DIY Winter Driving Vehicle Emergency Kit: Things You Need To Stay Safe When Winter Weather Turns Bad

[@MrZimmaframe]

All i can say is after being in a car roll over, keep almost nothing loose in the front of the car. I got hit in the face with flying loose change, old cds and anything else put in the doors. I would not want that pocket knife or window breaker hitting me in the face lol at speed in a roll over situation. Try to always keep things behind a closed door, like glove box, under arm rest or shutable side compartments.

[@systemsoversymptomsvisionw9806]

Good comments. I had miscellaneous stuff loose in my cabin, but will be putting it in the glove box today, ha ha.

[@Heinrich99]

I've seen video of semi trucks flipping from the inside. We've got frigerators and tools and all sorts of crap in there everything comes flying forward danger danger!

[@HowSkills]

That’s excellent advice, and I’ll be changing my ways.

[@Amanda-jy7ut]

I put my window breakers on command velcro strips, keeps them in place and always accessible.

[@HowSkills]

@Amanda-jy7ut That’s a really good idea!

[@dominicfong6341]

Non perishable snacks such as nuts & chocolate bar is also a great idea to maintain your energy level.

[@AndreFavron]

some great advice here but may I humbly make some suggestions: firstly, water expands when freezing so you might want to replace your water bottle with a larger Nalgene-type bottle that you only fill to about 85% to make room for expansion. Also, be aware that freezing temps will drain any batteries you carry so it is much better to try and get a flashlight that is USB rechargeable and that you can plug in and keep ready.

[@HowSkills]

Thanks for the tips!

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

I was just about to ask what you might change if you park outside normally vs in a heated garage. Does that fix-a-flat have to be kept within a certain temperature range? Or can it be left in a car that sits outside all winter?

[@jnak1729]

On the flashlight situation, you're a little off. Rechargeable flashlights typically use lithium ion batterries. These batterries suffer dramatically in freezing temperatures. You would be better off using a flashlight that takes lithium primary batterries, such as the energizer ultimate lithium. These primary batterries are fairly immune to cold and hot temps.

[@ceesmith]

Rubber floor mats can replace the cat litter and are re-useable. Also a towel is always good to have and not just in Winter. I've been soaked a few times and though your clothes are wet it makes a big difference to be able to dry your hair when you get back to the car.

[@HowSkills]

Great tip!

[@Kevin-en1jm]

@@HowSkills Except the rubber mats get slippery as soon as they get wet. So does the cat litter because it is made of clay or other materials that are made to absorb liquid. That is the last thing you want it to do. The part of the cat litter that comes in contact with the now or ice gets soggy and slippery. Sand works MUCH better. Not only does it not get soggy like wet cat litter, the sharp edges of the sand dig into the ice. I carry a 5-gallon bucket in the trunk of my car at all times.

[@johnrodriguez1145]

Yes that's a great idea. I would also add an emergency hair dryer too

[@mimiyull]

Be sure windshield solution is formalized for freezing temps. I use a windshield “foil blanket” covers glass and side mirrors when park in hotel lot overnight. Hand warmers. Excellent video.

[@outbackeddie]

I carry a tow strap, recovery hitch, and heavy duty shackles during the winter months. I have used this stuff on at least a half-dozen occasions to pull stranded motorists out of ditches or snow banks. I even had a passing motorist use my strap to pull me out of a deep snow road shoulder once. Highly recommended if you have a vehicle with a hitch and/or recovery hooks.

[@charlesludwig9173]

Great advise but add two more items: tarp and rain suit. The tarp taped to side of vehicle can shield motorist while charging tire and help to get spare tire out from underneath pickup truck bed.

[@RoadRunnerMeep]

With regards to kitty litter, its' also useful to have knowledge too when getting out. As some people can't carry everything. It's important to drive slowly in snow, as planting your foot wont get you anywhere, as high gear as possible as slow as possible is better. Also to get more traction (assuming you have a tyre inflator), in an emergency you can low the air out of your tyres, to increase the surface area and get some more traction for the snow. All these are emergencies though, in reality knowing the conditions ahead of time and buying snow tyres. Or making sure your tyres have sufficient tread depth can help ou just as well

[@wb5mgr]

I really recommend against fix a flat or any of those type things. They’re terrible for your rim and they don’t work well in the cold because they need heat to expand. I just recommend people to carry a portable air compressor, I like the little small ones from Harbor freight that hook up to your battery directly better than the ones that plug into the cigarette lighter. I also carry a plug kit to repair punctures which I have done many times without even taking the tire off the car.

