Realized it was time....... Winter driving kit

[samsonite]

Time to get the winter emergency kit in the car, along with my chains.

I keep an old gym bag with ugly gloves, mittens, hats and emergency blankets.  I don't have to look stylish in an emergency....just warm.

I also have water, and a few protein bars.

With the chains, I keep a rubber backed bathroom rug.  It sucks to get wet while putting on your chains.

What else?

[Stitches]

Make sure you can find your ice scrapers.   I found two under the driver's seat.   Check windshield wipers (my back ones need to be replace).   Some people like to put kitty litter in their car for traction.    This is my favorite time of year, when I have to find my winter stuff.   

My five shovels are under the house and I gotta get those out.  One year I forgot to do that and the door under the house was blocked by snow and I didn't have my shovels to dig out the snow because the shovels were behind the door that opens outwards.   

[edssds]

With the chains, I keep a rubber backed bathroom rug.  It sucks to get wet while putting on your chains.

Great idea!

[lagomorphmom]

My five shovels are under the house and I gotta get those out.  One year I forgot to do that and the door under the house was blocked by snow and I didn't have my shovels to dig out the snow because the shovels were behind the door that opens outwards.   

I bet that's why you have FIVE shovels! 

We're big boot chain fans at our house anytime we go outside; however, if you don't normally use them, might put a pair in the car so when you're stuck you won't wind up on your fanny.

[in my dreams]

Keep it comin' people!!! Pearls of wisdom for the newbies! 

[Tomas]

I keep two small chuncks of 2 x 4's in my car so I can roll my car onto when installing chains. It's much more efficient to install chains with your wheels slightly elevated and it's faste than a jack. Just make sure you put the 2 x 4's in the center of your chains so you can lift the chains around the wood.

[Stitches]

I bet that's why you have FIVE shovels! 

We're big boot chain fans at our house anytime we go outside; however, if you don't normally use them, might put a pair in the car so when you're stuck you won't wind up on your fanny.

Nope.   We have five shovels because I've got five kids.    I got tired of the excuse "I don't have a shovel".   Shovels are safely out and ready to go.

Good tip on the the boot chain advice.   It doesn't take a whole lot of room and I don't enjoy my fanny on the ice and snow.

I also just received the San Bernardino County re: snow and living in the mountains.     This is a good time of the year to run to Costco and get massive amounts of pantry items.   I get packages of soup noodles, cup noodles, mac and cheese, tuna, canned veggies, soup, pastas, sauces, chili, etc.   These will last you through a snow storm if we should be snowed in more than a week.   I don't consume these items unless it's an emergency.   It usually lasts till spring.

Also, make sure you have plenty of drinking water, medications, diapers, toilet paper and basic necessities just in case.

This IS Southern California, not Minnesota so we are seldom snowbound for weeks.   Sometimes days, but if prepared with alcoholmedicine, firewood, hot chocolate and food, you and your family should be able to survive and maybe enjoy the pleasant company.

[Tomas]

My wife and I also keep small avalanche shovels in our cars. They take little space and are fantastic for breaking up icy burms.

[SkierBob]

Nope.   We have five shovels because I've got five kids.    I got tired of the excuse "I don't have a shovel".   Shovels are safely out and ready to go.

Perfect, and the way it should be.   

[lagomorphmom]

Nope.   We have five shovels because I've got five kids.    I got tired of the excuse "I don't have a shovel". 

Perfect! I don't have kids on two legs, but if I did, I'd be using the same playbook!

 Sometimes days, but if prepared with alcoholmedicine, firewood, hot chocolate and food, you and your family should be able to survive and maybe enjoy the pleasant company.

Hee, hee, hee! We're prepared with the same things. 

[ChrisLynnet]

Heh, us too. The staff of life!   

[Katwest13]

A small flashlight is always handy!

[Chesslike]

Nope.   We have five shovels because I've got five kids.   

Reminds me of a great quote:
The best years of your life are when the kids are old enough to help shovel the snow but too young to drive a car.

[samsonite]

Mtn Hardware has YakTrax for sale.  They are what someone referred to as "chains for your boots". Although a little more than online, I'm trying to buy local as much as possible.


http://cozywinters.com/ice-cleats/ice-cleats.html?source=ov

I'm getting a pair for my mom now as she's in the midwest and Yaktrax are cheaper than a broken hip.  But I'll be picking up some for dh and I too.

[lagomorphmom]

We like YakTrax fine for our usage, if you're out and about every day, you might want something more aggressive.

Be aware, though, that YakTrax come in two models, one with a velcro strap on top for a little more and one without. Problem without is if it pops off in the snow you won't know and then you've got half a pair.

One other thing, best to try them on your boots. I have a small woman's foot, but still use a Med size for my hiking/winter boots.

[angelwolf326]

Keep a set of votive candles in your car.  It will keep you warmer if you can't run your heater in case you get stuck.....

Great idea for the wood under the chains!!!!

I have trax for my sorels though I have never used them.  I keep them in the car, along with chains in an old cat litter plastic tub (they are too heavy for a bag), along with gloves, zip ties and a small carpet.  ( I have done the knees in the dirtly snow while putting on chains and it is not fun!)  A waterproof jacket is good too in case it is actually snowing.

One more thing for home, spray Pam (cooking spray) on your dish and the snow won't stick!

Don't forget to get gas for your snow blowers.....  I know a few times I went to use it, %&*#$(%&# no gas... 

[SkierBob]

seriously?  how many do you have to burn to keep the car warm?

[angelwolf326]

You are funny.....  I have 3 bigger ones, have not had to try but it makes sense, it will keep the chill off.

[angelwolf326]

[SkierBob]

I know of several folks that have been stranded on 395 between Crowley & Mammoth for over 8 hours due to no visability.  After sitting in their cars while it's running for hours when the road finally opened their vehicles were froze in park.  The one guy tried to force the vehicle into gear breaking off the shifting lever.

I'm not sure how to avoid this other then going from park to drive every few minutes. 

I've also had my truck freeze and be stuck in either 2 wheel drive, 4 high & 4 low.  Not sure how to avoid this either, so I tend to leave my truck in 4 high when it's really cold and snowing.

I've never had to put chains on, don't even own them.  I carry a pair I found on the side of the road to show the  CHP I have some.  If I need chains, I'm staying put.