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With cold weather fast approaching, right about now would be a great time to think about outfitting your car with a winter survival kit or updating the one you already have. A few common sense items like a blanket and flashlight can literally be lifesavers, if you get caught off the beaten track or in a storm.
We saw several ready-to-go kits at the SEMA show this year, including models from Treksafe and eGear.
Treksafe had a variety of products on display, from fairly basic models to more comprehensive kits equipped with fleece blankets and mittens, hand warmers, an emergency whistle, and slip-on spikes to aid shoe traction in snow and ice. Prices ranged from about $30 to $50.
The guys at eGear reported a brisk business in their $30 Road Ready kit, which includes everything one might need to survive in a broken-down car for two days, from food and water rations to a poncho, headlight, hand warmers, compass, and compact emergency blanket. It all fits in a small round case that fits under a car seat, and its reflective surface can double as a signaling device.
eGear also offers a very cool LED flashlight about as big as your thumb that beams for two hours and can recharge in your car in 30 minutes. For 12 bucks, I'm wishing I'd picked one up to help get around, post Sandy.
Whether you choose to put together your own safety kit or buy one that's ready to go, having the right equipment is important for keeping you and yours safe on winter roads. At the very least, a few basic items can reduce stress and get you back on the road sooner.
For more tips and details of what to pack, check out our emergency kit advice. For more on winter driving, see our special section.
