who would need a fuller kit, consisting of a candle, matches, flares/triangles, a whistle, and spare clothing, such as socks, gloves and an old jacket.
Your medical needs should be taken into consideration; diabetics would want to carry some form of sugary food or drink in case of an episode of low blood sugar, and, if there are prescription meds that can’t be missed, a day’s supply of these should be included, for example.
The Canadian government’s “Get Prepared” website (www.getprepared.gc.ca) is just one of many sites offering suggestions for in-car emergency kits, some far more comprehensive than others, with additional items I haven’t the space to discuss here.
I agree with you that a well-stocked kit can be a bit much to tote around, especially in a smaller vehicle.
Basic items should include at least a minimal first aid kit (bandages, gauze, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes), and a list of emergency contact numbers (doctor, family, friends, auto association). Do not rely on your phone or data for these!
A windup LED flashlight costs well under $20 and doesn’t have batteries to die or leak. Booster cables or a compact booster pack are still relevant, even with hybrids and EVs. (I prefer cables, because booster packs must be charged occasionally.) A blanket takes up little room.
Space permitting, bottled water or fruit juice (less likely to freeze solid) and an energy bar or two are good to have.
I carry a small folding shovel, because it’s possible to get stuck, even in a grocery store parking lot. I speak from experience. While sand or Kitty Litter can supply traction in some circumstances, they won’t help you if you’re stuck on a snowbank ….
As a good winter emergency kit should be of use at any time in any place, other items should be included: a small Ziploc bag of mints (for helping keep you alert and for their sugar content), travel-size tissues, an ice scraper and snow brush, extra washer fluid, and a spare phone charger, because, well, who hasn’t forgotten to bring their charger?
Regularly checking the expiry of materials in your kit is important; bottled water and juice have a shelf life, as do meds and even sterilizing wipes.
Of course, if you do plan an out-of-town trip, perhaps to visit relatives over the holidays, bring a small bin or bag with those extra cold weather survival items! You can just as quickly remove it once you’re home.
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