I can say, with confidence, that I’ve driven both a lot and through gnarly weather. From blinding, white-out rain storms in the Mid-Atlantic to slinging slush in Vermont ski country I’ve kicked it into 4 wheel drive and kept going on many a Frosty road less traveled by.
So when it comes to cranking up the car for winter travel, here are a few things that make me an easy rider.
Wiper Blades. When weather gets wicked, say in a blizzard, tearing a wiper blade on an icy windshield is easy. So not only do I select beam style blades like the Bosch Icon for the car, I keep an old one under the seat just in case.
Wiper Fluid. Running out of wiper fluid while driving snowy, slushy roads is dangerous. I top off and keep a jug on hand before any long winter trip.
Jumper Cables+. Duluth Trading Company’s Auto Emergency Kit looks like it was put together by someone who has been stuck—a lot. Jumper cables, tow rope (yes, you too might end up in a snowbank), flashlight, and gloves are all items I have needed. Or, wished I had.
Multi-Tool. This isn’t so much a winter must-have, but a Stanley multi-tool is something I love to have in the car all the time for year-round just-in-case moments like cutting rope for carrying a load, opening a package, or turning a screw.
For the seriously prepared you might also include Windex and paper towels to keep the windshield as streak-free as possible (even more awesome for nighttime driving). Either way, being prepared gains the day and makes the road less traveled a safer ride.
