Whilst you might still be relishing the warm (ish) summer weather, blink and we’ll soon be in winter, which brings with it colder temperatures and the dreaded snow! I say dreaded, for many children across the country this is a chance to get out and enjoy being young, letting their imagination run wild as they build snowmen and throw snowballs at each other. However for drivers it only brings chaos and hassle on the roads, as cars aren’t necessarily designed to drive in the treacherous conditions that our roads often become during the winter.
It’s estimated that over winter 20% more drivers break down than the rest of the year, so to ensure you don’t join this statistic it’s important that you do all you can to get your car winter ready! There are various elements that can be included in this preparation but one that is simple and can be done anytime of the year is packing an essential kit to keep in your boot; it could even be done as a present for the keen driver! So, what to include in this kit?
Blankets & Warm Clothes
These are pretty obvious items to keep in your essentials kit, a blanket will provide warmth (and comfort) should the worst happen and you get stuck in your car for a long period of time. Warm clothes such as a spare jumper, scarves, socks and gloves can be highly versatile and asides from being used to wear when you get a bit chilly, they can also be utilised to wipe snow or ice off your car too!
Light!
A torch will become your best friend should you get stuck in your car so it’s vital that it travels with you at all times, however it’s vital that it always works so think carefully about the kind of torch you buy. If you have a battery operated one, ensure that you have spare batteries on hand at all times, or invest in a windup one and then you don’t have to worry about the batteries running out!
First Aid Kit
This can contain any number of different items, and you can tailor it to your individual needs; for example if you have a family you may need to think about putting child friendly medicine in. Whatever your requirements, there are 3 things that should feature in any kit:
1. Bandages (of a variety of shapes/sizes)
2. Alcohol Wipes (or something similar, used for cleaning out wounds prior to dressing)
3. Antiseptic Cream (Germolene or something similar like Savlon will suffice)
Water & Food
These items will need to be tailored slightly depending on when you are creating your kit; if you are putting things together for a particularly long journey then water and food are a must. It’s recommended that you have at least 3 day’s supply of bottled water and a selection of non-perishable food, but realistically whatever you have space for should be stocked up and travel with you!
Where Am I?
The last item is really targeted at travellers that are setting off for a specific journey, rather than a kit to keep in your car throughout the winter. Although we all have mobile phones now, there’s nothing wrong with a good old fashioned map; should you get stuck and hear that all too familiar beep as the battery on your phone dies, the map will become your best friend in determining where you are!
Wherever you are travelling and for however long this winter just remember that the weather can turn nasty in an instant, so even if there is glorious sunshine when you set off, always be prepared with the essential kit stored safely in your boot!
This was written by Sally Powell, on behalf of Sky Insurance, leading providers of short term car insurance. If you’re heading off for a weekend break this winter then this could be your ideal cost effective solution for temporary cover.
This was written by Sally Powell, on behalf of Sky Insurance, leading providers of short term car insurance. If you’re heading off for a weekend break this winter then this could be your ideal cost effective solution for temporary cover.