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10 Essential Pieces of Winter Driving Gear You Need for Your Car

Winter's here. You need to drive in it. Don't get caught unprepared. Check out the assembled items for the best in winter automotive survival. And don't worry, this collection won't break the bank.
By Max Prince

Winter's here. You need to drive in it. Don't get caught unprepared. Check out the assembled items for the best in winter automotive survival. And don't worry, this collection won't break the bank.

1

Roadside Emergency Kit

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Of course, the first bare essential is a comprehensive pack in case of a breakdown. This 76-piece kit has all the road warrior basics: battery cables, LED flashlight, hand tools, first aid supplies, blankets, and a 250 psi air compressor. Best of all, it’s only $58.

Originally published at Road & Track.

2

Cashmere-Lined Gloves

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Ok, so cashmere might be the material of choice for the chauffeur-driven, but it’s a stellar insulator. This particular pair of gloves is lined with the posh stuff, all hand-stitched with sheepskin, and costs just $50.

3

Heavy-Duty Collapsible Shovel

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Believe it or not, this was the most talked about tool at Road & Track. It measures over 18 inches fully extended, yet this shovel can also fold down to a compact 7.25 inches. One of its edges is serrated for sawing, plus it's got a nylon sheath to prevent you from having an, uh, ‘incident’ (losing a finger will ruin those cashmere-lined gloves). Get it for an outstanding $10.

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4

Classic Wide-Mouth Flask

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Sometimes, it’s the most basic of tools that saves your life. Consider this badass 8-oz. flask: Sure, it’ll help you keep your whiskey sweater on during Christmas dinner, but it can do even more in an emergency. Mix alcohol in with drinking water to kill bacteria or shake some out to sterilize a wound. This bad boy costs $22.

5

Traction Sand

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Maybe you’ve already got winter tires but still can’t get moving in a whiteout. No worries, just lay down some sand/gravel mix on the driveway. Still stuck? Luckily, you can also use it to weigh down your rear axle. Stop by a hardware store with $6 and grab a big ol’ 60-pound bag like this one (or just use kitty litter if you’ve got a feline roommate).

6

Heat Gun

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Whether it’s routine maintenance or a busted CV joint from an ‘agricultural excursion,’ you’ll need to work on your car at some point this winter. Trouble is, when it gets really frigid, bolts start freezing in place. That’s why you’ll want this heat gun, which costs under $20 and has a 1000°F setting for thawing metal and loosening rust.

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7

Lightweight CB Radio

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At no time is a CB radio purchase more justifiable than during a brutal winter: It’s a fail-safe tool should your phone die or your reception drop during an emergency. Not just that, but on a road trip, the weather band will tell you if its best to motor on or find yourself a hotel. This one is compact at 2.4 lbs and, better yet, priced at $45.

8

Multi-Function Axe

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Every survivalist knows that versatility is paramount once it all hits the fan. This 15-inch hatchet can not only dismantle a tree with its blade and saw, but it also has puller teeth and a hammer. Buy it for $80, throw it in your trunk, and cruise around with the bravado of a lumberjack (isn’t that what we all want?)

9

Sperry Cold Bay Boot

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Trust us, you do not want exposed ankles in two feet of snow. These boots from Sperry are waterproof, Thinsulate-lined, and rated for temps down to -25°F. They'll run you$150.

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10

Beef Jerky

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In the event of a serious crisis, your number one priority is eating, so keep some provisions in your car. Beef jerky doesn’t spoil and lends the he-man strength to forge onward. It’s got all sorts of protein and … oh, who are we kidding? It’s freakin’ delicious. This package comes with a pair of 1-lb bags (hickory or maple pepper) and a carrying case with pockets, all for $60.

From: Road & Track
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