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Winter car kits

Gareth · 122 · 10269

scotland Offline Gareth

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Winter car kits
on: November 09, 2013, 09:46:42 AM
This came up in another thread, but I thought I would give it it's own airing here. 

So with the winter fast approaching (and perhaps already with you) I do wonder what you keep in your car specifically for wintry conditions. :cheers:
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england Offline Taxi Dad

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #1 on: November 09, 2013, 11:17:59 AM
wow you are a mind reader Gareth, I read the (Tonys got a new handbag) thread, last night and was considering starting this one, but you beat me to it  ::)
every year (about this time of year) i give thought to this. usually i spend a lot of time 'thinking' and don't actually 'do', this is common in with my projects  ::)
often through the winter months useful cr@p gets tossed in the boot of my car, in a ''that might come in handy today'' moment, then gets left there till "the spring clear-out". but i would like to be more organised about it.
so far this year i have purchased some 'bits' with the intention of making a 'car survival kit'. something i could keep in a bag or plastic create and stored in the boot.
i'll try to get some pics on later today but here's a list of some items i have scattered about waiting to be formed into a useful 'kit'

snow chains (£2 from a bootfair back in the summer  ;))
folding shovel
small fixed shovel (aprox 2' long)
blanket & maybe a cheap sleeping bag
waterproof boots & coat (and some 'old' clothes, 'jogging trousers' etc.)
hat & gloves
torches etc.

I'm planning on a 'brew kit' of some kind, probably based around my 'jetboil stove and some pot-noodles'



gb Offline Cupboard

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #2 on: November 09, 2013, 12:09:45 PM
I keep a long ratchet strap, some jump leads, cable ties, hi-vis jacket, towel, multimeter and a bottle of water under my boot. I have a headtorch and a Core in the glovebox, and then there's a spare coat and a folding spade lying around elsewhere.

The spade and coat lived under the boot in my old car, but the current one has less space for added junk :(

The only things I've ever needed out of that lot are the Core and jump leads, thankfully the jump leads were for a tractor rather than my car.

That's the normal car kit, for winter I don't really add much tbh apart from some de-icer in addition to the permanent spare screen wash. If I'm going somewhere I usually have a coat with me for when I arrive, and if I'm going on a longer journey I definitely would.

I was travelling in the really snowy (by UK standards) part of last winter, right in the heart of the "don't go here unless you're a muppet" zone in Wales. For that I added a thick hi-vis jacket, some overalls, a proper shovel and my FuBar. All I ended up needing was some electrical tape to repair the windscreen wiper - not a good time for that to break! - and the FuBar, first to break out of the unit I was working in and then to help a couple of guys that had lost control on the road and mangled the front of their car.

Oh, and some biscuits! They were useful.  :whistle:


england Offline Taxi Dad

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #3 on: November 09, 2013, 02:56:01 PM
yes 'bourbons' are always handy  :tu:
I think of them a 'survival priority'  :D


gb Offline AimlessWanderer

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #4 on: November 09, 2013, 03:59:46 PM
yes 'bourbons' are always handy  :tu:
I think of them a 'survival priority'  :D

Urban survival for me consists of cigarettes, tea, bacon, single malt whisky, and pornography ... in that order  :P

As regards a car kit, I tend to have a blanket, waterproof coat and trousers, boots, spare socks, jetboil stove, bottled water, noodles and instant drinks/soups, Cold Steel Shovel, jump leads, torch, deicer, and a bit of grit salt


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wales Offline Smashie

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #5 on: November 09, 2013, 04:01:57 PM
yes 'bourbons' are always handy  :tu:
I think of them a 'survival priority'  :D

Urban survival for me consists of cigarettes, tea, bacon, single malt whisky, and pornography ... in that order  :P


 :salute:

My 72 hour bag, snow chains, shovel, sand, some old carpet offcuts, 4 season sleeping bag with silk liner, extra water (in small bottles so it's easier to store and to melt), winter clothing (multi layer), books (Not porn) and a battery/solar/windup radio.

