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Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: Gareth on November 09, 2013, 09:46:42 AM

Title: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 09, 2013, 09:46:42 AM
This came up in another thread (http://forum.multitool.org/sheaths-and-carry-methods/kit-bags/15/), 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:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad 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'

Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard 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:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 09, 2013, 02:56:01 PM
yes 'bourbons' are always handy  :tu:
I think of them a 'survival priority'  :D
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: AimlessWanderer 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
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Smashie 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.
 
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: detron 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
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Millhouse 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.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis 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
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: bmot 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...
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth 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.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: bmot 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:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne 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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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Smashie 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.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis 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).
 
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne 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
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 10, 2013, 07:16:43 PM
^^^^^^^^^^
I was thinking cheapo mylar/space blankets and a roll of duck tape ?
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne 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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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth 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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hALJDiNnq-k#noexternalembed)

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?
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne 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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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth 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.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne 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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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth 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:

Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 10, 2013, 11:54:28 PM
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1499628.pdf

the SDS isn't very useful either.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth 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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPnsUTgxrsI#)

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.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne 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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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth 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:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis 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:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis on November 11, 2013, 10:57:39 AM
Ok, just saw the video, and now am curious about 'shoes grip'....
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: lowtech 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.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Steinar on November 11, 2013, 12:30:00 PM
A shovel and a bag of sand (both for weight and spreading on the ice when having trouble getting up a polished hill or similar) would be the absolute minimum.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: bmot on November 11, 2013, 12:36:17 PM
A shovel and a bag of sand (both for weight and spreading on the ice when having trouble getting up a polished hill or similar) would be the absolute minimum.


Hills? What are that?  :whistle:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: bmot on November 11, 2013, 12:37:44 PM
No but really, it's great living in the Netherlands, winter-prep wise... Worst that could happen is a traffic jam of a few hours, so I should be quite safe with a coat and some water and biscuits, something like that. It'll have to be a doomsday-like scenario for that not to be enough :)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Steinar on November 11, 2013, 12:57:40 PM
No but really, it's great living in the Netherlands, winter-prep wise... Worst that could happen is a traffic jam of a few hours, so I should be quite safe with a coat and some water and biscuits, something like that. It'll have to be a doomsday-like scenario for that not to be enough :)

Well, good shoes or boots is smart everywhere, if you have to leave the vehicle and start walking. You know, if you got a centimeter snow or something. :D
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: bmot on November 11, 2013, 01:03:37 PM
No but really, it's great living in the Netherlands, winter-prep wise... Worst that could happen is a traffic jam of a few hours, so I should be quite safe with a coat and some water and biscuits, something like that. It'll have to be a doomsday-like scenario for that not to be enough :)

Well, good shoes or boots is smart everywhere, if you have to leave the vehicle and start walking. You know, if you got a centimeter snow or something. :D


If there's snow, (A centimeter? Don't say such impossible things!  :ahhh ) I'll be wearing good shoes, anyway. And a coat, and  a warm sweater, etc.


That's my point, a bit, I don't really need anything more than I'm already carrying with me in one way or another, anyway :) Which is a good thing, as my dad would just start complaining about all the useless crap in the car  ::)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 11, 2013, 01:55:40 PM
Until he needs it. ... :D

Def

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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: bmot on November 11, 2013, 02:06:51 PM
Until he needs it. ... :D

Def

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Yeah... I don't think the stuff will last that long, in the car  :facepalm: :facepalm:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: alexei on November 11, 2013, 05:06:05 PM
A fixed shovel, survival blanket, jumper cables, de-icer spray for locks, WD40 and 2 liters of water are to be found in my trunk permanently (and I mean all year round) + 1-2 liters of engine oil / 2T oil.

For drives out of the city I take along my CB radio.

For winter drives out of the city I add another 2 liters of water, sleeping bag, gore-tex jacket, pair of old ski gloves, a warm hat and a 9m recovery strap and a 12v charger for my cell phone.

Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 11, 2013, 05:25:44 PM
Gareth,

I am really curious whether it will work on your shoes too...it's rubber all the same, or is it?  :pok: :think:
I was wondering about how well it might work in shoes as well.  I know there is a different product but is it actually any different, or is it just in a different can? ;)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: AimlessWanderer on November 11, 2013, 06:21:56 PM
I wouldn't like to think I was walking pine sap residue through my house when I got back ...
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 11, 2013, 07:06:13 PM
I wouldn't like to think I was walking pine sap residue through my house when I got back ...
Very true.  Definitely a time to take your shoes off at the front door.;)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 11, 2013, 07:32:45 PM
When you work on a farm you do that all the time ;)

I can't help feeling that a set of winter tyres would be a better bet than a can of stuff but then I suppose they're more expensive too.

