Safety First: Must-Have Gear to Reach Winter Wonderland

Ah, the fresh scent of a pine tree forest. The crunch of fresh powder under your boots. The sunlight sparkling on snowy peaks. At least that’s the vision you painted for your family’s snowy vacation. But, no matter how beautiful the terrain, it’s best to be prepared for the worst. To ensure the best road trip possible, make sure you pack the right gear to prevent discomfort and aid in possible emergencies. Here’s our top picks so you and your precious cargo can arrive at your destination safe and sound.

Blanket or Sleeping Bag

Expensive space blankets may not be as warm — nor provide the same sense of security — as a traditional blanket, especially if they’re used improperly. Instead, opt for a couple of insulated sleeping bags from retailers like REI and Cabela’s, which both offer excellent selections.

Jumper Cables

Cold weather can seriously drain your car battery. Thicker engine oil demands more current from the battery — and creating sufficient electrical energy is a slower process during cold winters. Just in case your car battery fails, pack a good set of jumper cables so you can get things started and be on your way faster.

Sub-Zero Windshield Washer Fluid

To keep visibility clear, fill up your vehicle with quality windshield washer fluid rated for sub-zero temperatures. You should even keep an extra gallon in the trunk in case you run out. And, don’t forget to check the condition of your wiper blades before you leave.

First-Aid Kit

In case of injury, pack a first-aid kit containing bandages, gauze and antiseptic wipes, among other essential items. In fact, you may want to check out the Personal Safety Emergency Pack ($14) sold by the American Red Cross.

Tire Pressure Gauge

The air pressure in your tires will decrease in cold weather, so stash a tire gauge in your glove box and test for air decreased pressure whenever you stop for gas. Make sure to adjust your tire pressure as necessary to comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Emergency Radio

Pack a battery-operated or hand-crank emergency radio so you still get weather alerts and warnings about driving conditions. A premium radio, like the Eton FRX 5, is a good choice and comes with an endorsement from the American Red Cross.

Flares

You hope you’ll drive right through a storm, but in case your car breaks down, pull off the road and light emergency flares to mark the location of your disabled vehicle. This will allow you to signal for help, while avoiding other vehicles from hitting you.

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Winter Tires

Your dad might try to convince you that all-season tires will do, but despite his well-meaning advice, they aren’t optimal for heavy snow and icy roads. However, winter tires aren’t optimal for summer conditions, either. Take advantage of deals on sites like tirebuyer.com, so you can have both sets of tires handy.

Cell Phone Charger

We all depend —maybe too much — on our smartphones for everyday tasks and for just plain entertainment. However, smartphones also have navigational and map tools, so ensure you don’t get lost by packing a cell phone charger to keep your lifeline fully charged.

Ice Scraper

Ensure your driving visibility is clear — and your family’s views are unobstructed — by packing a heavy-duty ice and snow scraper. The best ones on the market have padded grips, a plow-like broom for cleaning off snow, and a self-locking extension mechanism.