Top 7 Supplies You Need in Your Winter Driving Safety Kit

Let’s face it, winter weather is hard on your car. Low temperatures make it difficult for batteries to start, while conditions like ice and snow can increase the likelihood of accidents. Fortunately, you can be ready for whatever winter throws at you with a little preparation. It’s a good idea to keep essential items in your car in order to prepared for the unexpected. Here are our top seven items you need in your emergency car kit.

Headlights & Brake Lights

So, what should you keep in your car for winter emergencies? Let’s start with your exterior lighting. As the days get shorter, you’ll find yourself using your headlights much more than you did during the summer months. A pair of good brake lights is also essential to remain visible at night, or in the event of a sudden snowstorm. We suggest having some extra bulbs on hand in case one of them burns out.

A typical headlight bulb lasts roughly five years and can be stored for that long without any negative impact to its performance. When dealing with auto bulbs, remember to keep them in their packaging until you intend to use them. Once, they’ve been opened, they become vulnerable to oils, which can cause them to short out. Batteries Plus Bulbs has an enormous selection of headlight and brake light bulbs for a wide range of cars and trucks.

Windshield Wipers

While it’s important to have a good pair of windshield wipers year-round, it becomes even more important in areas that experience regular snowfall. If your wipers aren’t performing as well as they should, now’s the perfect time to replace them. Or, consider keeping a spare pair of wiper blades in your car as a backup.

Spare Auto Fuses

Fuses play an important role in protecting your car’s electrical system. Crucial applications like your vehicle’s radio, horn, windshield wipers and lighting all rely on fuses to operate properly. It’s a good idea to keep some spare fuses on hand in case you get a blown fuse.

We offer emergency fuse kits for GM, Ford, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep and Audi/VW vehicles. Each fuse kit comes with its own fuse puller, together with the most commonly used fuses for each manufacturer. You’ll also find a wide selection of additional auto fuses online. Need help swapping out a blown fuse? Be sure to check out our step-by-step fuse replacement guide.

Jump Starters

The possibility of your battery dying increases significantly in cold weather. That’s why we recommend keeping a jump starter in your car to help prevent you from becoming stranded. Jump starters are handy portable chargers that allow you to restart batteries without the use of another vehicle..

The NOCO GB40 Genius Boost Plus is perfect to have on hand for emergencies. It’s compatible with gas engines of up to six liters and diesel engines of up to three liters. Plus, it provides up to 20 jump starts from a single charge.

The NOCO GB70 is another great choice. This 12-volt, 2000amp jump starter works on gas engines of up to 8 liters and diesel engines up to 6 liters, making it perfect for cars, SUVs, trucks and even RVs. It also provides an impressive 40 jumps on a single charge.

Flashlights

Everyone should carry a flashlight in their car for emergencies. The NEBO Inspector LED pen light is a handy, reliable light that can easily be stored in a glove compartment or seat pocket. It has three separate light modes: low (54 lumens), high (180 lumens) and strobe (180 lumens), plus, it’s both waterproof and impact-resistant.

If you need a light designed for tasks such as changing tires, hands-free is definitely the way to go. The NEBO Duo LED Headlamp features a comfortable, dual adjustable head strap to give you free use of your hands. It also has four separate light modes and is both water- and impact-resistant.

Be sure to test your flashlight regularly to make sure it’s working properly. It’s also wise to have a supply of backup flashlight batteries available, although you shouldn’t store them in your car, as extreme temperatures can have a negative impact on their performance, particularly with alkaline batteries.

Single Use Power Packs

A reliable cell phone is crucial in the event of an emergency, allowing you to stay in touch with towing services, as well as police or ambulances. Make sure you have the power you need, when you need it most with a PawaMini.

These universal, single use power packs allow you to quickly and easily charge your cell phone when you’re on the go. They’re small, easy-to-carry and compatible with any iOS, Android or USB Type C device.

LED Road Flares

These LED road flares from Aervoe are the perfect way to signal emergency vehicles or other cars when you’re changing a tire or broken down on the side of the road. They’re visible for up to two miles away and have seven different flash patterns, as well as a heavy duty magnet on the underside that allows it to be attached to any metal surface. Best of all, they’re non-toxic, smokeless, flameless, waterproof and crushproof, making them perfect for any situation.

Having a supply of winter car accessories on hand can help you stay prepared for dangerous winter weather and other emergencies. If you have any additional questions or concerns, call or stop by your nearest Batteries Plus Bulbs store. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in finding the best possible solution for your needs.