Winter emergency kit for the car

The onset of winter is just around the corner. But you don't have to go on an expedition to get into unforeseen situations by car in winter. Snow-covered roads, black ice, traffic jams on the freeway - no matter how well you drive, in winter something can easily go wrong.

Those who travel by car in winter should therefore be prepared for everything. With these items you can safely get through the winter by car.

1. The prescribed: safety vest, warning triangle and first aid kit

The reflective warning vest and the warning triangle are indispensable and an important aid in the event of a breakdown. This means they can be identified early in the event of a breakdown outside the car on unlit roads. Also check that your first aid kit has not passed the expiration date.

2. Snow chains

Snow chains are not mandatory on German roads, but do their job with a closed blanket of snow or ice. In all neighboring winter sports countries, snow chains are indicated by a round blue sign with a snow chain symbol wherever the weather conditions require it.

From this sign on, snow and ice means that all vehicles driving on the road must have snow chains on at least two drive wheels. This also applies to all-wheel drive vehicles. Anyone who does not comply with this can expect to be fined. When driving with snow chains, a speed limit of 50 km / h applies.

3. Antifreeze

In summer dishwashing detergent is enough for the windscreen washer system, in winter a frost-proof additive is required. A reserve canister with frost protection is therefore essential in the car. Because if the cleaner runs out of frost surprisingly, pure water is no substitute - it would freeze quickly.

4. Ice scraper

All windows must be clear in winter. If they are not, a police check can result in a fine. In order not to scratch the glass, you should choose ice scrapers without metal parts. Models with a glove on the handle are useful against cold hands. If the layer of ice is thick, a de-icing spray can make the job easier; it dissolves ice crusts within seconds.

Under no circumstances should ice be thawed with hot water, as this can cause the glass to burst. If you often wipe fogged car windows with a sponge, you have to clean them more often with glass cleaner. Otherwise streaks remain, which can cause glare.

5. Hand brush

A hand brush should not be missing either. With it, the snow can be removed quickly and gently from the body and windows. The license plate should also be legible. If the license plate is covered by snow or dirt, there is even a fine.

6. Door lock deicer

With the door lock deicer, lock cylinders can be effectively cleared of ice if rain has blocked the door lock overnight. In the cold season, however, the spray should never be in the car, because in an emergency it does nothing at all. It is better to keep a small can in your pocket.

7. Jumper cables

When the temperature is below zero, the car battery can run out faster. If there is no more movement when starting, a jump lead helps. Make sure that the jump lead fits the car and is not too thin.

8. Cell phone battery

Cell phone batteries are also sensitive to cold and can surprisingly fail in winter. It is therefore worthwhile to have a mobile charger or a portable additional battery on board. In this case, however, you should make sure that it remains charged at all times.