I've been stuck twice and I learned my lesson from the first time, I was ok (I had my 72 hour bag) but it could have been better, hence the additions.
 
« Last Edit: November 09, 2013, 04:11:39 PM by Smashie »
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us Offline detron

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #6 on: November 09, 2013, 06:33:06 PM
I also have glass jar candles.  light them once, and they actually produce a good amount of heat or light.  be cautious of fumes, but they will warm you up
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gb Offline Millhouse

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #7 on: November 09, 2013, 10:11:34 PM
I keep a kit bag in the car year round. In mine:

Gore tex jacket
fleece
t-shirt
trousers
socks
insulated hat
2 pairs gloves
waterproof hiking shoes
2 bottles water
2 tins of beans & sausages
2 cans Red Bull
LM Rebar
Prybar
folding shovel
lightsticks
Fenix LD10 light with AA lithium, CR123A body and spare CR123A batts
paracord
cable ties
first aid kit
Survival blanket
Survival bivvy bag

In Jan 2010, actually had to make use of some of the kit. I was in work when it started to snow really heavily. At 2.00pm everyone was sent home as conditions were really starting to deteriorate. All the local businesses were doing the same, and the roads were gridlocked. Fortunately, I only live 3 miles away, so decided to walk home. Whilst I could have done it in my work gear, having the additional kit made it much more comfortable.
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spam Offline comis

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #8 on: November 10, 2013, 09:58:41 AM
yes 'bourbons' are always handy  :tu:
I think of them a 'survival priority'  :D

Urban survival for me consists of cigarettes, tea, bacon, single malt whisky, and pornography ... in that order  :P


 :rofl: :D


For myself, winter car kit(especially for those who have sub-zero C temp) is a combination of urban and wilderness survival items.  It's also important to strategically place the items in car, so it will be handy when it is needed(such as window breaker in trunk might diminish its utility)

Wound treatment
Shelter/Fire/Core-temp related
Water
Signal/Communication
Food
Navigation/Map
Tool

Gauze pads/bandage/SAM split
Isrealli bandage
Window breaker

Proper clothing(just imagine you have to just change your tire)
Survival bivvy
Space blanket
Hi-Vis Tarp

windproof lighter
ferro rod/striker
Tinder/Stack of news paper(impromptu air space for jacket)
vaseline

Few bottles of water

Spare cell phone with charged battery/at least spare battery
flashlights
headlamp
a bunch of green light sticks

Spam or Bacon or anything fat that will last forever

Local map/GPS/compass

Local money

MT/SAK

Large wilderness survival mess tin kit


nl Offline bmot

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #9 on: November 10, 2013, 10:21:03 AM
I don't think there's anything at all in the car(s) I drive. They're both my dad's, so, well, I don't have much of a say in it.


It really seems a bit overdone, though, to have a 'survival kit' in the car, in the Netherlands. Certainly as I live in the part of the country with the highest population. I usually do make sure to have a coat with me, and that's about it.
I usually do have a water bottle with me, too, with a liter of water. And, well, of course, stuff I'm always carrying, so I usually have a plier-based MT and a SAK, too, and a flashlight.


Might not be a bad idea to put a blanket somewhere in the car, though...
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scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #10 on: November 10, 2013, 11:39:40 AM
Wow, some of you chaps really are well prepared. :tu:

Now, a word of warning for everyone who carries a bottle of water in their boot (trunk): make sure the bottle isn't 100% full.  I went to my car one morning and found a very large damp patch in the back.  Took me a while to work out the water in my nice Sigg bottle had frozen, burst the aluminium wall, remelted, and soaked everything near it.  ::).

 Lesson learnt; make sure there is some room for the ice to expand into if there is a chance your water is going to freeze.
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nl Offline bmot

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #11 on: November 10, 2013, 11:41:23 AM
Wow, some of you chaps really are well prepared. :tu:

Now, a word of warning for everyone who carries a bottle of water in their boot (trunk): make sure the bottle isn't 100% full.  I went to my car one morning and found a very large damp patch in the back.  Took me a while to work out the water in my nice Sigg bottle had frozen, burst the aluminium wall, remelted, and soaked everything near it.  ::) .

