Cold Weather Driving: Must Haves

Duluth Trading Company Auto Emergency Kit.

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.

Bosch Icon Wiper Blades
Bosch Icon Wiper Blades utilize beam technology for better contact with the glass.

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.

Rain-X 2-in-1 All-Seasons Windshield Wiper Fluid.
Rain-X All-Season Windshield Wiper Fluid.

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.

Duluth Trading Company Auto Emergency Kit.
Duluth Trading Company Auto Emergency Kit.

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.

Stanley 84-519 Multi-Tool.
Stanley 84-519 Multi-Tool.

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.

 

 

 

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