Winter Driving Tips & Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist

With fall just getting underway, everyone here in Lynchburg is getting ready to brave those frosty Virginia mornings. Some of us have a routine in place—wake up early, grab a cup of coffee, and scrape the windshields for 15 minutes—while others are lucky enough to have a garage or Mercedes-Benz with a remote-start system. There are even others who have no idea what to do with their car when snow falls. Ooph.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of icy roads or a newbie about to jump into the fray, it’s always in your best interest to prepare for winter’s worst. Follow these tips from our Lynchburg Mercedes-Benz dealership, and you’ll be ready for Mother Nature.

Winter Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

In addition to the “always carry” spare tire and tire-changing gear, you should also pack the following into your winter emergency kit:

• Jumper cables (16’ or longer)
• Flashlight (and batteries)
• Small wrench set
• Electrical or duct tape
• Ice scraper
• Folding shovel
• Road flares or traffic cones
• Gallon of water
• Nonperishable food (protein-rich foods are ideal)
• Thick blanket or sleeping bag
• Spare clothing and boots
• Multi-tool and knife
• First aid
• Fire extinguisher (“1A10BC” or “2A10BC” labels)
• Extra phone battery or power bank
• Road map
• A bag of sand or cat litter
• Windshield wiper fluid
• Hand warmers (example)
• Antifreeze
• Engine oil
• Old rags

Additional Winter Driving Tips

• Keep your gas tank above the ¼ mark. You never know when you’ll slide on a patch of ice and get stuck in a snow bank. Having extra gas to heat the cabin can literally save your life.
• Have a car escape tool available at all times. Such tools include small hammers, knives, seat belt cutters, and window breakers.
• If it’s cloudy or snowing, be sure and switch your vehicle’s headlights on. Doing so may not improve your visibility, but it alerts other drivers of your position.
• After the first freeze of the season, be sure and inflate your tires to recommended levels. Check the suggested PSI in your door jamb or owner’s manual.
• Avoid activating and using cruise control when roads are wet or icy.
• Have your brakes and tire tread inspected prior to the beginning of winter. Visit our auto service center near Bedford for your pre-winter car maintenance.
• If you begin skidding, don’t panic. Calmly and slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction opposite of where you’re facing. Don’t apply the brakes—just let the tires find traction.
• Never drive with snow on your hood or roof. Cleaning and scraping the wintry mix off is never fun, but it’s much safer than the alternative.
• Leave for your destination early to avoid unforeseen obstacles.
• Give yourself more following space than normal from the vehicle in front of you. There’s no telling when (or why) they’ll slam their brakes, but it’s bound to happen.

Find a Safer Car at Mercedes-Benz of Lynchburg

To give yourself an even bigger edge over winter, you might want to consider upgrading your vehicle to a newer, safer model. The latest 2017 and 2018 Mercedes-Benz vehicles at our Lynchburg luxury car dealership come with multiple standard and optional safety features to help you avoid wintery debacles. Browse our selection of new Mercedes-Benz sedans and SUVs for sale and lease, and you’ll be one step closer to giving the upcoming cold weather the cold shoulder.

Contact us at 434-385-6226 or stop by Berglund Luxury Auto at 2643 Lakeside Drive in Lynchburg, VA to test drive a new or certified used Mercedes-Benz. Stay safe out there!

Sources & Photos:

https://www.almanac.com/content/emergency-car-kit

https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Hand-Warmers-40-pairs/dp/B0007ZF4OA

http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/12/10-tips-for-safe-winter-driving/index.htm