#WINTER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST HOW TO#
#WINTER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST MANUAL#
#WINTER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST PORTABLE#

We like the inclusion of a large reflective triangle, a 12-hour chemical light stick, and a distress flag. A multipurpose fire extinguisher can be used to put out small fires before they get out of hand.

#WINTER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST PORTABLE#

A portable air compressor can be useful for topping off your tires, and there is a tire sealant can to temporarily fix a punctured tire. What you do get is the customary battery booster cables, a tow rope, a flashlight and batteries, a space blanket, work gloves, a poncho, and a first-aid kit. Our tip here is to use a spare tire if one is available, or call roadside assistance for a tow.

Be aware that these products may not work well in extreme cold weather (check the directions), nor are they intended for large punctures or tires with sidewall damage.

Items for handling a flat tire. Some kits come with an aerosol can of tire sealant that can temporarily fix a tread puncture.

Water and long-lasting food. They’re always good things to carry, particularly on long trips. Think granola and protein bars bottled water will usually last for six months before it needs to be replaced.

If you buy an extinguisher, make sure it is intended for automotive use.

Fire extinguisher. It’s good to have if you need to fight a small fire, but if your car is on fire, back off and wait for the emergency help.

#WINTER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST MANUAL#

Read your car’s owner’s manual for recommend practices for using a tow strap, such as using a detachable tow hook to use a tether.

#WINTER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST HOW TO#

Know how much weight the strap can tow (reputable straps have that information printed on a label) and how to tether it to the appropriate part of a car before using it.

Tow strap. A simple tool, a strap can be essential if you ever need to be pulled out of a ditch.

Other items that come with kits may be handy, depending on your needs and skills: It’s a good idea to keep a pair of boots and a hat in the car, particularly if you’re often driving in snowy conditions.

Other common items. Things such as gloves, a blanket, a rain poncho, wipes, and rags can help you stay clean and shield you from the elements.

Cell phone charger. Almost everyone carries a smartphone attached to the hip nowadays, and a cell phone charger is a good thing to keep in the car, especially during the winter and on road trips.

Add things that suit specific health needs, and be aware of how temperature may affect medicines.

Basic first-aid kit. Most emergency kits have one for the bare essentials, such as attending to a small cut.

Roadside triangles should be in every kit, and a reflective safety vest comes in some kits.

Pack backup batteries for that flashlight. Items to help if you’re stranded. Most kits come with a flashlight, and some include a signaling cone to warn oncoming cars of your presence.Also, keep a bag of sand handy in your trunk to help boost traction. (The shovels come in a range of sizes and strengths.) If you’ve ever had to dig out your car before, a full-sized shovel might be in order because compact shovels can be difficult to use on big jobs. Most kits come with a collapsible shovel. Portable shovel. These are handy for digging out a car buried by plows or stuck along the roadside, and for clearing space around a tailpipe for extended idling, to prevent fumes from entering the car.Even where it’s not, it’s just common courtesy so that your blowing snow doesn’t impair another driver’s vision. In some states, clearing your car of all snow is the law. It is better to carry a combination snow brush/scraper that makes clearing snow before traveling easier. Cheap scrapers are commonly found in the kits. Ice scraper. Every car in the snow belt should have an ice scraper and a brush.Alternatively, a portable jump starter is very easy to use and works well, but it needs to be kept charged to work on the road. Battery booster cables. You’ll want these in case you wind up with a dead battery or you need to help someone else with a dead battery.Obviously, “winter” means something a little different depending on your destination-some places have a more mild winter (maybe with no snow in sight), while some have below freezing, icy conditions.Winter car emergency kits typically include:

Winter Trip Packing List:īased on the length of your winter trip, you can add a few more layers, or subtract them! Winter Outfit Inspiration Based on my trips, I’ve compiled the ultimate packing list on what to pack for a winter vacation. I’ve been lucky enough to spend the winter seasons in many different destinations around the world! I’ve traveled to beautiful winter destinations like Iceland, Whistler, Mont Tremblant and more recently, I spent a few weeks traveling through the Christmas markets of Europe.

Winter road trip checklist