What Should You Have in a Car’s Winter Breakdown Kit?
The British winter is famously unpredictable, as it can be cold and icy one minute, then snowing heavily the next. With bad weather comes a slew of delays, increased risk of breakdowns and road rage, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Stocking your car with some essentials could mean the difference between a small inconvenience and your day completely ruined. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the items you should be carrying in your car at all times, giving you peace of mind during long journeys in bad weather.
Ice scraper
Getting up for work in the cold and dark mornings is bad enough as it is, but it’s made even worse when your windscreen is iced over. Instead of risking a cracked windscreen by pouring hot water over it, an ice scraper removes the ice in no time. Ice scrapers are so cheap and easy to come by, often costing under a pound!
Blankets
Stuck on a motorway during a cold and dark night is not how you want to spend your time – but it’s even worse when you have to leave your car running to keep you warm. Save your car’s petrol and battery by keeping blankets in your boot, that way you’ll never be left freezing in the event of a roadblock.
Hi-vis clothing
Hi-vis clothing can be life-saving in some situations. Making yourself easily visible to passing traffic whilst you change a tyre or signalling a car, reduces the risk of a traffic accident.
Emergency snacks
This may seem a drastic item to have in the car when you live in Britain, but if you suffer from medical issues and require food, then having a few emergency snacks could prevent potentially life-threatening situations.
Mobile phone
Having a fully charged mobile phone with good signal coverage is essential for breakdowns – especially in the countryside. Pack a compatible charger and make sure all the numbers you’ll need are saved in the contacts, and for extra caution, store the mobile in a plastic bag.
First aid kit
Although you hope you’ll never need it, a first aid kit can be a life-saving piece of equipment. You can get first aid kits for as little as five pounds, so it’s highly worth the investment. If you need any medication, store some spare in the first aid kit in case you are stuck in one place for a prolonged period of time.
Torch
Pack a strong and charged torch for long journeys, along with spare batteries, you’ll be surprised at how useful it can be. You’ll be able to see if you’re stuck on the side of the road in the dark, and you won’t have to rely on your phone torch, therefore wasting precious charge that could be used for contacting emergency services.
It’s always best to hope for the best but prepare for the worst – so make sure you’re prepared this winter.
Munster Tyres have been working in the industry for over 40 years, giving us the experience needed to complete jobs to a high standard. We offer a comprehensive range of services, from car servicing to clutch repairs, we can even offer advice on any queries you may have. For more information, please get in touch with a member of our team today.