Winter Car Care: What To Bring In And What To Keep – Essential Tips For Houston Drivers

As winter sets in, it’s crucial to ensure your car is well-prepared for the freezing temperatures and potential hazards that come with it. From protecting your items to maintaining the functionality of your vehicle, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to keep in and what to keep out of your car during a deep freeze.

What to Keep In:

Emergency Essentials:
- Blanket or extra coat
- Gloves
- First-aid supplies
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Water and snacks
Communication and Navigation:
- Fully charged phone and a backup power bank
- Phone charger
- Roadside assistance contact information
- Emergency contact list
Vehicle Maintenance Supplies:
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Tire chains
- Antifreeze windshield washer fluid
Winter Apparel:
- Spare warm clothing, including hats and scarves
- Winter boots
- Hand warmers
Visibility Aids:
- Windshield de-icer spray
- Extra windshield wiper fluid
- Snow shovel
Safety Equipment:
- Road flares
- Reflective triangles
- Multi-tool kit
Car Documents:
- Insurance and registration
- Emergency contact information
- Owner’s manual

While residents in the Houston area rarely contend with winter weather, occasional occurrences necessitate preparedness. In such situations, it’s crucial to ensure certain items are not left in your vehicle during freezing temperatures, as highlighted by Cars.com:

Smartphone: Apple warns that using iPhones or iPads in freezing temperatures may impact battery life or lead to shutdowns. It’s advisable to bring your smartphone inside to ensure functionality during emergencies.
Canned Beverages: Cans with liquids can freeze and expand, potentially causing them to burst. Removing canned drinks prevents the risk of dangerous or messy situations.
Groceries: Bring groceries inside after shopping in freezing temperatures to prevent canned foods from bursting and eggs from cracking. The USDA recommends discarding eggs with cracked shells.
Medications: Extreme cold can compromise the effectiveness of medications. It’s recommended to take medications inside to maintain their potency.
Musical Instruments: For those storing musical instruments in their cars, freezing weather can cause them to go out of tune or, in the case of wooden instruments, potentially crack.

As for essential items to keep in your vehicle, AAA suggests:

A blanket or extra coat and gloves
A phone charger
A flashlight with extra batteries
Water and snacks
First-aid supplies

Additionally, always have jumper cables and maintain your gas tank at least half full. In case of emergencies, contact TxDOT’s roadside assistance at 800-525-5555, and for immediate help, call 911. For road conditions, call 800-452-9292.