Winter in Northern Idaho is magical, with pristine snow-covered landscapes and the thrill of outdoor adventures. But as the days grow shorter and temperatures plummet, preparing your vehicle for the challenges that come with the season is crucial. Whether you’re a resident of the area or a visitor just passing through, winterizing your car is essential to keep your road travel safe in this climate.
Let’s explore some accessories you should consider putting in or on your vehicle to navigate Northern Idaho’s icy and snow-covered roads.
- Remote Start: A remote start system allows you to warm up your car without going out to your vehicle to start it. It’s always a good idea to warm your engine up in cold weather – not to mention warming the vehicle’s interior for personal comfort. Many newer-model cars have remote-start systems, but if yours doesn’t, there are after-market remote-start systems available. When your vehicle is parked outside, that warming has another benefit: it can save you some time scraping your windows and hood.
- Ice and Snow Scrapers: Scraping the snow off your windows, hood, door jambs, and handles is a must if you want to avoid getting snow in the interior of your vehicle and to provide good visibility while you drive. Ensure you have a good ice and snow scraper before the first storm hits, and keep one in your vehicle.
- Frost Guard: A frost guard can be a real timesaver on cold mornings. It prevents ice from forming on your windshield overnight and saves time and effort on scraping.
- Rubber Floor Mats: Winter means ice, snow, slush, and mud, and rubber mats will protect your car’s carpet flooring from mess and damage. They are also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your vehicle looks good all season.
- Seat Covers: If your car doesn’t have heated seats, consider getting heated seat covers. They’ll keep you toasty during chilly drives. If you don’t need the heat, regular covers can protect your upholstered seats from dirt, water, and wear and tear.
- Flashlight: In the north, winter nights are long, and days are short. Having a reliable flashlight is essential in case of an emergency.
- Emergency Kit with Jumpstart Cables: Having an emergency kit in your car at any time of year is a good idea. However, it is especially critical in the winter because a prolonged breakdown in freezing weather can be life-threatening. The kit should include jumpstart cables and essential items like a first-aid kit, blankets, and some non-perishable food.
- Flares and Warning Signs: Like the emergency kit, these are a good idea to have at any time of year, but in wintertime, when there is little daylight, they are more critical than ever. Being able to mark your location in the event of a blowout or accident could prevent a worse accident and ensure your safety. Many road kits come with these items.
- Tire Chains: In Northern Idaho’s snowy conditions, tire chains can provide much-needed traction and stability. If you have reliable mud and snow tires or studs, the need is less critical, but there are still some mountain passes in Idaho where chains may be required.
- De-Icer: De-icer spray can quickly melt away ice and frost off your windows. An effective de-icer can save you time and effort on freezing mornings.
- Blanket: Whether it’s a battery-powered heated blanket or one you can plug into your car, having a warm blanket on hand is essential in an emergency.
- Kitty Litter or Traction Mat: If you find yourself stuck in ice or snow, spreading kitty litter or using a traction mat under your tires can provide the grip you need to get back on the road.
- Hand Warmers: These small, disposable packets can keep hands warm and comfortable when facing chilly weather outside your vehicle.
- Packable Shovel: A collapsible snow shovel can be a lifesaver if you must dig your car out of a snowdrift or clear a path.
- Spare Tire: It is always best to have a good spare tire ready, but in winter, it is essential: you cannot afford to be stranded. Ensure your spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated, and make sure your lug wrench is present and in good shape.
While you may not opt to carry every item listed here, consider which things you feel are “must-haves” and equip your vehicle before winter arrives. Also, even if you end up not needing any of these things all winter, the fact that you have them on board enables you to help others you find on the road who might be facing a dire situation without your help.
In harsh winter conditions, it is better to be prepared and not need some of these emergency items than to need them and not have them. So pack up your car and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you won’t be caught flat-footed when the need arises.
At Mike White Ford, we think driving should be fun. But you can only have fun if you first address safety. Winters in northern Idaho offer plenty of recreational opportunities, whether snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, or just sightseeing. And you will want to arrive safely at holiday gatherings and shopping malls. But winter driving to get to your favorite winter sites can be hazardous, and you don’t want your day of fun to turn into a day of disaster.
When heading out on the road this winter, ensure you’re prepared. Mike White Ford can help you with winter tires, roadside assistance kits, jumpstart packs, and other accessories. To learn more about preparing your vehicle for winter, contact Mike White Ford today.