What should be in your winter weather vehicle emergency kit

A collection of emergency items to be kept in a car. Included in the photo is: maps, jumper cables, fix a flat, first aid kit, blanket, shovel, jack, and an ice scrapper. (Photo By Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)

AAA Texas is urging drivers to stay safe during winter weather conditions. Preventive maintenance is crucial for safe driving and significantly reduces the risk of being stranded in the cold. In the event of a breakdown, having a winter emergency kit is essential. According to AAA Texas, about 40 percent of American drivers reported to AAA that they do not carry such a kit.

Drivers should stay updated on forecasts and delay trips during severe conditions. Follow all warnings and guidance from local authorities. Inform others of your route, destination, and estimated arrival time before traveling.

Have a vehicle emergency kit for winter weather

  • Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter or traction mats)
  • Shovel
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Jumper cables or jump pack
  • Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, duct tape, plastic zip ties)
  • Tarp, raincoat and gloves to help stay clean/dry if you must get out of the vehicle
  • Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
  • Warning devices (flares, reflective triangles or LED beacons)
  • First-aid kit (check expiration date)
  • Drinking water
  • Snacks/food for your passengers and any pets
  • Ice scraper
  • Snow brush
  • Winter windshield washer solvent
  • Warm gloves, clothes, hats and blankets for all passengers in your car
  • Car charger for mobile phone

Are we getting snow?

What they're saying:

Long-range models indicate the likelihood of another arctic blast early next week which will likely bring the coldest air so far this season. 

There are also increasing chances for wintry precipitation between Monday and Wednesday. 

Right now, the best chance for any freezing rain, sleet or snow would be Tuesday. 

Download the FOX Local App and stay tuned to FOX 26 Houston for the latest information. 

Preparing a vehicle for driving in winter weather

What you can do:

Drivers should make sure the inside and outside of their windshield is clean before traveling. Use an ice scraper to remove all ice and snow from all the windows. 

Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and your defrosters are in good working condition. 

Make sure all snow and ice is swept from your vehicle before you drive, so other drivers won't be blinded by snow blowing off your vehicle.

Check your tires:

When the temperatures drop, so does the pressure in your tires. 

AAA says low tire pressure results in poor handling and braking. This also reduces gas mileage and causes excessive wear on your tires. 

Also, the tread on your tires determines how quickly you are able to stop in wet road conditions. An easy way to determine if a tire is worn out is to place an upside-down quarter (not a penny) in a tire tread. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to replace the tire.

Driving In Winter Conditions:

If you have to drive in winter weather conditions, you should make sure your headlights are on, that you reduce your speed, and make sure you leave more than enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you in case you need to quickly stop. 

Brake gently to avoid skidding. Even careful and experienced drivers can skid on slippery surfaces. When a vehicle begins to skid, it’s important not to panic, avoid slamming on the brakes, and continue to look and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.

Do not use your cruise control on any wet, snow-covered or icy roads.

Bridges, overpasses and shady spots are usually the first places to freeze, so be cautious of possible icy spots. 

Remember, Texas has a Slow Down Move Over Law which requires drivers to vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle or tow truck with lights flashing. If they are unable to safely move out of the lane, then they must slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

Download the FOX Local App and stay tuned to FOX 26 Houston for the latest information. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

Use your seat belt every time you get in the vehicle.

Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. In fact, modern vehicles do not require idle time prior to driving.

Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.

Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

The Source: Information in this article is from AAA and Discount Tire.

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