As the roads become snow-covered, preparing a car winter emergency kit is imperative to drive safely through them. Keep reading this post by Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake to learn more on the subject.

As a Minnesotan, you are more than familiar with cold winter temperatures. Hence, you may be well aware of the risks associated with driving over icy roads. Say, reduced visibility due to snowstorms or traction problems that may arise when driving on slippery surfaces. Either way, sometimes there is no choice but to get out and face the road. On that note, you may look forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve with friends and family in different parts of the country. In such a case, you must prepare a car winter emergency kit to stay safe on the road. Keep reading this post to find out how to put together this kit and what it should contain.

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But First, Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Mounting an emergency kit would be pointless if your engine, tires, or headlights are in unsafe operating conditions. That is why inspecting your car beforehand is paramount. Here are the most critical checks:

• First, check the amount of water in your antifreeze. A formula with a high percentage of water may easily solidify and expand due to the cold and thus harm the radiator. That said, make sure your antifreeze mix is suitable for winter temperatures.
• Measure the battery voltage. Doing so will ensure your car has enough power for the winter. Also, check that the battery terminals are clean and properly seated.
• If your windshield wipers are made for rain removal alone, replace them with a winter set to remove slush and snow.
• It is also advisable to check your lighting system to ensure that all headlights emit a bright light.

Get your vehicle ready for the road by feeding it with the most effective synthetic oil in Ham Lake! Call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 for advice on what formulas to use during your car maintenance routine. Don't forget to stop by the online shop to explore AMSOIL's entire catalog of top-shelf products.

How to Put Together a Car Winter Emergency Kit

Once your car is ready for the winter, stock it with everything listed below. When doing so, be sure to write down the expiration dates of each item. That way, you'll be able to replace expired supplies and keep the contents up to date. Also, we recommend you read each item's instructions to understand their use in detail. Here are the things you need:

Survival Supplies

• The first thing you need to survive the winter are essentials to stay warm. Things like wool blankets, warm socks, and hats will help you face the cold if your battery breaks down and you end up stranded with no heater.
• If your trip is long, pack water and your favorite snacks. Ideally, you should have non-perishable, high-calorie foods. Eating things like granola bars, chocolates, and nuts will keep you energized throughout the trip. Also, these tasty foods will keep you from getting cold due to their high-calorie content, which can provide warmth to your body.
• Finally, prepare a first aid kit. Carrying essential medication will help you deal with minor ailments or injuries during your trip. This element should not be missing antihistamines, analgesics, band-aids, gauze, gauze pads, and masks.

Vehicle Equipment

• Winter conditions can be challenging for your car's battery performance. Low temperatures slow down its chemical reactions. Plus, the increased use of defrosters and heating accelerates their power drainage. With that in mind, be sure to carry good-quality jumper cables in your kit. Or better yet, a portable jumper system.
• Including a portable shovel in your kit will make a big difference in your safety if you ever get stuck in the snow.
• Traction devices are critical, as you never know when you'll need to strengthen your tires' grip on the ground. In that eventuality, carrying things like snow chains, snow ladders, or sand tubes is a good idea.
• Finally, include a rechargeable LED handheld flashlight in your kit. Besides being small and easy to store, it will be super helpful if you need to inspect your tires or engine in low-light conditions.

Carrying a car winter emergency kit is crucial to stay safe during each road trip. Another vital thing you can do to improve your driving safety is to give your car the most effective synthetic oil change in Ham Lake. Call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the best products for your car's service.