Top 15 things To Keep In Your Car In The Winter

Another winter in Buffalo is upon us.  We know most of you keep snow brushes in your car.  Good start, but theres more you can do.  

We all heard about Western New Yorkers getting stuck on the thruway for hours in years past.  If you end up in that situation, here are a few things that could help make the experience a little more tolerable:

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'll be thankful spending the extra money.
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 
3. Get quality windshield washer fluid. Ever have your deicer freeze? Its a simple problem to prevent but it happens to plenty of people.  
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. 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. 
7. Bottled water Regardless of season, it's never a bad idea to have bottled water in your car.  Sustenance is huge.  
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. So keep that thing charged as much as you possibly can.  
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.  Blankets can also be turned into a gurney to carry someone that is injured.
12. Fix-a-flat: . 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 more than one pair just in case.  You can never be TOO prepared. 
15. Cash: Some will disagree, but having a small amount of cash in the 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. 

 Most importantly- a full tank of gas!   Feel free to add more in the comments section.