Winter car survival kit
All vehicles should contain a basic car survival kit. Because anyone driving in remote areas, especially during winter months is at risk of ending up in a wilderness survival situation. Winter weather can be extremely unpredictable and unfortunately the wilderness is very unforgiving.
However, a little knowledge and preparation can go a long way in preventing survival situations. Here are a few important points to always remember when driving in remote areas.
Inform someone of your route
Always tell friends and family where you are going and when you plan to return. If something happened and you won't be back at that time, call them.
Lost or stranded
If you get in trouble you should stay with the vehicle. Studies show that you're more likely to survive if you don't venture out looking for help. Furthermore, since you have informed someone about your route the search and rescue crews know where to look.
With a properly equipped car emergency kit, you could survive in your vehicle for days if necessary. If you, for some reason, decide to leave your vehicle, only do it if the weather clears, and you have proper clothing.
Prepare your winter car survival kit
Prepare for the unexpected. Think of the worst possible scenario and prepare for it. Always have a survival kit in your car that never gets taken out.
Essential items to have in your car:
Flashlights and extra batteries.
A multitool knife.
Extra set of clothes - so you can turn the car off and still stay warm.
Extra socks, gloves and hats.
Blankets.
Waterproof matches and candle (- used to help keep warm).
Small can - to melt snow for drinking water.
Local maps.
Tools (screwdriver, pliers, wrench).
Road flares.
Rope.
Jumper Cables.
Small shovel.
Set of tire chains.
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Bottled water.
Food – e.g nuts, dried fruit or energy bars.
Cell phone - make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged.
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First aid kit – and know how to use it.
Update the contents of your kit on a regular base and make sure all drivers and passengers know where to find it.
Reminder
Never go for a car trip during winter time without proper clothing. That probably mean you have to bring with you a winter jacket and trousers, boots, gloves and a cap. You never know how far you will be required to walk.
Share your advice and tips
Have you created your own car survival kit, or maybe you have a story or experience to share? Let others know about it.
Do you want to read what other readers have said? Either scroll to the bottom or click here.
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What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Proven Car Survival Kit
You should add a roll of paper towels minimum, 2 or more heavy duty tow straps, a 2-ton come-along, an axe, youth size will do, a wood fired hobo stove,...
LED flashlight
Recently, LEDs have found their way into all kinds of applications, but one of the most important, especially for those who camp, hike or even drive to ...
Build a car kit
After being stranded in a car for 18 hrs in the Buffalo, NY winter I have a car kit with me at all times. Including:
Extra pants,shirts, long undies ...
Kitty litter
I wanted to share an ingredient for your winter car kit: kitty litter is invaluable in an icy situation where your tires are just spinning and spinning....
Duct tape
I will only make one suggestion - duct tape. I think it's a great survival tool. Duct tape can be used for everything from gear repair to first aid. Keep ...
Gas tank
A good advice is to keep your tank at least half full at all times during the cold months. It provides a margin of error for the times when you inevitably ...
Handheld radio
How about including a compass and handheld radio (cb or ham) in the winter car survival kit? Anyone have any opinions on it or experience using it? Are ...
A couple of car emergency kit ideas
A couple of years ago I was able to produce some heat using a couple of candles in a 1# coffee can which really made a difference in the car to keep it ...
Winter survival car kit
Not rated yet
Very good article. I would just add a few things to the survival kit: Extra pair of glasses, extra pair of sunglasses in unbreakable case. fire starter ...
Plastic bags can save you from frost bite
Not rated yet
Any sort of plastic bag, can be put on your feet, under your shoes or boots, to prevent water from getting to your feet. Put 1 sock on, cover it with a ...
skeeter
Not rated yet
My car travel kit includes:
- Trail bars, raisins and some of last seasons small Halloween candy bars.
- Two dehydrated meals of choice and 8 bottles ...
Coffe Can Kit
Not rated yet
Here is a simple, low maintenance kit, well suited for aviators who want something along, but don't want to make a hobby of it.
“COFFEE CAN KIT”
This ...
Sterno fire starters
Not rated yet
Sterno lights starts very quickly and can warm your hands in seconds - so you can move on to more important things. It also heats soup reasonably quickly ...
Tasteless and odorless
Not rated yet
Take care when using fire in a closed space such as your car. Even a candle will use up your oxygen in a rapid manor. Be advised, carbon monoxide is both ...
Overlooked Items
Not rated yet
Depending on where you live it may not be legal to have a large knife in your vehicle. You may be able to carry an axe or hatchet instead as it is a tool....
Supplements for a good Car Kit
Not rated yet
I think the objects the site listed to have in your car are great and are all included in my own car survival kit along with a few other things I'd like ...
Coffee can
Not rated yet
Toilet paper is a small one that is overlooked. How about this one for supplemental heat. Coffee can, Roll of toilet paper and rubbing alcohol, lighter....
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