Washington State Winters, to some are mild, to us, well it's winter! We need to be prepared no matter the state we live in. And while as I type this, it's not even Autumn quite yet, but these things you can buy over time and when winter does hit, you areWashington State Winters, to some are mild, to us, well it's winter! We need to be prepared no matter the state we live in. already set! So, what are some must haves for the rig?

Essentials Items for the Car, Must Haves for Winter Driving:

1. Tire Chains

Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Not just having the chains but knowing how to put them on. The more you know, the more efficient you will be during the downright cold days.


 

2. Emergency Blanket / Extra Blanket

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Maybe not the kitty kitty, but this picture was too cute not to share. On a real not though, extra blankets for the car, for the house, we can never get enough blankets!


 

3. Weatherproof Matches

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Start a fire for food, warmth, maybe even use to signal people. Fire is awesome!


 

4. Road Flares 

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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In the wintertime, you do not want to be putting chains on with zero visibility to you, make sure to have a warning cone, or road flare of some sort, just in case.


 

5. Gloves

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Maybe not those gloves, something sturdier. But even if it was these shown in the picture, have some if better than not having any at all!


 

6. Flashlight

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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And the Lord said, "Let there be light!"


 

7. Batteries

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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You'll need to turn the Flashlight on!


 

8. A Tool Set

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Maybe a jack to hike the car up to change the tire, even some of those require special tools, make sure to know what you need before you leave.


 

9. Spare Tire / Check the Spare Tire

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Don't get stuck with a bad spare tire, that does no one good!


 

10. Non-Perishable Food

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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You may not know how long you will be stuck. Have some food on hand for those emergencies!


 

11. Jumper Cables

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Dead Car battery no more! As long as another rig comes along to help. You can get jumper cables that come attached to a rechargeable battery.


 

12. Ice Scraper 

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Make sure this is heavy duty and not a flimsy scraper, you don't want it to break mid-use.


 

13. Spare Winter Clothes

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Having extra clothes on hand is perfect if you get wet or too cold.


 

14. Rock Salt/ Kitty Litter / and or Sand

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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This will help you gain traction under the tires on slick roads!


 

15. First Aid Kit

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Because accidents happen.


 

16. Windshield Washer Fluid

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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You would not want to run out of this stuff when going over a snowy pass.


 

17. Cell Phone Charger

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Make sure the USB part of the charger has a "box" for the car as well. Not just for a wall.


 

18. Shovel

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Digging ourselves to safety my friend!


 

19. Water

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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Each trip, take fresh water with you. Don't just let it live in the back of the car.


 

20. Tank of Gas At least Half Full 

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Photo Credit: Aly/Canva
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I feel this is one of the most important.


Don't panic, be prepared this 2023/2024 Winter season and safe travels!


 

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