Even though the Schaumburg area is one of the safest and most convenient places to encounter car trouble in the Chicago area, it’s still wise to have a winter car emergency kit with all of the essentials to get you back on the road, or help you contact an auto repair shop and keep you comfortable until help arrives. Here are some of the important items to have in your winter car emergency kit.
Essential Tools In the event that you are ever stuck in the snow or mud, a small shovel will be a priceless asset. Be sure to also pack some sand or kitty litter to give your car’s tires some traction. In addition, it’s smart to have an ice scraper to keep your windshield free of buildup. If your wiper blades are starting to wear out, don’t forget to head to an auto repair shop for a replacement.
Winter Warmth If you’re stranded with a dead battery in the cold, you’ll be glad that you packed winter items like a wool blanket and an extra couple of coats and boots. You may also want to pack a couple of sleeping bags if you’re headed out on a road trip, just to be sure that everyone can stay warm while you wait for roadside assistance.
Light for Safety and Convenience To be sure that your car is visible, both to traffic and to the roadside assistance truck, it’s important to have some flares or an LED light. You should also have a flashlight with some extra batteries in case you are ever stranded on the side of the road at night.
Communication Devices Most drivers already travel with a cell phone at all times, but be sure that you add to your winter car emergency kit a cell phone charger in case you are stuck with a dead cell phone battery. You may also want to pack a two-way radio just to be sure that you can communicate for help.
For more tips on what to include in your car’s winter emergency kit, call Casey Automotive at (847) 255-1900. And don’t forget to visit any one of our shops in the Schaumburg, Prospect Heights, or Hoffman Estates area for a tune-up service this winter that will keep your car safe and reliable this winter.