Stay prepared for driving in the snow by keeping these winter car tools in your trunk.
If the snow starts falling and all you can think about is how you will get to work, chances are that question can lead to some anxiety and tension. It’s worse if you aren’t used to driving in the snow and ice, whether you’re new to an area or it’s one of those rare storms.
You don’t have to feel anxious driving on snowy or icy roads if you’re properly prepared. It doesn’t take much toHopefully, you already have a pair of these, as they’re one of a few basic car-related emergency preparedness items everyone should have. It’s extra important to have them in the winter months, as cold winter weather can quickly and easily sap an otherwise healthy battery all the way to dead. Jumper cables have one major downside: You need the help and the battery of a good Samaritan to give you the boost. Jump starters have no such downside as they’re just a big, powerful portable battery. They have alternate downsides, though, such as you having to regularly ensure that it’s charged and ready, the fact that the cold can also sap it and that they’re much more expensive than a basic pair of cables. One of the easiest ways to get stuck is to drive right into heavy snow because you can’t see out of your car. Both of these tools are wise to keep on hand, even though you may only need one. For example, snow brushes are used to remove the build-up of snow on top of your car so it can’t suddenly slide forward while you drive, blocking your windshield. Ice scrapers are used to scrape off any ice that may have accumulated on your, windows and mirrors. You can also find combination snow brush and ice scrapers, though these can sometimes be a little unwieldy. If you’re new to the land of ice and snow, then you’re probably not familiar with tire chains. These get wrapped around your tires to give them more traction on slippery roads. Some are easier than others to install, so you should practice getting them off and on before you really need them. You also need to make sure they actually fit your Sometimes, when you get stuck, you’re just in a bit of a jam, rather than in a dangerous situation. Usually, these little jams are because you’re struggling to gain traction. If that’s the situation, and you don’t have or can’t put on tire chains, having a traction mat to slip under your wheels can easily give you the boost you need to get back on the road. If your situation is slightly more dire, you may need to move some snow out of the way. You could do it with your hands, which is miserable, or you could have a small shovel on hand to help you out.If it’s not snow you’re trying to move, but ice, the best method of attack is to melt that ice. Rock salt is the most natural way to do it and also the fastest.However, rock salt only works if you’re in snowy weather conditions no colder than 5 degrees. If the temperature drops even more, you’ll need chemical snowmelt. This can work in freezing temperatures of -15 to -25, depending on the formula.If you’re caught in terrible driving conditions and your car goes careening off the road into a snow-packed ditch, you’re going to need two things to get out: towing gear and a powerful vehicle. The vehicle you can’t prepare for, but the towing gear you can. There are several kinds, but straps are generally best for basic car retrieval.These cables have ridged teeth on the clamps to help keep them in place, even on smooth surfaces. They come in three lengths and five gauges.This starter can jump up to 40 times on a single charge and can be used successfully on gasoline engines of up to 9 liters and diesel engines of up to 7 liters.This brush has a telescoping pole for lengths of 33 to 52 inches and an 18-inch-wide foam head that pushes wet, heavy snow off your car without scratching it.This scraper is larger than most at 10 inches long, with a 4-inch-wide blade. This lets you clear more snow and faster, so you can get to work on time even if you start clearing your windows off a little late.Options are the name of the game for these chains, as there are 18 that can be attached to the wheels of passenger cars, pickup trucks and SUVs.These mats fold in three places to make it easier to keep them in your car and to give you a chance to adjust to unlevel terrain.This shovel has three length settings to adjust for your needs: 23, 26 and 32.5 inches. It comes in three colors and can be bought alone or in a set that includes an ice scraper and a storage bag.This 50-pound bag of pure salt is enough to melt several patches of ice, though you might have trouble lifting and pouring it. Using your shovel to scoop and spread could help, though.This snowmelt is non-damaging to plant life and is safe for use around homes with pets. It comes in 50-pound bags.This tow strap comes in six sizes with widths of 2, 3 or 4 inches and lengths of 8, 10, 20 and 30 feet. It has a break strength of 31,518 pounds.BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.LA County sheriff and fire departments looking to ramp up for Olympic Games in 2028Disneyland tree falls on visitors during a ‘crazy windy’ nightReport: Lakers’ Deandre Ayton briefly detained in Bahamas on suspicion of marijuana possessionMurder arrest after missing Hemet teen’s leg is found in California desert
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
5 Desktop PCs To Avoid At All Costs, According To Consumer ReportsJonathan is a versatile writer with more than five years of experience and an extensive history of writing about computer hardware in the context of gaming, ergonomics, and economic value.
Read more »
Ravens Should Avoid Targeting Six-Time Pro BowlerThe Baltimore Ravens have to look at every free agent option, but one they were named a landing spot for should not come true in 2026.
Read more »
How to avoid fines and crashes this winter by properly clearing your vehicleCLICK HERE to reach out to Katija with any story ideas or news tips.
Read more »
Council panel nixes effort to avoid voter sticker shock on ballot measures‘It restricts our legislative authority, and that is not something I’m willing to support,’ said Councilmember Vivian Moreno.
Read more »
LAPD chief urges kids to stay in school and avoid dangerous anti-ICE protestsLAPD Chief Jim McDonnell tells students to avoid anti-ICE protests
Read more »
10 pitfalls the 49ers should avoid this offseasonJerry McDonald has been with the Bay Area News Group for more than 30 years, with a heavy concentration of NFL football since the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995. His all-time favorite athlete is a right-handed pitcher at Division III Linfield College in Oregon.
Read more »