Car Essentials for the colder months: Must-Have Items to Keep You Safe and Warm on the Road

Having a well-prepared car safety kit is essential for the autumn and winter months. Here are some hints and tips on what to include:

Warm Clothing and Blankets:

As the temperature drops, and the days get shorter make sure you have some extra layers of clothing in your car. Keep a warm jacket, hat and gloves in the boot. A fleece or thermal blanket can also be a lifesaver if you get stranded.

Emergency Supplies:

A first aid kit is vital; make sure it is stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and plasters. Also make sure you have a torch and extra batteries.

Car Maintenance:

Ensure you have jump leads in case your battery goes flat, especially if you are taking a long trip. When the temperature dips below freezing you will need an ice-scraper and de-icer for clearing your windscreen. An empty fuel can is also essential because not every breakdown is down to a fault with the vehicle.

Be Seen.

Breaking down can be a stressful experience so ensure you have a warning triangle to alert other drivers if you’re stopped on the side of the road. According to the Highway Code you must ‘put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road’. However, you must not use a warning triangle on the motorway.

Food and Water:

The thought of being stranded by the roadside for hours in bad weather is quite bleak, and hunger only makes it worse. If you have children with you, the situation becomes even more challenging. Having snacks and bottles of water in your breakdown kit is essential.

Mobile and Charger:

Experiencing a breakdown is not the ideal moment for your mobile phone to lose power, so it’s wise to always keep an in-car charger handy. In case of a breakdown, having a portable battery charger can be a lifesaver. On the motorway, you’ll need to find the nearest emergency phone.

IAM RoadSmart Chief Examiner Richard Gladman says: “A journey can be a pleasant experience with the right planning. But it can turn into a nightmare if circumstances change, and you do not have the right tools for the job with you. Getting stranded either in suddenly changing weather conditions, break downs or road closures will be made more bearable if you can let people know where you are, and survive in relative comfort and safety until you can get safely where you’re going.”