Six Things to Keep in Your Car During the Winter

November 13, 2018

Each new season brings its own set of challenges. For vehicles owners, wintertime can wreak havoc on any number of car parts, whether mechanical or cosmetic. Mechanics recommend getting your car ready for winter early to ensure good auto maintenance in Hanford, CA and avoid expensive repairs. You should also be sure you have certain items in your trunk. Whether you experience a vehicle breakdown in harsh winter weather conditions or you get lost down an unfamiliar road in the middle of a storm, it’s in your best interest to be prepared for any type of roadside emergency.

Bring your car in for a winter tune-up, schedule regular auto maintenance in Hanford, CA and don’t leave home unprepared! Here are six things you might want to keep in your car during the winter months:

  • Blankets and winter clothing:
    In winter, it might rain, snow or hail where you live or plan to visit. Before winter weather arrives, fold up a couple blankets made of wool or water-resilient synthetic materials and put them in a bag. Avoid cotton blankets—while warm, cotton will adsorb water and moisture, making a potentially already cold situation worse. It’s a good idea to keep a pair of water-safe boots, a jacket, gloves, long underwear, extra socks and wool hats in your car as well. If your car breaks down, you can stay warm until help arrives.
  • Portable cell phone battery charger:
    You might own a phone charger that plugs into your car to draw power. However, you won’t have access to that power if your car breaks down. For this reason, invest in one or two portable cell phone chargers to keep in your glove compartment. If your vehicle breaks down in a place where you have access to power, being able to charge your phone can help you stay connected to your roadside assistance company, family members and others.
  • First aid kit:
    You should keep a standard first aid kit in your car year-round, but remember to check it a couple times each year to be sure the items are still good. Throw out expired medicines and ointments, restock bandages and add new medical items to your kit as needed.
  • Flares, reflectors and flashlights:
    Always keep things in your trunk that shine or light up. Flares are great for signaling for help in darkness and reflectors alert other motorists of where you are in relation to the road. Get all-weather road flares that burn long and well in any type of weather. Another good thing to pack is a flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Water and food:
    Having bottled water and non-perishable food (such as canned, packaged and dried items) in your car during the winter months can be a lifesaver. Consider packing basic utensils and a Swiss Army knife, as well as a working can opener.
  • Folding shovel:
    A folding shovel can help you dig your tires out of the mud or snow. These useful and compact shovels are sold in camping stores and military supply stores.

Bring your car to AAA Sandoval Transmission for its winter tune-up and routine auto maintenance in Hanford, CA. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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