[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550169104278{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-color: #dff4ff !important;border-radius: 25px !important;}”]
Quick Summary
No matter how new your car is, it’s still prone to nails on the road and other obstructive objects in the streets, just like the rest of us! Sure, you can maneuver your way around these things if you see them, but what you really can’t avoid is bad weather. Snowstorms and heavy rainfall can get you stuck on the side of the highway if you’re not careful. What if you’re stuck with no cell phone signal or people in sight? You might be thinking to yourself, “I’d never put myself in that situation in the first place.” But nobody plans for these things to happen. You can, however, plan for emergencies if they do happen by investing in a car emergency kit! In this blog, we discuss driving in bad weather and why it’s important to invest in an emergency kit to keep in your car trunk.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Have no fear, car kits are here! (SOLD OUT)
Being a first time driver will most certainly give you a sense of anxiety. But this is even more true if you’re a parent. Imagine if you or your child is stuck on the side of the road because of an inevitable car problem. What would you do next? You might call AAA (Triple A) or a tow truck or even a friend. What if you don’t have AAA, money for a tow truck or a friend who has the tools that you need? This is where car emergency kits come in handy! [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Driving in bad weather in your state
In all honesty, it’s best to avoid driving in bad weather. However, we also know that this is unrealistic. There will be times when you have to drive in bad weather maybe because you’re already driving before rain or snowfall appears. Since we can’t control the weather, the best practice is to keep car emergency kits in your trunk.
Ohio
Ohio is the deadliest state for traffic-related crashes during the winter. If you absolutely have to drive in snow, then a car emergency kit is necessary to keep in your trunk. You don’t want to be one of the dozen drivers stuck on the highway because the roads were iced over. In Columbus, a handful of cars were abandoned along the 315 southbound shoulder. One driver was trying to dig his car out of the snow with an ice scraper. Plow drivers couldn’t even get to that area, so people had to hope that they could dig themselves out. After being stuck on the side of the highway for 3 hours, one driver was thinking that he’d get a truck next time or that he’ll have extra supplies in hand.
Florida
Florida gets very heavy rainfalls and winds due to tropical storms and hurricane season. When you drive in heavy rainfall, your ability to see on the roads is reduced significantly and sometimes you have to stop on the side of the road until it clears up again. This is especially true at night. If the rain is really bad, then the chances of flooding in the roads are high. Driving in flood can make you hydroplane and/or ruin your car’s wires and mechanical systems. It can also rust and corrode the metal components of your car. Instead of driving in a flood, you should pullover to the side until the rain subsides. Car emergency kits will have reflecting triangles to put around your car so that other vehicle lights will reflect them and see you to avoid hitting your car.
Tennessee
Tennessee can get several inches of snow. These winter storms not only cause heavy snowfall, but can also often result in sleet and icy roads. Instead of running the risk of sliding into other vehicles or skidding off the road, you should stop to the side of the road until the ice melts and the traction returns in your tires. This means that you could be stuck for hours in the cold. Having a car emergency kit will come in handy because it includes hand warmers and body warmers as well as a poncho and solar blanket.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is prone to tornadoes, thunderstorms and heavy snowfalls with dangerously cold temperatures. Visitors and residents alike risk frostbite and hypothermia during winter weather. This past winter, heavy snow caused multiple car crashes across the state. Salt wouldn’t even help on these major routes because the weather is too cold. Another backlash to the heavy snow besides car crashes is the wind chills. This can prevent ice from melting on the roads. Car emergency kits include hand warmers, body warmers and a solar blanket to help with the cold if you’re ever stuck in the car.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Tips for driving in bad weather
During any severe weather, it’s always best to stay off the roads completely. But, again, we know that this is unrealistic and unavoidable to some. Here are some tips for driving in bad winter weather:
- On icy roads, drive slowly and steadily at a speed 10 mph less than the posted speed limit. Your tires can lose traction and your car can spin out of your control.
- On sleety roads, drive slowly and be careful not to hydroplane. If you feel your car skating across the ice, then you need to take your foot off of the accelerator and steer as you normally would. Don’t hit the brake, as sudden movements can also cause your car to hydroplane.
- On slushy roads, your tires will also lose traction. You should drive slowly and steadily at a speed 10 mph less than the speed limit, just like you would on icy roads. Avoid sudden steering wheel movements and try not to be too close to the other cars around you.
- On snowy roads, drive slowly and avoid being around other cars if you can. Try to avoid hitting the breaks by taking off your foot from the accelerator. Some cars are equipped with winter mode to help you with this.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Car emergency kits are an investment
While it seems that you have to pay more upfront, you also don’t have to pay nearly as much later if you can deal with the emergency yourself. In other words, you’ll be paying a small price for a large peace of mind. Without such kits, you can face emotional, physical and financial burdens.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZpbmZvZ3JhcGgudmVubmdhZ2UuY29tJTJGanMlMkZlbWJlZCUyRnYxJTJGZW1iZWQuanMlMjIlMjBkYXRhLXZnLWlkJTNEJTIyM1ROWmt1eDBBZ28lMjIlMjBkYXRhLXRpdGxlJTNEJTIySW52ZXN0JTIwaW4lMjBDYXIlMjBFbWVyZ2VuY3klMjBLaXRzJTIyJTIwZGF0YS13JTNEJTIyMTEyMiUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaCUzRCUyMjk5NCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbXVsdGlwYWdlJTNEJTIydHJ1ZSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_js][vc_column_text]
-
Emotional impact:
Have you ever had one of those days where it felt like everything was going wrong? Usually, a car breakdown is the cherry on top of these days. You’re already having a rough day and you just feel like giving up! It’s difficult to deal with this type of situation mentally and it could have an impact on your emotions. But the last thing that you need is a mental breakdown.
