Winter preparation (but not winter tyres!)

[Slink_Pink]

In the spirit of keeping the forum alive and since I can't find my last post on this topic....

What, if any, additional items will you be carrying this winter in case of breakdown/emergency/etc?

TrafficScotland (similar to Highways Agency) recommend the following:

First Aid Kit
Jump Leads
Shovel
Food/Drink
Sunglasses
Phone

Discuss...

[gannet]

Blanket / Spare clothing
Maps
Tow Rope

[jont]

AA/Rac/Greenflag card

[Ancient]

So far ther's nothing that isn't potentially useful for summer drives ~(especially longer ones)....

Perhaps there is no 'real' difference between a winter and summer 'kit'? If you are somewhere where a credit card will get you all necessary facilities, then that and a mobile 'phone are all that is necessary but if you are in a more remote area then sleeping bag, waterproofs, work gloves and stout shoes (in addition to the items listed by previous posters are useful additions year-round.

[TR4ffic]

Spare clothing

...appropriate clothing (inc. hat, gloves, etc.) for being outside of your heated car (or in it when it's not running...)

Snow boots/socks for your tyres, or
Snow mats to put underneath them (although someone did point out how you keep them/retrieve them once you've got yourself going..!)
De-icer
Scraper/squeegee for your windows
An old sheet to keep in the boot - to put over the windscreen in the evening when frost is forecast so you can remove it (and the ice) in the morning - Voila. No scraping...

The latest copy of Advanced Driving....

In reality - I'll probably have very little of this and the other stuff mentioned with me. If the weather's that bad, I'll stop at home...

[lordgrover]

Ensure I use up the last of the 'summer diluted' screen wash and fill with neat, winter grade screen wash.

[martine]

Tow rope?

[revian]

torch... there all year mind... a wind up one..

[Zebedee]

The latest copy of Advanced Driving...

To read the letters page?

[nigelc]

Works managers - generate enough hot air to clear the car of ice and snow

[Slink_Pink]

Tow rope?

I'm always in two minds about this. None of the cars I've had are anything like powerful enough to tow anything other than maybe a twingo(?), but the other argument is that there's nothing to stop a larger vehicle retrieving me from a difficult position, if I can supply the rope. Maybe it's worth looking at after all...

[jameslb101]

Whisky. Or have I got this all wrong?

[Gumby]

My collection has just got bigger... I now have:

Hi Vis vest
Warning triangle
Shovel
Flashing warning lights x 4 in case of electrical failure
First aid kit
Headtorch
Jump leads
Tow strap
Fire extinguisher
De-icer
Scraper

I like to be prepared, as you can probably guess.

Oh and of course my phone and the number for Skoda assistance which will be the first option in case of breaking down or getting stuck

[trashbat]

A spare key, for when you lock the first one in the boot along with all the presents on Christmas Eve.

[sussex2]

I tend to spray door and boot seals with silicone as it helps prevent them freezing.
Tie or tape an ice scraper to a short length of wood of say about 30cms or a bit more. I learned this one in Canada and it means you hands won't freeze onto the car.
Most important leave extra time for any journey - never be in a hurry.