The checklist
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small folding shovel
- Bag of sand or cat litter for traction
- Jumper cables or a charged jump pack
- Warm blanket, hat and gloves
- Phone charging cable and a charged power bank
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Water and a few snacks
- Reflective triangles or flares
- A basic first-aid kit
Before the first cold snap
Cold weather cuts a battery's power right when your engine needs the most to start. If your battery is three to five years old, have it tested before winter. Check your tire pressure too, since it drops as the temperature falls, and keep your gas tank at least half full.
If you get stuck in snow
- Don't spin your wheels. It digs the car in deeper.
- Clear snow away from the tires and spread sand or litter in front of the drive wheels.
- If you run the engine for heat, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. A blocked tailpipe can push carbon monoxide into the car.
- Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour and crack a window slightly.
- If you can't get free, call for a winch-out.
If your car won't start
A click or a slow crank on a cold morning usually means the battery. Try a jump, or call for a jump start. Afterward, drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes and get the battery tested.
Stuck anywhere in Southeast Wisconsin? Call PS Towing & Recovery at (414) 254-1468, 24/7.