7 Must-Haves You Must Pack in Your Car for Winter Emergencies
It’s that time of the year when the weather in the UK starts acting up, as the freezing wintry winds starts to blow in from the north. Temperatures plummet, people take out their fashion finery, and our poor cars have to face their worst enemy: cold weather. It is a tough time for drivers and their vehicles alike.
Winter emergencies are frequent and can be cumbersome. However, using a little bit of common sense and some practical experience, experts suggest you pack these 7 items before embarking on a trip, whether a long one or your daily commute.
Item 1: A small bag of sand
It might not be the most obvious item on your list of things to pack, but the numero uno cause of accidents in winter is a loss of traction. Some sand can come in handy here. The next time you get bogged down in the snow and sleet, throw some sand on the tyres. It will help you get better traction. You will, in turn, have better control over your vehicle.
Item 2: Jumper cables
Did you forget the last time you had stand by the road hoping for someone to jump your car battery in Rotherham? Periodic check-ups of your car’s battery are vital. Still, carry a pair of jumper cables. It will help you get the engine running even if the cell is completely drained. Experts suggest that it is wise always to carry a pair of jumper cables, not only during winters.
Also, in case you believe that your car battery is acting up, visit a reliable garage like ETS. They are known for their advice besides being the most popular tyre retailer in Rotherham across a wide range of variants and brands.
Item 3: A shovel and warm clothes
Snowstorms are common in the Isles during winters. They bring with them a foot or more of snow, and it can be blinding. Often, people have to dig up their vehicle from the layers of snow. A shovel comes in handy here. Always carry some extra items of warm clothing and boots to ensure that even if you are stranded, you can resist the biting weather.
Item 4: A whistle
Something as simple as a whistle can come in handy. If a snowstorm, for example, is so powerful that it literally covers the car, blowing a whistle can alert bystanders and emergency services. It’s cheap and effective. Cynics often say it is outdated, but it works just fine.
Item 5: An LED flashlight
Flashlights have gradually been discarded since people carry mobile phones with their own sources of light. However, mobile devices run on batteries and will not last long. A flashlight will, and LED lights consume lesser power while emitting a powerful beam of light.
Item 6: Candles and a match
Candles act both as a source of illumination and heat. Matchsticks work best outdoors, not cigarette lighters. Always carry some candles and a box of fresh matches on you. They can save your life.
Item 7: A spare phone battery, fully charged
As you can imagine, mobile devices can run out on us at the most inopportune moments. Carrying a spare battery, fully charged but unused, is often a common and effective solution. It also ensures that you no longer have to rely only on your car battery in Rotherham, or any other place for that matter.
There are endless items that you can add to this abbreviated list. Just remember to cover the basics: illumination, heat and low battery consumption. Happy driving this New Year!
