The first major snow storm this year in the mid-Atlantic area rang in 57,000 calls from stranded AAA customers. In cold, wintry weather, even a minor car problem like a flat tire can be deadly serious, or at least miserable to deal with, unless you're prepared. Save your driving crew time and headache by getting vehicles winter-ready in the event of a breakdown.

All fleet vehicles should be equipped with a car-emergency kit year-round, but in winter, cold-weather gear should be added. 

A Typical Winter Emergency Kit:

• Jumper cables
• High visibility vest (class II or III)
• Traction enhancers for shoes
• Warning triangle
• Cat litter or sand
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Warm clothes like gloves and a hat
• Blankets
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit—also pack prescribed medications
• Cell phone with a list of emergency numbers

More Resources on Winterizing Vehicles:

• Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather
• Winterize Your Car

Posted ByPeter Koch, WCP®