Tuesday, January 23, 2018

10 Things You Should Keep In Your Ride This Winter

You may think you are ready to hit the road with keys and a full tank of gas.... but winter driving conditions may call for added items in your vehicle. The winter weather in mid-Missouri is unpredictable and can change unexpectedly. It's best to always be prepared, even if there is no snow or ice in the forecast. During the winter months, there are some extra items to keep near when you are traveling. Here at Spieler's Inc., we know how important it is to remain safe and prepared when driving in the winter. As your trusted car dealership in California, Missouri, we've provided a list below of items to keep in your vehicle during the winter months.


Blanket

Keep a blanket or coat nearby when driving in the winter. If you get stranded on the side of the road, it's best to be able to keep your body heat near yourself. A blanket and/or coat is a great way to do this. It's also a good idea to keep an extra pair of socks and gloves in your vehicle. If you need to get out and work on the vehicle or change a flat tire, your hands will get cold very quickly. It's best to keep your extremities - feet and hands - as warm as possible!

Non-Perishable Food

If you get stranded for a period of time, you and your passengers may start to get hungry. Having non-perishable food items can help to ensure your food is not expired if you find yourself in a situation in which you need to eat it. Crackers, canned food, and dried fruits and meat are all good options for items that will not go out of date quickly.

Snow Shovel

Just in case, it's nice to have a shovel handy. If you do need to dig your vehicle out of the snow, you can more easily accomplish this with a shovel. Many times a car's tires slide on a slick surface. Digging the snow away from the tire can help it gain traction on solid ground. It's also helpful to keep sand or kitty litter to help encourage tire traction on the snow or ice.

First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit should always be in your vehicle, but we like to re-address this item on our winter list. If someone is injured and you cannot reach help right away, a first aid kit may help. When digging a vehicle out of snow or changing a tire, an injury may occur. The first aid kit you have in your vehicle can come in handy in this situation, as well.

Ice Scraper

An ice scraper can easily remove ice or snow from your windows. Turning the heat up inside your vehicle can help, but an ice scraper can speed along the process. Many people who park inside a garage may think they don't need an ice scraper, but your vehicle may not always be protected from the winter elements.

Jumper Cables

With the bitterly cold temperatures of winter, many batteries drain quickly. Jumper cables can help to boost your vehicle's battery with the assistance of another vehicle. To be covered, it's best to have your own set of jumper cables in case the vehicle who is assisting you doesn't have any.

Gas Can

Running out of gas is a frustrating situation. If your vehicle runs out, you won't have any way to keep your car warm in the winter months. A spare gas can with some gasoline in it can help you get to the nearest gas station to fill up, should you run out. As a rule of thumb, it's best to not let your vehicle get under a half tank of gas to help from running out in the cold winter months.

Flashlight

If you get stranded in your vehicle at night, a flashlight may be your only light source available. If you slide off the side of the road in a winter storm, it may be very difficult for help to find you. A flashlight usually catches the eye of a passerby who may be able to assist you and get help to come your way.

Tool Kit

A basic tool kit can be used to make minor repairs to your vehicle. If a cable comes loose or you need to change a tire, a tool kit can be a handy item to have in your vehicle.

Tow Strap

A tow strap can help you pull out your vehicle if you have the assistance of another driver. If you slide off the road due to winter weather, you may need the help of a tow strap or chain to drag your car back onto the road.

Is your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions? If not, you now have a great list of items to keep in your ride. Simply stow these items in your back seat or trunk so you are always prepared, should you be involved in an accident or break down during the cold months. If you are interested in checking out a new four-wheel drive vehicle, we have a TON of options currently in stock. Stop by our mid-Missouri car dealership to see our current selection. We look forward to helping you buy a new truck or SUV in mid-MO this winter!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,
Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas


1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107




Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
                               Follow us on LinkedIn

No comments:

Post a Comment