Building a Winter Emergency Car Kit

Getting ready for a winter road trip? Our winter car emergency kit checklist can help you get prepared for the worst-case scenario, so you can focus on the fun of the open road! Building a winter emergency car kit is a simple, one-day project, but the peace of mind that these kits can offer will endure for mile after mile!

What Should You Put in Your Winter Car Safety Kit?

Emergencies can happen to anyone, even those with smart driving habits and dependable all-wheel drive vehicles. Although defensive driving can reduce the risk that you wind up in trouble, every Stamford-area driver should stock a winter emergency car kit with the following tools, garments, and supplies:

Basic Safety Gear and Tools

• Battery cables
• Ice scraper
• Portable shovel
• Basic first-aid kit
• Cell phone charger
• Camera
• Flat tire kit

Items to Keep You Safe When Stranded

• Flashlight
• Warning signaling cones
• Backup batteries
• Safety vest
• Roadside triangles

Items to Keep You WArm

• Gloves
• Blanket
• Rain poncho
• Rags
• Boots
• Socks
• Hat

It’s important to note that you should never walk away from your vehicle during an emergency where you become stranded. It’s easy for rescue teams to find a vehicle by the side of the road, and much harder for them to find an individual that’s wandered off in search of others.

When Should You Stock Your Winter Car Emergency Kit?

Regardless of whether or not you’ve finished your snow emergency car kit, it’s a good idea to equip winter tires and schedule a winter tune-up as soon as temperatures start to drop! Most experts recommend that drivers take these steps as soon as the weather consistently starts to fall to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Pay attention to the temperature at the times when you’re normally behind the wheel—don’t make your decision based on daily high temperatures or nighttime lows.

Improving Your Winter Emergency Car Kit

Are you planning to drive long distances this season? Spending long hours at the wheel can increase the risk that something goes wrong, especially if you wind up in a winter storm or have to travel over inhospitable highways. Here’s what you should know before you depart from Fairfield or Westport:

• Many drivers choose to add a tow strap to their winter emergency car kits. If you go off the road, this important piece of equipment allows another driver to help you out.
• It’s also a good idea to purchase a small fire extinguisher that you can keep inside your vehicle. Even in the winter, you need to be prepared for the possibility of a fire.
• Food such as granola bars and protein bars can last for up to six months before they need to be replaced, and drinkable water can last for as least as long. We recommend replacing these items at least twice per year.

Prepare for Winter with Jaguar Darien Authorized Certified Pre-Owned and Service

If you’re ready for your winter tune-up or you want to make sure that your winter car emergency kit is fully stocked, you can take advantage of our parts specials and service discounts today!