 Lesson learnt; make sure there is some room for the ice to expand into if there is a chance your water is going to freeze.


Good one  :tu: :salute:
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ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #12 on: November 10, 2013, 02:13:56 PM
Some folks think that a serious survival kit in a car isn't necessary, but I think it is.  Perhaps some of you that live in more pleasant environments aren't as likely to need it, but a few years ago a storm closed a major highway in Nova Scotia, trapping 1500 people in their cars for hours.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Business/2009-03-24/article-1304275/Wind-driven-snow-causes-chaos-on-infamous-Cobequid-Pass/1

Imagine your wife or kid being out there with almost no gas in the tank and only a light sweater on because you have heated seats.  You'd be concerned no matter what, but you'd feel a heck of a lot better knowing there's a spare gas can in the trunk, a couple of small candles, a blanket and extra clothes available to them.

Additionally, being able to help oneself in an emergency is great, but what about the folks around them?  Saving one car load of people is great. Saving numerous carloads is much better.

Def

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wales Offline Smashie

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #13 on: November 10, 2013, 02:32:25 PM
The one story that I remember vividly was that of Cnet report James Kim http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Kim

Not prepared at all and made all the wrong choices, for the very best of reasons, very sad.

My 72 hour bag will keep me going for, well 72 hours, based on a calorie intake of 5-8000 per day (old habits die hard). Now if I'm with the wife and boy and staying put, that will last longer than 3 days. Or as Grant said, even more people for one day.

I'm going to put more food in the car this year I think.
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spam Offline comis

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #14 on: November 10, 2013, 03:35:31 PM
Wow, some of you chaps really are well prepared. :tu:

Now, a word of warning for everyone who carries a bottle of water in their boot (trunk): make sure the bottle isn't 100% full.  I went to my car one morning and found a very large damp patch in the back.  Took me a while to work out the water in my nice Sigg bottle had frozen, burst the aluminium wall, remelted, and soaked everything near it.  ::).

 Lesson learnt; make sure there is some room for the ice to expand into if there is a chance your water is going to freeze.

That's a good point.

I too agree with Boss that it could be a serious issue--it is always sad to see history keep repeating itself, and worst to be stranded just the same.

I do think a 'survival kit' is important on car, simply because a car could totally take to you places that is out of reach.  Even though I live in one of the most populated city on earth, I consider having a car kit is a matter of mentality and only then I will develop the habit of having one when I am travelling(especially travelling in cold unfamiliar places).
 


ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #15 on: November 10, 2013, 05:16:22 PM
I've often thought that a really useful way to survive in winter would be to get some panels made from the same stuff they make thermal pizza bags from, cut to the size of the cargo space in a sport utility or hatch back or the cabin of a sedan.  They would be folded up and tucked away most of the time (perhaps in a panel in the ceiling so they are out of the way?) but when needed you could pull them out, assemble a box in seconds, then sit inside it.  The insulated box they'd form and a candle would keep several people warm and comfortable for hours on end.  You could have small windows in it that would allow the occupants to see out for when rescue came.

That would also allow you to preserve your fuel a lot longer, meaning less change of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Survival is an endurance game- the longer you can last, the more likely the chances of winning.

Def
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england Offline Taxi Dad

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #16 on: November 10, 2013, 07:16:43 PM
^^^^^^^^^^
I was thinking cheapo mylar/space blankets and a roll of duck tape ?


ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #17 on: November 10, 2013, 07:30:34 PM
Anything would be better than nothing for sure.  I was just thinking a bit more extreme.

Dwf

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scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #18 on: November 10, 2013, 07:47:32 PM
Anyone come across this type of product before? 

Liquid snow chains in action - spray on snow chains

I can totally see the benefit of carrying snow chains in more rural areas, but I live in the City and most of the main roads get cleared pretty quickly.  It's only the side roads that tend to take the local council longer to get too.  Add that to the fact that you aren't supposed to run chains on cleared roads and this idea seems appealing to me.  Thoughts?
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ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #19 on: November 10, 2013, 08:04:30 PM
I've never seen such a thing. I have to wonder if it's fancy snake oil like those electronic rust inhibitor units?

