Poole, Salisbury & Dorchester
Mitsubishi Service Centre
The Ultimate Winter Survival Kit for Cars
Driving a car in the winter months is sometimes stressful, especially if you aren’t prepared. In the UK our winter can sometimes feel like it lasts into spring until the sun begins to come out! Treacherous weather conditions for driving include black ice (the kind you can’t see), snow, storms and flooding. Weather in the winter is unpredictable, so it’s important to make sure you know how to keep safe in each circumstance.
If the weather is very dangerous, it’s advisable not to drive but unfortunately, sometimes driving can’t be avoided. However, equipping your car with winter essentials gives you the peace of mind that you would be prepared in the event of an emergency. Here is our guide to the ultimate winter survival kit for cars, including some ideas you may not have thought of.
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Small LED Torch
Keep a small LED torch with new batteries in your car at all times. You won’t realise how useful this is until you find yourself with a flat tyre in the dark. You may have remembered all your tools, but without a handy LED torch, quick and easy fixes are near impossible.
Mobile phone car charger
Without a mobile phone, it’s more difficult to get the road assistance you need, especially if there’s no phone box around, or if you break down on the motorway. USB car chargers are inexpensive and vital part of your winter survival kit.
Breakdown insurance documents
Firstly, make sure you have a breakdown cover and that your cover is still valid. Once you’ve confirmed you have breakdown insurance in place, print off your documents including an emergency phone number (you can save this on your mobile too) and your policy number. Keep these documents handy in your glove box in the event of a breakdown.
Reflective warning triangles
It is a legal requirement to carry a reflective warning sign, which usually comes in a triangle shape. It signals to other road users that your vehicle is stationary and that they need to pass or go around. Make sure you have two with you, one to use in front of the far and one for the back. Please note however that these should not be used on the motorway.
Tool kit
Some road fixes don’t require road assistance and can be completed with the use of simple, everyday tools. For instance, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, pliers and some duct tape.
Warm clothes & blankets
If you’re engine isn’t working or you’ve run out of fuel, your car will get cold very quickly. If there’s nowhere you can go inside, the best way to keep warm is with plenty of layers. Bring jumpers, blankets, hats, gloves and scarfs to keep the warmth in head to toe.
Waterproofs
If you’ve broken down on the motorway, you should get out the car and find somewhere safe to stand – even if it’s raining. If you’re setting off on a long drive, don’t forget to bring a waterproof coat, even if it doesn’t look like it will rain!
Jumper cables
Jumper cables are inexpensive and could help get your vehicle started without needing a tow. If you’re not sure how to jumpstart a car, there are plenty of guides online to help you. Write down instructions in a notebook, just in case your phone dies or you have no service.
First aid kit
Keep a first aid kit in your boot and check you have spare medication if you need it just in case you breakdown. First aid kits needn’t be expensive and can be purchased easily online or found in pharmacies.
Water and food
If you do find yourself in a sticky situation, hopefully, you will be assisted quickly. But if you do find yourself waiting for a long time, food and water are essential. Packing food and drink is particularly important if you’re travelling with children.
We have Mitsubishi dealerships in Dorset and Wiltshire, visit our showrooms in Poole, Dorchester or Salisbury today to discover our new and used Mitsubishi cars. At each of our Mitsubishi dealerships, we also provide winter car safety checks, to find out more get in touch with your local branch today.