[@NiesLife]

Thank you! This is the most practical and comprehensive video I have seen so far! The lock de-icer is something I have not remembered to add to mine, thank you (and thank you for not including Axes and Machetes!)

[@HowSkills]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@laurenrogers2333]

Good video - I would also add a safety/reflective vest.

[@HowSkills]

Yes, thanks, that’s an excellent idea!

[@rosestewart1606]

Great video and the comments are excellent...so many ideas. People should keep in mind that they may get stuck on the highway in winter through no fault of their own. I was stuck on a fairly busy highway for 3 hours once because of a multi vehicle accident ahead of me. there were too many cars behind me to backtrack but fortunately it was summer. I'm setting up kits for my kids who have to commute to other towns for work and school, just in case they find themselves stranded for any reason. even with an auto club membership it would take at least an hour for someone to show up.

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

This was great 👍I use a Halo charger and love it. It can jump your car,charge your phone, flashlights ect.

[@HowSkills]

Amazing devices, aren't they! I'd recommend them for everyone if it's in their budget, and they're getting cheaper all the time. There are so many instances when they can come in handy, and can save drivers from a lot of inconvenience or even danger.

[@robingood62]

Great suggestions! I would add some mylar blankets and s small gas stove and a pot to prepare a warm meal or drink. The tire repair foam probably don't work in cold temperatures. You don't get it through the valve. In Europe we usually have a spare tire in the trunk and tools to change tires like a car lever.

[@PrepperPotpourri]

According to the manufacturer's website If the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, Fix-a-Flat will freeze.

[@leeler2410]

Hey thanks for the tips - planning a winter trip up to canada from boston area… and it was good to get your reminder about the supplies ill need - thanks again- peace

[@MedorraBlue]

Canadian here - how did it go? Hope you didn't get stuck in all this mess.

[@daniloengracio1127]

I highly recommend recovery gears from miolle. An amazing recovery tool for any off road vehicle. But also extremely useful for a two wheel drive auto stuck in the snow, Sand ,or mud. Easy to use and stores simply in it's carry bag in the trunk or tool box.

[@HowSkills]

I’m gonna check into those - don’t know anything about them. Thanks!

[@Mr.Del29]

Sounds, looks and act like Mike Ermantraut in real life! 😎

[@dianakeck3355]

Awesome. I'll be sharing for our Team Safety meeting

[@HowSkills]

Thank you very much for watching, and I appreciate you sharing it with them!

[@systemsoversymptomsvisionw9806]

Great tips. A great video overall because it hits lots of great points rather than just focusing on one situation.

[@HowSkills]

Thanks a lot for watching!

[@angurisloud]

Keeping that battery fully charged is key... you can not leave these in you car all winter and expect it to work. Monthly charing is important. Add some sugar to your rations and I'd suggest more protein and another water or two.

[@HowSkills]

Great advice! I just fully charged my portable jump starter because it was down to about half. I leave it in my trunk and the cold weather can slowly deplete its charge, so these devices do need to be checked often and recharged when necessary. Same does go for portable phone chargers that you'd leave in your vehicle.

[@MrSeeindouble]

Great video. The only thing I'll add, is keeping a gallon or 2 of distilled water in your car in case you have to refill or top off your coolant/antifreeze reservoir after you repair your radiator. Oh and, maybe a can opener if you carry canned perishables as emergency food...or maybe your multi-tool can handle that task? Anyways, Thank You for the video.

[@emergprep]

WINTER PREPARATION TIPS for CAR BREAKDOWN in #Canada is key to understand!

[@nikkifeilner3205]

Thank you - great summary and reminder!👍😊

[@HowSkills]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it...I appreciate it!

[@fomora12]

If your car flips over your glass breakers will go flying. A system eg some Velcro to keep them in place makes a lot of sense.

[@marsdwarf]

I found this very helpful, thanks!

[@starguard4122]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was very useful and informative

[@felixosiobor3824]

This was really good info, @Stan Cravens. Thanks a lot.

[@nelsonhuang7458]

So useful and practical. Thank you!

[@edwardseth1230]

a good herbal or any type of wax chapstick.. its also a good firestarter a good solid snow goggles. Heat packs for chest butt and toes (aka handwarmers) a pack of cards or a pocket size chess board just to pass time or a good fiction book.

