Tag Archives: car

Tips for Winter Roadside Emergencies

Winter Emergency Car Kit Tips

I live in the Midwest, and living through harsh winters is just a reality.

I have memories, as a young girl, maybe about 10 years old, of my Grandpa telling me to always have an emergency kit in my car when I grow up. He was pretty specific – he said to always have a toolbox, a spare tire, a flare and jumper cables. He also said to keep a coffee can filled halfway with sand, a big candle, matches and candy bars. He said I could spread the sand under my tires if I got stuck in the snow. He said if my car broke down, lighting the candle would provide some warmth as well as light. The candy bars were for energy. Of course, back in the day, coffee came in metal cans … not plastic containers or bags. Times have changed, but I love my memories of Grandpa teaching me life skills, by example. So

Winter Car Emergency Kit

I always try to be prepared for an emergency.

I have improvised some from Grandpa’s advice, but I’m still prepared for car emergencies.

I’m sharing some tips I’ve learned through my decades of winter driving experience. I have a bin with mechanical stuff and a bin for personal care stuff. Here is a list of my suggestions:

MECHANICAL BIN:
• Basic tools and wrenches
• Jack and tire iron
• Jumper cables
• Orange emergency triangle (flare substitute)
• Flashlight
• Rope and nylon zip ties
• Small shovel and some kitty litter
• Work gloves, rags and a plastic garbage bag (to kneel on or wear as rain gear)

PERSONAL BIN:
• Several water bottles
• Protein bars and nuts
• Blanket and hand warmers
• Extra pairs of socks and gloves
• First aid kit
• A book (something to help pass the time til help arrives)

These are some ideas for you to use as a guide … start with this list, then customize it to your preferences and needs geared toward your family.

One of my favorite sayings is … “I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”.

Tracy Helps You’s Thankful Thoughts for Today ~ 11-16 -13

November 16 ~ Today I am thankful to have an honest and trustworthy mechanic. I am blessed with the peace of mind of knowing that I can trust that I won’t be taken advantage of (you know the reputation of some auto repair places). Over the past few days, I’ve posted about being thankful for my reliable vehicle and for the friendships I’ve made through my church. Today my post ties those 2 things together in my thankfulness for knowing Terry. Terry belongs to our church and he owns Krage’s Auto & Tire Center, a Goodyear service center in West Chicago. If you are in the market for a great mechanic, give them a call 🙂

We have been taking our cars to Krage’s for years. Terry always takes time to explain everything to me in great detail. His customer service skills are top notch. I posted earlier about being thankful for a reliable car … we have, however, been looking for a newer model used vehicle. Terry has helped in our search and has inspected a couple that he advised us against. I trust his knowledgeable advice. I know that the next used car we buy will have passed his scrutiny 🙂

♥ Today I am thankful for my trustworthy mechanic ♥