While it is always a good idea to have a vehicle prepared for emergencies, wintertime can present its own unique problems. If a car becomes stranded or is involved in an accident, weather conditions can make even minor vehicle issues serious. This makes it especially important to be ready for anything.

When you drive around in ice and snow on a regular basis, it is very wise to ensure these things are in place each time a vehicle is fired up:

•Standard emergency equipment – Always travel with tools to fix minor problems like flat tires and do keep a first aid kit on board. These things can come in handy when the need is least expected.
•Blankets – Get stranded in the middle of winter and having a few thermal blankets stowed in the truck can be the difference between life and death. It is just not always possible to run a heater constantly. Extra blankets can pay off.
•A charged cell phone – Even if you prefer not to carry a cell phone, having one charged and ready for emergency use is a good idea. It is even possible to purchase a cell with an emergency-only plan in some areas.
•Food and water – Try to keep nonperishable food items and some water stowed on board. Ideally, you will never need them. Still, trail mix or granola bars can come in handy if a car stalls out and the wait on the tow truck will be a few hours.
•Flares – Make sure to keep emergency flares on board no matter the season. In the winter when the nights are dark, they can really be vital.
Anytime you get behind the wheel, having emergency gear on board is a smart idea. During the winter months, however, the right gear can prove invaluable.