Def

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scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #20 on: November 10, 2013, 10:00:00 PM
It could indeed be fancy snake oil, but at about £6 a can I might give it a go anyway. ;)   Like I hinted at before, even if we get a good snow coverage most of it gets cleared very quickly.  So I tend to only have to cover about 100m of snow covered road to get to some clear tarmac.
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ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #21 on: November 10, 2013, 11:22:23 PM
I watched it on my tablet so maybe I missed something. How exactly is it supposed to work?

Def

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scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #22 on: November 10, 2013, 11:45:40 PM
Here's the manufacturers blurb (for what it's worth  ;)):

Quote
Bluecol Tyre Snow Grip is a liquid snow chain designed to improve tyre traction on snow and ice. Bluecol Snow Grip can offer up to 3 times more grip than normal tyre grip on ice, snow and wet surfaces. This product is perfect as an emergency aid and will retain its effectiveness for approximately 40 miles. Bluecol Snow Grip will not damage tyres, roads or driveways and will quickly wear off when the tyre comes in contact with dry tarmac.
 
Bluecol Snow Grip
Liquid Snow Chain
Spray on Tyre to increase traction
Maintains effectiveness for approx 40 miles
Easy to store in boot

http://bluecol.co.uk/index.php/nevonproducts/bluecol-snow-grip/

What it's actually doing though?  No idea. :think:

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gb Offline Cupboard

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #23 on: November 10, 2013, 11:54:28 PM
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1499628.pdf

the SDS isn't very useful either.


scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #24 on: November 11, 2013, 12:11:18 AM
Well, I found this old TV review of what I believe is the same product (exactly the same claims about it's performance).

Tyre Grip

Apparently it's pine sap (FF to 2:20).  Lots of mixed reviews out there, everything from "totally worthless" to "works very well".  Most agree though that the claimed benefits are OTT.
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ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #25 on: November 11, 2013, 12:12:59 AM
If you give it a shot be sure to let us know whether it works or not.

Def

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scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #26 on: November 11, 2013, 12:37:21 AM
Given that I don't normally carry anything, plus no-one says it make matters worse, I might as well pick some up.  If it doesn't work all I've done is wasted a couple of quid. :shrug:
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spam Offline comis

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #27 on: November 11, 2013, 10:54:07 AM
Gareth,

I am really curious whether it will work on your shoes too...it's rubber all the same, or is it?  :pok: :think:


spam Offline comis

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #28 on: November 11, 2013, 10:57:39 AM
Ok, just saw the video, and now am curious about 'shoes grip'....


de Offline lowtech

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Re: Winter car kits
Reply #29 on: November 11, 2013, 12:17:05 PM
I've often thought that a really useful way to survive in winter would be to get some panels made from the same stuff they make thermal pizza bags from, cut to the size of the cargo space in a sport utility or hatch back or the cabin of a sedan.  They would be folded up and tucked away most of the time (perhaps in a panel in the ceiling so they are out of the way?) but when needed you could pull them out, assemble a box in seconds, then sit inside it.  The insulated box they'd form and a candle would keep several people warm and comfortable for hours on end.  You could have small windows in it that would allow the occupants to see out for when rescue came.

That would also allow you to preserve your fuel a lot longer, meaning less change of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Survival is an endurance game- the longer you can last, the more likely the chances of winning.

Def

You can buy that stuff either form fitting for various models or (AFAIK) off a roll in RV Accesorie shops - Most RVs use thermal insulation on their windows.
But it´s a good Idea nonetheless (At least in Canada, I presume).

I stash some gravel and salt in my trunk, a sponge and a window wiper as well as a small shovel and refill for the window washer, a pair of gloves and an ice scraper.

Lock Defroster is stored at home atop the car keys on the Key-Board

I will only add more winter gear when leaving town.


 

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