I'm quite glad that I have a centrally heated garage to keep my car in, my "commute" to work is a 30 second walk and if needed I have plenty of equipment capable of clearing snow easily accessible. It's also the UK, so no where is very far from anywhere else and we don't get much snow. Famous last words...

One thing I did notice last winter is what a difference driving a front wheel drive over a rear wheel drive made. Someone I was working with in Wales had a rear wheel drive and was all over the place. Our little Astra van with its nice skinny tyres (better for everything except going round corners at speed) was fantastic.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 11, 2013, 07:49:31 PM
the very worst car I ever drove (owned) in 'snowy weather' was my Landrover Discovery  :sa:
it was a bit of a shock to be honest, I thought i'd be whizzing about, the envy of my friends and neighbours in my 4x4 go anywhere vehicle, but it was horrible. the BEST car was my old 'Mini' that I had back in the 90's.
I think the 'Disco' would have faired better off-road in the snow but the weight of it (equivalent to a small house) worked against it on 'tarmac'. the huge tyres just crushed the snow into ice and made the whole behemoth slide  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Smashie on November 11, 2013, 08:31:50 PM
the very worst car I ever drove (owned) in 'snowy weather' was my Landrover Discovery  :sa:
it was a bit of a shock to be honest, I thought i'd be whizzing about, the envy of my friends and neighbours in my 4x4 go anywhere vehicle, but it was horrible. the BEST car was my old 'Mini' that I had back in the 90's.
I think the 'Disco' would have faired better off-road in the snow but the weight of it (equivalent to a small house) worked against it on 'tarmac'. the huge tyres just crushed the snow into ice and made the whole behemoth slide  :facepalm:

The big problem is that modern tyres are designed for a very low rolling resistance, to improve fuel economy, makes them crap in low grip environments.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 12, 2013, 12:04:38 AM
Wide tyres are bad for a lot of things, we very deliberately have skinny tyres on our Land Rover so it cuts down to the harder stuff with traction and doesn't just mimic a paddle steamer. That doesn't work so well when you need the paddle steamer effect but we generally don't! We've had it stuck, but in an area where one of our neighbours managed to get two of their tractors stuck whilst taking a shortcut across our land  :facepalm:

TD: your Discovery would probably have been great if you had winter tyres on. Without them, as you say you're better off with something without the momentum.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Spatha on November 12, 2013, 10:22:10 AM
Great thread!  :tu:  Some well thought out kits here.  It's made me realize it would be sensible to put some bottled water in my car, so long as I don't overfill them!  ;)  Also maybe some tinned food.  What's the obsession with spam on this forum?   :D  I havent' really planned the kit I have in my car but I've just added several items over some time.

In the drawer under the driver's seat I have a window breaker/seat belt cutter, which should really be mounted under the dash, because where it is now it would be difficult to access in the event of the car ending up upside down.  :o  I have a high visibility vest in the door pocket to help with not getting run over.

For warmth I have a pair of walking boots with a pair of thick socks, a waterproof jacket, a pair of gloves, a thinsulate hat, a blanket and a blizzard bag.  The blizzard bag is a modern take on the survival bag, which I got for fell walking, and I leave it in the car the rest of the time.

My first aid kit has dressings, bandages, triangular bandages.  Don't forget the gloves!  I like to keep other peoples' blood separate from mine.  :ahhh  I don't currently keep my SAM splint in the car but I am going to add it now.  It is a very versatile piece of kit which does a good job of stabilising all sorts of fractures which can otherwise be difficult to splint.  You do also need a bandage and tape to hold it in place.

For the snow I have a snow shovel and snow socks for the wheels.  I haven't had to use either yet.  We have snow socks carried on the whole fleet at work.  Everyone who has got stuck in snow and ice has managed to get moving and back on the tarmac with the snow socks.  They are easy to put on and should last well as long as you take them off when you get off the snow.  If you haven't seen one, it's like a shower cap for your wheel.  8)  Sounds crazy, I know, but very effective and a lot easier than snow chains.

Tool kit consists of big old torch, WD40, gaffer tape, extendable wheel wrench, foot pump, spare bulbs, jubilee clips.... and of course whatever multitool I happen to have with me at the time. 
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 12, 2013, 11:19:47 AM
I've never heard of Snow Socks.  I'll have to look into those.

