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Look, we know you don't want to hear it, but winter is coming and driving in the snow is just an inevitability. The price we pay for having such awesome summers is having to deal with all that white stuff. Driving after a regular snowfall can be bad enough but if you're ever caught in a storm, whether it's whiteout conditions, heavy winds, or black ice, sometimes it's best to just pull over and wait it out. When that happens, you want to make sure your car is winter storm-ready.
Blankets
This seems like a no-brainer, but if you're forced to stop in a storm, you can bet it's going to be cold! Carbon monoxide poisoning is a huge concern, so be sure to check that your exhaust pipe is unobstructed every once in a while and cracking the window just a bit to get some fresh air in the car. Having a nice warm blanket means you can keep the car off longer and the window open longer.
Food and Water
You never know how long you're going to have to wait in a storm, and having a few things to eat along with a bottle of water will keep your head clear and your body strong. Make sure the food is something that won't spoil, like a few energy bars and the water is in a container that won't break if the water freezes. It is also recommended that you replace the water every 6 months.
Lights
If you're going to be sitting in the cold, you don't want it to be dark too! A wind-up flashlight is always a good idea, so you're not stuck with a dead battery and a candle in a deep can will give you some light and warmth without draining your car's battery (be sure to pack some matches a well). Also, you should turn your warning lights on so other cars can see you, but if you're there for an extended period, giving them a break and turning on your ceiling light will help your battery last longer. A few road flares will also be essential here.
Whistle
We all know, especially near the fields surrounding Barrie, high winds can kick up a lot of snow and visibility might be the main reason you decided to pull off the road (or in the worst-case scenario, had an accident). When this is the case, it can be nearly impossible to see or even hear anything more than a few meters away. Along with that wind-up flashlight, a whistle will help you attract attention if you need help.
In The Trunk
When your car gets stuck, crashes, or dies, having an emergency kit in the boot can be a real lifesaver. Sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter can help your wheels get a grip and tow-ropes along with a small shovel will help in this regard as well. A word of caution: Shovelling in the intense cold can be very dangerous, so don't tire yourself out. Sometimes it's better to just wait for help to arrive. A good trunk kit will also have jumper cables and a fire extinguisher.
Extra Clothes
We all know the only thing worse than being cold, is being wet and cold. Making sure you always have an extra set of clothes in the car can do more than make you comfortable, it can be the difference between a bad few hours in the cold and a nasty case of hypothermia. Wet clothing leads to a dangerous dip in body temperature, and don't forget a spare pair of boots too.
Travel Battery
This one might not be something you can leave in your car at all times, but if you can remember to take it with you on a long drive or if the weatherman is calling for a storm, you won't regret it. Grab a travel battery off Amazon, and it will give your cell phone double or even triple the battery life. You don't want to be stuck on the side of the road without a phone. If you have to leave the car, the GPS will point you in the right direction if you didn't pack a map, and calling for a tow truck is a lot easier if you don't have to use smoke signals.
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For more information on getting your car winter storm-ready, The Government of Canada's website has more information along with a list you can print, so you can cross off items as you put them in your car. It's best to get it done now before the snow starts falling!
Featured image: Recav via pexels.com
