Driving through a winter wonderland can be beautiful, but it can also be dangerous if not appropriately equipped. In this post by OilWerx in Mandan, we’ll cover what to pack in your winter emergency car kit to stay safe during this season.

From mechanical emergencies to hazardous driving conditions, winter can be a dangerous time to be on the road. That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared in an emergency. For this, a winter emergency car kit is essential and can keep you safe until you can get back on the road or until emergency services arrive to get you to safety. Keep reading to learn what you should keep in your kit.

Staying Warm is Essential

Road conditions are sometimes unpredictable during the winter, so it’s essential to be prepared for a sudden drop in temperature. Having enough coats and warm clothes becomes more critical if you’re in a broken-down vehicle on the side of the road. It’s also essential if you need to change a tire or tend to some other car part outside of your car. Other warm cloth items you can include in your winter emergency car kit are a hat, gloves, and blankets for you and your passengers. A waterproof coat is also a good idea in case of rain or slush.

Maintenance is vital to keep your car running even in the coldest weather. Products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil are an excellent choice to keep your vehicle in good condition for longer. If you need advice on the best products for your engine, call Oilwerx at (701) 426-897, and their oil pros will be happy to help you out. Don’t forget you can place an order anytime at AMSOIL’s online store.

Emergency Repair Toolkit

While some car issues require a mechanic, there are some you can address yourself, so you can be on your way as soon as possible and get out of the cold. Remember that emergency services might be delayed during winter because of road and weather conditions. Here are the essentials you should pack before heading out:

• A reflective vest and triangle so other drivers can spot you.
• Warning lights, road flares, and a whistle to help you mark your location.
• Jumper cables to jumpstart your car’s battery.
• A lug wrench and tire jack in case of a flat tire.
• A small shovel and some cat litter or sand for traction.
• A flashlight with extra batteries.
• A spare cell phone (make sure it’s charged before leaving).
• Snow boots
• Brush and ice scraper
• Newspapers work as insulation.
• Tire chains in case you need to take secondary roads.

While they might seem like a lot of supplies, it’s best to be prepared on the road, especially in hazardous weather conditions.

Be prepared for any weather conditions by having a regular car maintenance routine. Call Oilwerx at (701) 426-897 today and speak to one of their friendly oil pros for more information on the best products for your engine. Once you’re ready, place an order at AMSOIL’s online store 24/7.

Pack a First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit is also a must during this season. As mentioned before, emergency services could be delayed during the winter months, so knowing basic first aid procedures can help you control an emergency in the meantime. As a part of your winter emergency car kit, you should pack the following:

• Your daily medications.
• Alcohol wipes
• Antiseptic spray
• Bandages
• Clean water
• High protein snacks or energy bars.
• Pain relief medication.
• A pair of scissors.

Remember to check your first aid kit, keep an eye on expiration dates, and replace your supplies as needed so you always have what you need.

Check Road Conditions

Lastly, as a recommendation, it’s a good idea to always check your trip’s road and weather conditions before leaving. Driving through heavy snowfall, winds, or blizzards can be highly stressful and dangerous. Sometimes, it’s best to let hazardous conditions pass before you decide to head out. Don’t forget to listen to official communications and avoid putting yourself and your family at risk.

Now that you know what to pack in your winter emergency car kit, you can have peace of mind while driving this season. Also, remember that staying safe on the road has as much to do with being prepared as it has to do with keeping your car in the best condition possible. For this, call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970, and they’ll help you set up a maintenance routine that works for you and your car.