Pack a Winter Driving Essentials Kit

This winter, many Texans will hit the road to be home for the holidays. With travel up and weather worsening, it’s important to prepare for any emergency scenario. Keep these 10 winter driving essentials in your car to be ready for anything.

1. Thermal Gear

If you get stuck on the side of the road in cold temperatures, especially with a dead engine, you’ll need to bundle up. Keep wool and thermal Mylar blankets on hand for this situation. You may also want to store water-resistant jackets, winter hats, wool socks, and snow boots in your trunk in case you need to leave your vehicle.

2. Nourishment

Nonperishable foods such as protein bars, unsalted nuts, dried fruit, and hard candy are ideal for emergency kits. Also consider keeping emergency drinking water on hand (wrap it in your Mylar blankets to prevent freezing). If traveling with pets, make sure you have food for them as well!

3. First-Aid Kit

Always travel with a first-aid kit. This will include items to stabilize basic wounds. Remember to travel with all essential daily medications.

4. Portable Charger

Your cell phone is probably the most important piece of life-saving equipment in an emergency in which you need to call for help. Make sure you have a portable charger so you can access that lifeline.

5. Kitty Litter

If your vehicle is trapped in ice or snow, friction is needed under your tires to get them moving again. Kitty litter can melt ice, absorb water, and provide the needed friction to get you back on track.

6. Ice Scraper

Ice scrapers are always important in the wintertime, when there’s potential for unexpected snowfall or frost. Many ice scrapers include a brush on one side to help clean snow off the car. You can also use an ice scraper as a shovel to dig yourself out of accumulating snow.

7. Vehicle Repair Kit

Always have jumper cables ready when traveling. Other car-repair items such as a jack, antifreeze, a spare tire, a pressure gauge, a fire extinguisher, and duct tape can come in handy as well when experiencing car trouble.

8. Flares

If you’re stuck on the side of the road, visibility is key. Consider carrying flares to alert others to your location. Items such as flashlights, warning lights, and reflective gear are also helpful for visibility, especially in a winter storm.

9. Multi-Tool

A multi-tool Swiss Army knife can come in handy in a variety of emergency situations — for instance, if you need to cut off a seat belt. Some multi-tools are also designed for breaking windows in extreme cases of danger.

10. Roadside Assistance Plan

A roadside assistance plan can be an actual lifesaver in emergency driving situations. Make sure to have this and all other emergency numbers accessible.

If you haven’t already, contact your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to add roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy.

Find more tips for staying safe on the side of the road here.

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.