10 Winter Accessories for Your Car that Are Essential

Getting ready for winter means more than just cleaning out the furnace filters and putting antifreeze in the car. It means being prepared for an emergency while you're in your car. These 10 essential winter accessories for your car may be the very things that keep a simple problem simple rather than allowing it to become worse.

Blankets: You need to keep some sort of blankets in your car in case of an emergency. Whether your heater stops working or the the car dies while you're out on the road, blankets can go a long way towards keeping a mechanical problem from turning into a severe health problem.

Gloves: How many times have you walked out the door and forgotten to take your gloves with you. You never really know what's going to happen while you're driving in the winter, so it's best to keep your a pair of gloves in the car just in case you need them.

Kitty litter: Kitty litter can be very helpful if your car or truck gets stuck. Instead of spinning the wheels on the snow and making the problem even worse, you simply sprinkle some kitty litter by the stuck tire to give it something to get some traction so that you can get your car unstuck.

Overalls: I always keep my canvas overalls in the back of my car or truck. This way, if I do have to work on my car in the cold weather and snow, I can at least keep dry and kind of warm.

Cell phone charger: How many times have you needed to use your cell phone, but the battery was dead? Having a cell phone charger in the car is a great way to make sure that you always have access to a charge, as long you remember to bring your cell phone!

Bottled water: Bottled water is good for a couple of things in your car. If you happen to get stuck, you will at least have something to drink. It's also great for using in your radiator in case it runs low or springs a leak while you're out. It may fill it up just enough to get you to the nearest gas station.

Hand warmer inserts: These nifty little devices simply slip into your gloves to keep your hands warm. If you're out and about and you have to walk or work on your car, these provide a great way to keep your hands warm.

First aid kit: Whether it's winter or summer, you should have a first aid kit in your car. You never know when something is going to happen and you might need it. You might even just need a simple aspirin for the stress headache that can come from mechanical issues in the winter time. Wouldn't it be nice to at least be able to treat that issue?

Tissues: It's always a good idea to have tissues in the car with you. They can be used or runny noses, small spills or even for women to use if they have to go to the bathroom and the car is broke down in the middle of nowhere.

Fun packs: Parents might get some stress relief if they have some fun packs in the car that include things for the children to do. Misery if guaranteed if your car breaks down and your children get bored while sitting there. Pack a couple of travel games, some paper, crayons, pencils and books in your fun pack. This pack might be the very thing that saves your sanity!