7 Essential Items For Your Car in Winter

With winter just around the corner, it is important to stock up on all of the essential items that you should keep in your car. Although it is important to be prepared for potential accidents or breakdowns all year round, the dark mornings and nights, colder temperatures and icy roads bring with it potential risks for drivers, making it even more important during the winter. 

1. De-Icer and an Ice Scraper

This is a pretty obvious one but keeping a de-icer and ice scraper in your car is important to effectively clear your windscreen and windows before driving. Your car can freeze over throughout the night, but it can also freeze during the day if you leave it for a long period so it’s important to keep your de-icer and ice scraper handy. 

2. Warm Clothes

If your car breaks down, you should get out of the car in case your car gets hit by another vehicle. This is particularly important if you break down on the motorway. Warm clothing, including a coat, a blanket and gloves, will help you to keep warm whilst waiting for your breakdown mechanic to arrive.

3. Jump Leads

A flat car battery is a common car issue, and the colder temperatures make it more likely that your battery will go flat. Getting a jump start from another driver can often fix your flat battery issue, so keeping your jump leads in your car in winter is a must!

4. A charged Mobile Phone

Making sure you have a fully charged mobile phone is important when driving, and is even more important in an emergency. Having an in-car charger is a good idea, particularly if you are out all day or you will be going on a long car journey. If you are experiencing any issues, you will be able to pull over and call someone for assistance. Also, many mobile phones have torches on which will be useful if you need to get out of your car and it is dark outside. 

5. First Aid Kit

You never know when you may need a first aid kit, so it is always a good idea to keep one in your car. If you or someone else is in an accident,

6. Effective Windscreen Wipers

Over time, windscreen wipers become less effective at removing rain, dirt and snow from your windscreen. If this is the case, you should change your windscreen wipers immediately as it can become dangerous to drive. 

7. Windscreen Anti-freeze Fluid

Making sure your windscreen washer fluid is ‘Anti-freeze’ is particularly important during winter. If your windscreen washer fluid is frozen, it won’t be able to work. With muddy winter roads, it can quickly become difficult to see out of your windscreen which makes it extremely dangerous to drive.