- Ice scraper with brush: long handle, hard blade, and snow brush to avoid scratches
- Add trunk weight 20-25 kg for traction; avoid excessive weight to protect fuel/handling
- Heat and comfort gear: blankets, extra clothing, wool socks, hand warmers
- Jump-start cables: 3-4m, 25-50 mm2, sturdy clamps, follow correct procedure
Preparation for the cold season is crucial for every responsible driver. Winter driving brings additional challenges—icy roads, reduced visibility, and the risk of getting stranded in severe weather. To navigate this period safely, there are certain items that should never be missing from your car.
A proper winter setup not only can save your day in an unforeseen situation, but it can even save your life. From ice-clearing tools to survival gear, these essential items will give you peace of mind and the safety you need in the cold months.
Ice scraper with brush - the number one winter tool
Ice scraper with a brush should be the first item on your winter equipment list. When temperatures drop below zero, you may find your car covered with a thick layer of ice or snow on any morning.
A quality scraper with a long handle and a brush at the end will greatly facilitate ice and snow removal. Choose a robust model with a hard plastic blade for ice and bristles resistant for snow. The long handle lets you reach all surfaces without bending over too much, and the brush will clean snow efficiently without scratching the paint.
Additional weight for improved traction
For rear-wheel drive vehicles, extra weight in the trunk is essential during winter. It helps transfer weight over the rear axle, improving traction on slick surfaces.
Even if you have front-wheel drive, keeping a moderate weight in the trunk can be beneficial. Some drivers use bags of sand or salt—they serve both as ballast for traction and as material that can be spread under tires if you get stuck. A 20-25 kg bag is sufficient for most situations.
Practical tip: Avoid putting too much weight, as it can negatively impact fuel consumption and vehicle handling.
Heat and comfort equipment for emergency situations
Blankets and winter clothing in the car can make the difference between discomfort and a truly dangerous situation. If you get stranded in snow or the car breaks down, maintaining body temperature becomes a priority.
Pack in the trunk:
- A thick blanket or a winter sleeping bag
- Extra thermal clothing (jacket, gloves, hat)
- Wool socks
- Hand warmers (the chemical ones activated by breaking)
These items take up minimal space but can prevent hypothermia in an emergency. They are especially important when undertaking long journeys or traveling through more isolated areas.
Jump-start cables - essential for cold-weather batteries
Low temperatures are the number one enemy of car batteries. Cold reduces battery capacity by up to 50%, while thickened oil and cold components cause the engine to require more energy to start.
A quality jumper cable set should have:
- Minimum cross-section of 25 mm2 for engines up to 2.0L
- 35-50 mm2 cross-section for larger engines
- Minimum length of 3-4 meters to allow connecting between parked vehicles in different positions
- Sturdy clamps with good insulation
Learn the correct connection procedure: positive to positive, negative to ground (not to the negative terminal of the discharged battery), to avoid sparks.
Portable phone charger - your lifeline
In an emergency, the phone can be the difference between getting quick help and waiting for hours. Phone batteries drain much faster at low temperatures, and using GPS or a flashlight speeds the process.
Features of a good winter portable charger:
- Minimum capacity of 10,000 mAh for multiple charges
- Operation at low temperatures (-10°C to -20°C)
- Multiple ports to charge several devices
- LED indicators for battery level
Keep the charger at least 50% charged and check it monthly. Cold can affect these batteries too, so it is recommended to keep it indoors when you are not driving.
Windshield washer fluid - visibility saves lives
Winter fluid consumption increases exponentially due to salt, mud and constant grime on roads. A dirty windshield can dramatically reduce visibility, especially at night when the headlights of other vehicles create reflections.
What to look for in winter windshield washer fluid:
- Freezing point below -25°C for most climates in Romania
- Anti-freeze formula that prevents crystal formation on the windshield
- Salt-removal properties for effective cleaning
- A 5L reserve bottle in the trunk
Check the reservoir level periodically and top up preventively. Do not mix different fluids to avoid unwanted chemical reactions.
Complete winter safety readiness
These six items form the core of a winter survival kit, but complete preparation also includes:
- Vehicle technical check before the season
- Winter tires or chains in mountainous areas
- Up-to-date first aid kit
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Non-perishable foods (energy bars, water)
With these elements in the car, your chances of getting through the winter months without issues rise significantly. Investing in winter equipment is a small cost compared with the expenses of an emergency or, more importantly, the value of your safety and that of your family.
Prepare in advance and check the equipment regularly—winter waits for no one.
