Chicago winters bring snow, ice and severely cold weather and for that reason, it's always a good idea to put together an emergency tool kit for your car to help deal with hazardous road conditions or vehicle emergencies. Follow along as our team outlines the most important items that make up the best car emergency kit possible so you can have peace of mind while driving in the Oak Park area!

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Items Needed For Your Winter Car Safety Kit

Firstly, try to keep as many of these items in the passenger compartment as possible as the trunk might freeze shut in extremely cold conditions. Your emergency tool kit for your car, truck, or SUV should contain:

  • Good, sturdy flashlight with additional batteries
  • Cell phone charger and adapter
  • Selection of non-perishable snacks
  • Windshield scrapers
  • Heavy-duty shovel to dig out snow from under the vehicle
  • Road salt for improved traction
  • Any medications that you take daily
  • Extra jacket, sweater, socks, woolly hats, mittens, and blankets to keep warm
  • Emergency reflectors
  • Tow rope or chain
  • Battery jumper cables

Winterize Your Vehicle To Prepare for Winter Weather

The best way to avoid trouble while out on Cicero roads in bad weather is to prepare ahead of time by having your car winterized so that it is running as smoothly as possible and any potential problems have been caught before they become major issues. In addition to your winter car safety kit, you should have the following checks done:

  • Car Battery: Have the battery checked for charge and replace if necessary
  • Wiper Fluid and Coolant Mixture: A coolant mixture that is too dilute can lead to major engine and cooling system damage. Wiper fluid should be topped up. NEVER mix the two fluids
  • Change Oil: Dirty engine oil can become too viscous in cold weather which makes it difficult for the engine to turn over.
  • Rotate/replace tires: Tires should be inspected for dangerous wear and replaced where necessary. Check tire pressures and rotate to prevent uneven wear. Consider snow tires for winter.
  • Check Steering Alignment: Incorrectly aligned steering can become dangerous in icy conditions. Check before winter weather sets in

Discover More Helpful Service at Honda City Chicago

Note that all of the above checks can be carried out by the professionals on our service team at Honda City Chicago. You can even find more service features such as what does an alternator do, how to unlock a steering wheel, or how to repair car dents and scratches. Call our service center today or schedule your vehicle using our online scheduler and you'll be prepared for whatever a Chicago winter can throw at you!