Winterize Your Car - Must Have Products You Should Have In Your Car To Brave The Wicked Winter Blues

As someone who has lived on the East coast for years I'm very familiar with wicked winters.  I hate to drive and I hate driving in the snow and ice even more. Awhile back I did a post on winterizing my home and today this post will be about winterizing your car. Anyone who lives in a region that experiences harsh winters knows all too well how unpredictable and cruel the winter months can be. As a single woman I'm a huge proponent of being prepared for any scenario.  Here are some  emergency items to get you started on your way to self-sufficiency and preparedness.

 flashlights

Little lightweight LED flashlights are super long-lasting, surprisingly bright for their size, and frequently on sale. They’re a great value for the money and you can stash them in all the different places you might need them. I've got one on my key chain that comes in very handy from time to time.

survival blanket

A reflective emergency blanket could be the best $2 you ever spend if you’re stuck in a cold place for a while. Weather you're stuck in the cold while camping or stuck in your car for a while during a snow storm this little blanket will use your body heat to keep you warm. 

ICE SCRAPER

This is a no brainer and a necessity. These life savers can be found on Amazon or Walmart. These little gems are easy to find and are a necessary during the winter months.

WINDSHIELD DE-ICER 

  I hate cleaning off the snow and ice on my car. The ice on your windshield can be a pain of a chore. This little spray comes in super handy and it's very inexpensive. 

CHAINS 

You never know when you may need them, and having them with you could mean the difference between winding up stranded or making it home safely.

JUMPER CABLES

 Cold weather can wreak havoc on your car and make it difficult to start. Keeping jumper cables on hand is always a good idea and could help you avoid an unpleasant or potentially life-threatening situation.

CAT LITTER

 Sure it may seem weird to lug kitty litter around all winter, but if you get stuck, pouring a little around your tires can create the traction you need to get unstuck. (Tip: The non-clumping kind works best.)

SHOVEL. Duh...

Having a shovel is pretty self explanatory. You'll need this bad boy to dig your car out. It's definitely a must have. Trust me on this one.  

BASIC TOOL KIT

 Pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pocketknife, duct tape, rope. You don’t have to be MacGyver to make use of a few handy tools, and your ingenuity may surprise you in extreme circumstances.

WARM CLOTHES 

If you've been out in the snow and ice trying to free your vehicle, you’ll likely be wet and freezing. Keep a change of clothes, including socks, gloves, hat, and boots as well as a blanket or sleeping bag. If you have to wait it out in your vehicle, at least you won’t have to do it as a human popsicle.

FOOD & WATER 

In colder temps, the body can last longer without water, but nevertheless, it’s still highly recommended that you include water as an essential part of your winter car kit. You should also include nuts, energy bars, high-protein snacks, or a Twix bar if you're Twix obsessed as I am.  

FIRST AID KIT

 Keep a fully stocked first aid kit and an extra supply of any additional medications necessary. If you're diabetic or asthmatic etc ensure that you have the necessary back up meds in your first aid kit or your purse. I almost always have my inhaler and pain killers in my handbag. It’s also a good idea to know what’s in your first aid kit and how to use it.

                          PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER

I know I'm not the only one who has silently cursed my smartphone when my phone battery runs out of juice just when I need it most.  Having a small but powerful portable battery charger can help you out in a pinch; some can even charge your tablet, too. Just throw one of these handy little gadgets in your bag, car, or pocket and you'll never find yourself without a power source when you're on the go. 

                            CAR TUNE UP & OIL CHANGE  

Right before the winter begins make sure to get a full car tune up at your local mechanic and also ensure that your tires are winter ready. Change your car's oil according to the manufacturer's recommended intervals. In extreme conditions, switching to synthetic oil, which is less susceptible to thickening can be very helpful. 

hand sanitizer

When you don’t have easy access to soap and water, you can fight infection by using an alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your hands before and after treating injuries. I'm somewhat clumsy and independent. That combination means when I'm trying to do something I frequently get cuts or burns. If it's winter time and your stuck somewhere having a bottle of hand sanitizer may come in handy when your hands are dirty. 

activated charcoal

If your digestive system is turned upside-down while stranded, without access to a store, pharmacy or medical facility, activated charcoal can be your best friend. Activated charcoal is used in hospitals worldwide for patients who ingest drugs or chemicals and has saved countless lives.

What are some of your must have in car winterize products? Feel free to share.  Stay warm and safe my friends.