Different from a year-round emergency kit — this is the winter layer. Check it before the first freeze, not during the first storm.
| Item | In the car | Condition check | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice scraper + snow brush | Look for cracks each fall | Two dollars now beats a CD scraper and numb hands | ||
| Warm blanket per regular passenger | Wash seasonally | Old comforters and sleeping bags work fine | ||
| Traction — cat litter, sand, or mats | Refill after any use | Pour under the drive wheels, not all four | ||
| Jumper cables or battery jump pack | Test the pack; charge it twice a season | Cold kills weak batteries — most die on the first cold snap | ||
| Winter wiper fluid (de-icer formula) | Top off monthly | Summer fluid freezes in the lines | ||
| Wiper blades checked for winter | Replace if they streak | Winter blades are worth it where ice sticks | ||
| Small folding shovel | Rust check | For the bumper-deep plow berm at the end of the driveway | ||
| Flashlight + spare batteries | Test twice a season | Dark comes early; breakdowns don't wait | ||
| Phone charger that stays in the car | Check the cable isn't frayed | A dead phone in a cold car is the real emergency | ||
| Water + calorie-dense snacks | Swap water so it doesn't freeze solid — store low | Replace snacks yearly; mice find them first | ||
| Hand warmers + spare gloves and hats | Check packets before each season | Kids' spare mittens live in the door pocket | ||
| Tire pressure gauge | Compare to the door-jamb sticker | Pressure drops ~1 psi for every 10°F — check monthly |
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