A lot of drivers deal with this distress during a car emergency simply because they don’t know what to do next. Having a car emergency kit in your trunk can help alleviate a lot of the situation and calm you down. You’ll have that peace of mind that if you’re ever in desperate need of help, then you can put up a “HELP” banner for all other cars to see. Someone will stop to help you sooner than you think!
-
Physical impact:
During winter months with severely cold temperatures, people are at high risks for hypothermia and frostbite. It’s crucial to stay warm. What if your coat isn’t enough to keep you warm for hours during a car emergency? Your physical health is at risk. There are car emergency kits that include a pair of hand warmers, a body warmer, and a solar blanket.
-
Financial impact:
On top of emotional and physical burdens, you’ll have to deal with very expensive services if you don’t have a car emergency kit. Tow trucks are expensive. The initial “hook-up” fee alone can be $75 and for a five mile ride, it can be another $50 to $125. Car emergency kits typically include a tow rope that you can use to tie to the back of a friend’s vehicle to the front of yours. If you put your car in “neutral,” your friend’s car can pull your car to your destination.
You can save up to $200! Why pay $200 for a tow truck for one emergency when you can buy a car emergency kit for a lot less? Car emergency kits are meant to cover more emergencies than just a tow. They also have more tools and items that will last several years to anticipate more car emergency situations. It’s financially smart to invest in a kit. You might think it’s expensive at first, but one tow truck for one time is a lot more expensive. Buying a kit will not only save you money, but it will also save you from emotional and physical turmoil.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Which kit is right for you?
Not everyone needs the same equipment in their kits because it’s usually based on your surroundings and environment. However, keep in mind that these kits are not only for weather-related emergencies. They’re also very helpful when you have a flat tire or dead battery. Each kit also includes a large “HELP” banner that you can put on your car that can be seen from far distances if you’re ever in desperate need of a good Samaritan to help you.
Ultimate Car Emergency Kit
The Ultimate Car Emergency Kit is perfect for inclement weather. This kit contains 78 pieces. It includes everything from the Standard Car Emergency Kit, plus the following:
- Reflecting Triangle
- Folding Snow Shovel
- Jumper Cables
- Revolving Sign Light
- Flat Tire Fixer
- Tow Rope
- High Visibility Yellow Blanket
- Safety Vest
- Distress Banner
- Other Items – One of each: Utility Knife – 14 in 1 Pocket Tool – Heavy Duty Work Gloves – 10 yds of Duct Tape – Ice Scraper with Glove – Flashlight w/ 2 D Alkaline Batteries – Bodywarmer – Solar Blanket – Adult Poncho – 10″ Adjustable Wrench – 6 n 1 Screwdriver – Deluxe Sports Bag with Two End Pockets, One Front Pocket , Double Zipper Center Compartment and Shoulder Strap –Two of each: 2 / 12 Hour Light Sticks – Pair of Hand Warmers
Standard Car Emergency kit
The Standard Car Emergency Kit is perfect for basic cold weather conditions. This kit contains 54 pieces:
- 1 – Reflecting Triangle
- 1 – Folding Snow Shovel
- 1 – Jumper Cables
- 1 – Flat Tire Fixer
- 1 – Tow Rope
- 1 – High Visibility Yellow Blanket
- 1 – Safety Vest
- 1 – Distress Banner
- Other Items – One each: Utility Knife, 14 in 1 Pocket Tool, Work Gloves Leather Palm, 10 yds of Duct Tape, Ice Scraper with Glove, Flashlight w/ 2 D, Alkaline Batteries, Solar Blanket, Adult Poncho, Deluxe Sports Bag with Two End Pockets, One Front Pocket , Double Zipper Center Compartment & Shoulder Strap, 1 / 12 Hour Light Sticks, Pair of Hand Warmers
Basic Car Emergency Kit
The Basic Car Emergency Kit is perfect for basic bad weather, such as rain. This kit contains 23 pieces:
- 1 – Backpack
- 1 – 30 Minute 6″ High Intensity Light Stick
- 1 – Tow Rope
- 1 – Auto Spot Light
- 1 – Jumper Cables
- 1 – 37 pcs First Aid Kit
- 1 – Flashlight
- 2 – D Batteries
- 1 – Fire Extinguisher
- 1 – Solar Blanket
- 1 – Waterproof Poncho
- 1 – Swiss Style Army Knife
- 1 – Flat Tire Fixer
- 3 – Drinking Water Pouches
- 1 – Pair Leather Gloves
- 1 – Whistle
- 1 – Duct Tape
- 1 – Utility Knife
- 1 – Emergency Instructions
- 1 – Help Sign
- 3 – Wet Naps
- 1 – Reflecting Triangle
- 1 – Self-Adhesive Distress Banner
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
