MILWAUKEE — Winter is here, which means it’s time to get those winter emergency car kits ready. These kits can be life-saving if your car breaks down or if you slide off the road and get stuck.
Wisconsin drivers Gary Bolglaze and Joshua Guthrie shared what they keep in their cars to stay ready in case of an emergency.
“I’ve slid off the road before, and it’s very important to stay warm and stay put,” Bolglaze said. “I keep water in there and blankets. Always have a scarf, hat and gloves,” Bolglaze said.
If you don't have a kit already, here's everything you need and how to prepare your car for the harsh winter.
"The jumper cables and the shovel because you never know when you park your car and it gets to get snowed in, you've got to get the tires out somehow, and the extra warm clothes never hurt to have," Joshua Guthrie said.
The Wisconsin DOT recommends keeping the following items in your vehicle:
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Booster cables and windshield brush/scraper
- Drinking water and high-calorie, non-perishable food (trail mix, energy/protein bars)
- Sand or cat litter for traction
- Cell phone adapter/charger
"If I'm worried about, like the low pressure when the cold weather comes in, you can have a little air compressor that inflates your tires," Guthrie said.
According to the DOT, from October 2023 to May 2024, winter weather contributed to more than 11,000 crashes in Wisconsin. Here are a couple more safety tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your fuel tank at least half-full
- Make sure tires have good tread/traction and are properly inflated
- Ensure that your battery, anti-freeze, and cooling system are in good condition
- Slow down/increase following distance when driving
- Avoid sudden braking or steering
- Turn on low beam headlights
- Stay aware of your location
- Check 511wi.gov for road conditions
"It's Wisconsin, you just know you're going to run into bad weather and it's going to be slick roads," Bolglaze said.
We all know Wisconsin winters can be a hassle, but you never know when you may get stuck or stranded — so it's best to be prepared.
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