What should I keep in my car for Winter Emergencies?

The worst has happened. Your car breaks down or has a drivability issue and it’s dead of winter, snowy and icy, and you left to your resources to get to your destination. If you have Triple A, great! But during inclement weather they can take some time to get to you.

We came up with a list of items to keep in your car to handle any and all emergencies that may come you way this winter season. No waiting, not calling Dad, no feeling helpless on the road.

A shecanic keeps her car fully stocked for winter!

The Mother of All Trunk Kits

I call this the Mother Of All Trunk Kits because this products supplies you with all those essential items needed in a car emergency - ANY type of emergency!

Jump Box for when you battery dies in cold weather? ✔️

Air compressor for when you wake up with a flat tire or when that pesky tire pressure warning emoji comes on? ✔️

First aid kit ✔️

Flashlight ✔️

Emergency Blanket ✔️

Gloves ✔️

And it goes on… tow straps, ice scrapper, tire repair kit, window breaker tool, etc. I bought this for myself this year and it brings me so much peace of mind during winter or any season!

Rags/Towels

I ❤️ Scott® Shop Orginal™ Towels and at Girls Auto Clinic we use them everyday! They are life saver to have in your car this winter. At Girls Auto Clinic we use them everyday! We use them to mop up fluid spills, wipe down our tools, and clean down surfaces on our tools boxes, the car exterior and the car interior. They’re sturdy and keep their integrity when wet. We can use them over and over again for all light and heavy clean-up jobs! Keep these handy for any dirty job in and around your car!

Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

This essential tool is one I advise ever car owner needs to have in their glove box. Easily and accurately measure tire pressure in your tires with a digital tire pressure gauge. No more guessing or hard to read manual gauges.

Spare Oil and Coolant

If your car has an oil leak or it is over the hill (100,000 miles or more) keep a spare bottle of oil and coolant in your car.

Make sure it is the correct oil type (most cars take 0w-20 or 5W-30) and coolant type.

Check the color of your coolant in the coolant reservoir under the hood of your car. If your coolant is green replace it with green coolant. If it is orange replace it with orange. Pink ——> Pink. etc.

The oil type is usually located on the oil filler cap on top of the engine. You find this under the hood of the car. You can also find it your owner’s manual.

We use LIQUI MOLY MOTOR OIL for all our our oil changes because of it superior lubrication qualities and protection of the engine. Look up your oil type here.

Ice Scrapper/Brush

Do you know someone who is too busy or too lazy or too overwhelmed to brush off the snow and ice on their car before they drive? We’ve all been witnessed to a piece of ice or snow falling off a tractor trailer or large SUV. It can be scary when it coming at you but is also dangerous. Help you loved one become a shecanic by gifting this useful snow and ice scrapper/brush for their car or SUV. It comes with an extra long handle to reach all those tall places us shorties cannot reach!

Kitty Litter or Sand + Small Shovel

A small shovel will help you dig out tires or the tailpipe (VERY important to prevent carbon monoxide). Keep some kitty litter or sand on hand as well to use for traction if a tire(s) are spinning and have no traction on the ice/snow.

Bottled Water + Non-Perishable Snacks

You’d be shocked how many people get stuck for hours on highways during storms. You’ll be glad you had some granola bars and bottled water to keep you sustained while you wait.

Phone Charger + Battery Bank

You never want to be stranded with a dead phone. Use the portable jump box as an battery bank to charge your phone when the car is not running. If you get the Mother of All Trunk Kits - a portable jump box is included and can be use as a battery bank.

Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide

My best selling book with a rave review from the New York Times is essential item for every driver’s Glove Box, trunk, or any location in your car. Don’t keep this book on the shelf at home. The Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide will help you guide you through emergencies, mechanic visits, and issues that may arise with your car while driving. Like your Visa card, “Don’t leave home without it!”

You can get a signed copy of The Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide with an extra gift from me, on our website. But if you’re running out of time and need the guide sooner - try Amazon for faster shipping. Unfortunately, it won’t be signed or include a special shecanic gift. 😏

⭐Extra winter care care tips⭐

Keep your gas tank at least 1/4 tank full. This prevents frozen fuel lines and keeps your heat running if you're stuck.

Clear your tailpipe if you’re stuck in snow. Carbon monoxide poisoning can become deadly in minutes.

Check your spare tire: Make sure it’s properly inflated — cold air deflates tires FAST.

Never run your car continuously when stuck. Run it 10 minutes every hour to stay warm, keep windows cracked, and ensure the tailpipe is clear.

Charge your phone while the car is running (see tip above). Do not leave the car’s power on without the engine running or it can cause your battery do die fast. If this happens you won’t be able to start the car.