[@HowSkills]

All great additions…thanks!

[@fyahdre8340]

Thank you

[@HowSkills]

You're welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@maxrobinzak]

Informative video, thanks😆

[@HowSkills]

You're welcome!

[@carolinagirl3110]

Very helpful….Thank you for sharing!

[@HowSkills]

You’re welcome! And thanks for taking time to watch it and leave a comment. Much appreciated.

[@leroylowe1849]

Really good and informative. Thank you

[@mlextine]

Love your videos, Stan!! You’re extremely helpful! ♥️♥️

[@HowSkills]

Thank you for the kind comment, and I very much appreciate your taking the time to watch any of my videos! I always hope they help somebody out there, and glad to hear they’ve helped you. Makes my day!

[@phoenixr6811]

Nice review what is the name of that flashlight😀

[@Lee-zw9rn]

Thanks

[@Mark15726]

nice thanks

[@HowSkills]

You’re welcome!

[@neolithic3]

Nice suggestions! Thanks for the video :)

[@HowSkills]

No problem! Thanks for watching.

[@edwardmiller9611]

Many people in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan consider a case of beer and a carton of cigarettes emergency equipment.

[@HowSkills]

Lol! We were just in the UP two weeks ago.

[@ronammologist16]

Snow chains and a recovery strap are good to have. Also if you hit a snow berm you will likely have snow packed around your radiator and engine cooling fan. If that happens you nust remove it before running the engine or it WILL over heat! A small guarden trowel would help.

[@gitakiss5801]

This was very helpful thanks :)

[@HowSkills]

Glad to hear it helped!

[@truesaiyan8310]

You need a tow strap in that kit as well.

[@HowSkills]

That would be a great addition…those can really come in handy.

[@jeffweaver955]

Thanks for this. Umm so if theres snow out so deep you need your boots but theyre in the trunk. Also my waters freeze.

[@laurabadur8409]

What was the brand/name of flashlight or work light called that you had?

[@meowtahere]

Looks like "Hyper tough" (Walmart) brand

[@darrenh7028]

I live and drive in the Highlands of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 This is what I carry in the car over winter 🥶 Winter Car kit ( All) Car accessories- Box 1 Towing eye for front of car Good Tow rope Good quality Jump Leads Spare 5l screen wash ( -20c) First Aid Kit Tool Kit and large cable ties Silicone WD40 10l Fuel can - flex hose Gloves Tape - Electrical & Duct tape Snow Brush for clearing car Windscreen cover Telescopic metal snow shovel Tyre socks Knife ,Hand axe and Folding saw Warning triangles x 2 Flashing LED strobe lights x2 Orange survival bag Power bank and charging cable Pencil ✏️ and pad Plastic Pee bottle (Winter Tyres fitted to AWD car) Winter Car Kit Food and Drink- Box 2 Flask with Boiling water Water and Juice Snacks - Mars Bars / Cereal Bars / Sweets Gas stove / Spare Gas/ Lighter Plate,Bowl,Insulated Mug,Cutlery Soup/ Pot Noodles Coffee/Milk ( 2 in 1 sachets) Tissues/Toilet Roll / Wipes Personal Belongings Rucksack 40l Hi Vis Jacket Hi Vis Vest Waterproof Jacket & Trousers Fleece Winter Boots & thick socks 🥾 Hat and Gloves Towel Survival bag Sleeping bag Inflatable pillow Head torch x2 Wind up torch Mobile Phone x2 Umbrella Hand warmers

[@jamesgreenlee5908]

That's a solid kit you have there. Food for thought.

[@maryistulsafox]

Window Breaker Keychain

[@LifeHasLessons]

Have you thought of investing in a small propane snow torch ? Melting snow would be easier than digging

[@donnacish]

Great ideas but where’s the snickers candy bars ??

[@HowSkills]

Haha! I already ate them...need those every day to survive!

[@pippylou2225]

@@HowSkills you’re sense of humour is great and the information is excellent and nicely given! Thank You for this❤🙏👋🇨🇦🥰

[@ToyoteroMundial]

Any updates in 2024?

[@motopat06]

man i don't understand why americans never use winter tires they are much more worth having

[@SyntaxScout]

Fix a flat is the biggest mistake to buy,don't do it

[@HowSkills]

Personally, I've never actually used it myself, but I 've heard warnings about it from others. What would you say is the biggest negative about it?