One way of making winter bearable is through preparedness for the worst. To help you with that I’ve compiled a list of 12 winter survival items you need in your car survival kit.
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12 Items To Keep In Your Car Survival Kit
Winter Car Survival Kit
Here in my homestead, it is my husband’s task to make sure our winter vehicle is serviceable at all times. He got his own vehicle checklist.
However, I’m a hands-on wife. So I’m also thinking about our winter bug-out essentials, strategy, and such in the event that we need to move out. The thought makes me sad, but sometimes things happen when we least expect it. I needed to share a rundown of essential things I bring with me and how those relate to getting ready for the winter season.
1. Food
Calorie-packed food to keep in your car is perfect for winter preparedness. Have some nuts, dried fruit, and power bars in your car to have something to eat in case you’ll be stuck in your vehicle. At home, stockpile food items that don’t need gas or power to be ready to serve.
My own canned products are the standard here in my homestead, however, you can plan a survival food to meet your needs. These canned meat products are my favorite and perfect for any survival solution.
2. Water
If you’re stuck in your house or car, because of snowstorms, having water is more important than having food. In fact, you can live much longer without food than without water. Keep water in your car, not inside the trunk, this lessens the risk of you having a frozen water.
If you live in a place with extremely cold winters and hazardous roads, consider having a small camp stove you can use to liquefy some snow and ice. Keeping a fire starter too may come in handy.
My favorite car survival kit tool to effectively and efficiently filter water, the Aquastiq is perfect for winter survival items.
3. Warm Blanket And Extra Clothing
Part of staying hydrated is keeping you warm. Have warm blankets and clothes in your car and at home. Again, it’s ideal to put your winter supplies in the main part of your car rather than inside the trunk. I believe you don’t want to get out your car in freezing weather.
4. Flares and Flashlights
Flashlights will sure come in handy if winter season causes a power blackout. They’re more practical and functional, not to mention, a lot safer than candles. Make sure to frequently check the batteries on your flashlights.
You may likewise need to consider hand-powered flashlights or solar charging. For your car, have flares and flashlights. In case you run off the road you can utilize both to call for help.
Check out my favorite tactical flashlights, you might want to take a look at this Hybeam Microlight lasts up to 30,000 hours.
5. Tools and Supplies
Some basic tools and supplies will help you deal the worst-case situation that goes with the winter season. You can use duct tape and tarp to temporarily cover a hole caused by a falling tree. A good knife and a car survival kit can help you do basic repairs when help can’t get to you immediately.
6. Jumper Cables
You know what happens when your car battery gets frozen, it won’t start. This where you will need a jumper cable and if you are already on road, someone else’s car to help your car get started. When buying jumper cables don’t go for the cheap ones, always go for the quality. You may need at least 12 feet in length, but longer ones may come in handy.
RELATED: How to Jumpstart a Car Safely | Homesteading Skills
7. Bring A Full-Size Spare Tire
The most popular vehicle issue is a flat tire, bringing a spare tire and knowing how to change your tires could mean a lot. I know my husband is very much able to do this, that’s why I always feel secured.
Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire regularly. Make sure it’s appropriately inflated and there must be no cracks on the rubber. Same with other products, tires also have a shelf live and generally, tires are good only for about 5 years before its rubber begins to deteriorate.
8. Shovel
I would say that a shovel is always my best friend every time we are snowed in. I know it’s yours too. Ensure that your shovel is light enough and you can use it with ease to avoid you getting tired too fast. Have one at home and one in your car, you wouldn’t know when will you need to dig your way out when the snowpocalypse strikes.
9. Radio
A radio can keep you posted with whatever is the situation outside. It can also provide entertainment during possible boring and long hours of being stuck in your car of at home. Choose the radios that are battery operated or hand-crank charging.
All-in-one flashlight, survival channels radio, mini battery and device recharging station. Check out radio tactical tool.
10. First Aid Kit
Don’t forget this one! If you still don’t have a first aid kit now, it’s time to make and investment. Make sure also you know how to use it. It useless to have something but doesn’t know how to use it. This helps you have peace of mind and can provide immediate assistance if someone gets hurt.
11. Extra Batteries
If your flashlights and radio are battery operated, it is always smart to have extra batteries. You wouldn’t want to be stuck and once you get your radio and flashlight it won’t work because of the batteries.
My battery solution, free unlimited battery power for life. Grab it here.
12. Toiletries
This is when nature calls upon you and you’re stuck in your car. You get the picture, right? So having toilet paper and jar with a lid in your car, will surely come in handy. Being ready with the basics are always the best in keeping you comfortable.
Check out this video from Rated Red for more tools to include in your winter car survival kit:
Mind you, my fellow homesteaders, you don’t need to be a master prepper to make smart choices on winter preparedness. Don’t let a snowstorm catch you off guard this winter season.
If you’re fortunate enough to live in the warm-weather you can probably skip the shovel, but certain items, like the first aid kit, are must-haves no matter where you live.
Will you keep all these items in your car to be winter ready? Let me know what are your thoughts about this must-have winter survival items in the comments section below.
Up Next:
- 10 Blizzard Survival Tips For A Safe Winter
- 13 DIY Warm Winter Blankets To Keep Away The Winter Chill
- Easy Homemade Hot Sauce Recipe
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 11, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
[…] beginning of the year is a great time to make sure your survival vehicles are in good working order. In case you need to bug out or evacuate, it’s important that your […]