I know most of you already have diligently put the snow brush in the car, but have you thought to protect yourself too?

Just a few years back many Buffalonians were stranded on the I90 overnight due to snow storm. I bet many of them wished they had some of the following.

Top 15 items to have in your car for the winter: (please add your comments below, if I missed anything)

1. Snow brush, with a really good scraper. You know the kind, with some reach and some teeth to the scraper. In an ice storm you will be glad of extra you spent.
2. Get high quality wiper blades. There is nothing more important (besides brakes) then being able to see out your window. Invest in some high end wiper blades designed for our Buffalo Weather. Our service department can help shameless plug :)
3. Get the better windshield washer fluid. Ever have your deicer freeze? It is so simple to prevent this, simply get the stuff that does not freeze. It’s a buck more but boy is it worth it.
4. Can of spray deicer. This may seem obvious, but keep one in the house/office, not in the car. If it is in a frozen car, you will not be able to get to it.
5. Small shovel, to dig out. I have the ones that you take camping. Very handy in a pinch.
6. Cat Litter or other traction aid: the non-clumping, clay cat litter is an amazing aid when stuck on ice. Simply clear the area around the tire (with the shovel mentioned above) and pour the kitty litter. Walla, you have traction. We have cats, to one added perk it we always have a spare bag in the trunk in a pinch.
7. Bottled water This is necessary for sustenance if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for a while. I keep these in the car where it is warm, so they are defrosted when I need them. Winter or summer, having water is a life saver.
8. High energy snacks and/or MREs Similar logic to the water; high-energy foods are essential. I usually keep some nuts and some jerky. I know of at least one person who would not go on any trip without a couple MRE (meals ready to eat) in the car – you just pour some water in the pouch and they self-warm and are ready to eat. Even soup packages, can be an inexpensive alternative, with a long shelf life. 
9. Phone charger: if you are stuck, your cell phone is priceless. Having the ability to keep it charged is priceless.
10. First aid kit: This can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries. Slowing down bleeding quickly can mean the difference between walking something off and going into shock
11. Blankets: Even if the weather is nice, you could wind up having to spend several night-time hours in your car. A blanket makes it possible for you to curl up, keep warm, and sleep. Blankets can also be turned into a gurney to carry someone that is injured.
12. Fix-a-flat: I have boys, and fix a flat is a staple of our household, to fix bike and 4 wheeler tires. If your tire has a pretty rapid leak, Fix-a-flat can often provide just enough to get you to a repair station. Keep at least two cans with you.
13. Flashlight: a flashlight is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tire. Also helps keep the car battery going, because you won’t need to keep the interior lights on.
14. Hat and gloves: Can help keep you from being frostbitten if the weather is bitterly cold. Keep them in multiples if you have passengers.
15. Cash: Some will disagree, but having a small amount of cash in my car was very helpful during the October Storm, because all the phone lines were down, so only cash was accepted at the stores and gas stations.