Top 4 Things to Check in your Vehicle's Emergency Kit When Seasons Change

Top 4 Things to Check in Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit When Seasons Change

When preparing for the new driving season, it is always a good habit to prepare your emergency kit for the upcoming change of weather, according to your specific needs (or your family's needs). Seasonal weather changes that can dramatically affect road conditions and your safety. 

Tip: Set a reminder on your mobile phone at the start of each season (every 6 months). Reviewing your emergency kit will only take a few minutes and can make a big difference when you need your updated supply kit the most. 

1. Check Expiration Dates

Food and water: Replace any expired food or water bottles. Also, check for items that need to be replaced, like energy bars, canned goods, or trail mix, with fresh supplies to ensure safety and quality. 

Medications: These may include prescriptions, such as antihistamines for allergies, or over-the-counter pain relievers. Important: Keep medication in its original packaging and check the expiration dates every 6 months.

First-aid supplies: Replace used or outdated items. For example, antiseptic wipes could dry out. You may also want to tuck away an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses.

2. Inspect Batteries and Electronics

Test any flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps. Replace weak or dead batteries (since extreme hot and cold weather drains them faster).
Check to make sure you have portable phone chargers or power banks.

3. Update Weather-Specific Gear

Gear to have year-round: It is good to have windshield washer fluid, a first aid kit, a phone charger, a portable tire inflator, and jumper cables. Inspect your tow straps and/or emergency triangles for damage. Also, make sure that you have a spare tire, car jack, and lug wrench that are in good shape.

Winter: Make sure to carry an ice scraper, a snow brush, traction aids, hand warmers, and a heavy blanket. Some like to keep kitty litter or sand in their vehicle in case they need extra traction, such as if a vehicle gets stuck in the snow.

Summer/Spring/Autumn: You may wish to carry rain ponchos, windshield washer fluid, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen, cooling towels, and extra drinking water. Swap heavy blankets for lightweight ones (beach towels).

*For those with pets, don't forget the pet food, water, medication, and leashes. Even items like a dog bed and their favorite toy might help to make a road trip successful.

4. Organize and Clean Your Emergency Kit

Remove unnecessary items from the past season. Repack your kit so that the essentials are easy to find in an emergency. Have a copy of your ID or school ID and the numbers for your emergency contacts. You may also want to carry a list of allergies or medical conditions and a medical directive card                                                                                                                                                      

At NHSA, our, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!