If there’s even the faintest rumour of snow, don’t go out in your car unprepared. The best case scenario is that you might skid a little, the worst is that you get stuck, or even crash.

Getting your car ready to face the Winter elements is an easy process. Here’s a guide and even some handy links for you to get everything delivered to your door from The Home Depot.

Snow Tires

These are a must, and in many cases a legal requirement for driving in winter conditions. Book a service and get some good snow tires put on your car well in advance of your local snowy season. If you wait, there are going to be queues!

If your tires don’t have this symbol, don’t drive in the snow.

For the Trunk

In case you break down or get stuck, the first priority is to either get noticed or head back on the road.

Let other drivers know that you’re there so they don’t hit you or slide into you on the same patch of slippery road. Visibility can be pretty poor, especially in rain, fog, or snow storms so pack plenty of bright glow sticks or road flares.

Your kit should include:

• First aid kit
• Reflective triangle
• Fire extinguisher
• Jump leads or self-contained jump kit – with a portable jump kit, you don’t need another car to restart your engine.
• Flashlight and batteries
• Road flares and glow sticks

If or when you find yourself slipping, the Snow Joe thermoplastic Non-Slip traction works on ice, snow, mud and sand. It rolls up for easy storage so can be in the back just in case.

Winter comes with lots of mess. Don’t let your car become damp and full of melting snow. Use a cargo liner to save the trunk from mud and snow from your boots and sleigh. This one is 93x103x38 cm and it only $39.99.

Instead of spending your mornings scraping ice from your windshield, spray the frost away. Have an extra bottle of de-icer washer fluid that will work down to a chilly -49 Celsius. brr!

Things to Pack

• Extra water
• Snacks like granola bars or chocolate
• Warm blankets
• Rubber boots or snow boots – make sure they’ve got plenty of grip
• Crampons to attach to your boots – extra grip for ice or compact snow
• Hats and gloves for you and your family
• Spare battery for your phone (I use an Anker Power Bank as it lasts for 3 full iPhone charges)

Also, you should bring a can of extra fuel if you’re going on a long trip. Having the heating on in the car uses up extra fuel. If you’re stuck, or the traffic around you is skidding, you might be in the car for a while. Don’t run out of gas before you get home.

Bonus – Want to Make a Little Money?

Buy a snow plow kit for your car and put up some ‘Mr. Plow’ posters around your neighbourhood. You can save the day and earn a little Christmas present money while you do it!

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Disclaimer: This post was supported by The Home Depot Canada. All excitement for winter planning, words and opinions are my own.