Def

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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: nate j on November 13, 2013, 04:04:25 AM
Here is my all-season car kit list:

Jumper Cables
~12 Full 1/2 liter water bottles
knife sharpener
Cooler
Travel Pack of Antibacterial Wipes
Travel Pack of Standard Wipes
Immodium Multisyptom Relief Chewables
Mainstay 3600-Calorie Emergency Rations
Stainless Steel Large Cup/Small Pot
Sterno Canned Cooking Fuel
Light My Fire Firesteel, Army Model
Mylar Space Blankets
Bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol
Victorinox Swisstool
Folding Camp Shovel
Fenix E01 LED Flashlight w/ Lithium Battery
Red Bandana
Victorinox Electrician Plus
100 ft. of 550 paracord
Fork & Spoon
Plastic Trash Bags
Roll of Duct Tape
Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter
Sterno Single Burner Folding Stove
Mountain House Meals (2 servings each)
Celox Pad
Emergency (Crank/Solar) Radio/Flashlight
Compass
ziploc bags
whistle
signal mirror
Ziploc bag of dryer lint
tweezers
safety pins
Heavy 55-gallon plastic bags
Maps
rite in the rain notebook
LifeStraw water filter


In addition to the above, I have a Vic Rescue Tool in reach of the driver's seat, plus I'll always have appropriate clothing for the season, including a heavy winter coat with hat and or hood in the winter, plus whatever EDC-type items I'm carrying on my person that day.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: bmot on November 13, 2013, 10:37:18 AM
Here is my all-season car kit list:

Jumper Cables
~12 Full 1/2 liter water bottles
knife sharpener
Cooler
Travel Pack of Antibacterial Wipes
Travel Pack of Standard Wipes
Immodium Multisyptom Relief Chewables
Mainstay 3600-Calorie Emergency Rations
Stainless Steel Large Cup/Small Pot
Sterno Canned Cooking Fuel
Light My Fire Firesteel, Army Model
Mylar Space Blankets
Bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol
Victorinox Swisstool
Folding Camp Shovel
Fenix E01 LED Flashlight w/ Lithium Battery
Red Bandana
Victorinox Electrician Plus
100 ft. of 550 paracord
Fork & Spoon
Plastic Trash Bags
Roll of Duct Tape
Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter
Sterno Single Burner Folding Stove
Mountain House Meals (2 servings each)
Celox Pad
Emergency (Crank/Solar) Radio/Flashlight
Compass
ziploc bags
whistle
signal mirror
Ziploc bag of dryer lint
tweezers
safety pins
Heavy 55-gallon plastic bags
Maps
rite in the rain notebook
LifeStraw water filter


In addition to the above, I have a Vic Rescue Tool in reach of the driver's seat, plus I'll always have appropriate clothing for the season, including a heavy winter coat with hat and or hood in the winter, plus whatever EDC-type items I'm carrying on my person that day.


Hmm, can I ask how you (or anyone else, of course) store all this stuff in your car? Do you have a bag, or a special compartment or something like that?
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: derekmac on November 13, 2013, 12:38:15 PM
My Jeep kit doesn't change year round, but for the car we add a folding shovel and folding traction ramp thingys.

Like these.
(http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/pi/mp/16648/1291776107?src=http%3A%2F%2Fd3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net%2F82056299%2Fimages%2Ftp-7417__4.jpg&d=9612fa42a9ea0e8c79d67d4367f2de87ec24a62c)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 13, 2013, 03:51:10 PM
I've just purchased some 'anti-slip' grippy mats (not quite as good nor extreme as above) only paid about £4 pounds for a set of two, and they connect together. about 2' long each
I figured for that money if they get me (or anyone else) out of trouble ONCE it'll be money well spent. much like all my car kit, I go for cheap if possible because English weather isn't that extreme. If the advice is "don't travel".... I don't  :whistle:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 13, 2013, 06:08:04 PM
I've just purchased some 'anti-slip' grippy mats (not quite as good nor extreme as above) only paid about £4 pounds for a set of two, and they connect together. about 2' long each
I figured for that money if they get me (or anyone else) out of trouble ONCE it'll be money well spent. much like all my car kit, I go for cheap if possible because English weather isn't that extreme. If the advice is "don't travel".... I don't  :whistle:

got a link mate?
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 13, 2013, 07:43:12 PM
I picked mine up from a local shop 'Discount UK' (they have stores country wide according to a quick Google) but here's a link for the same ones on E-bay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/281205169939?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&lpid=95&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=95
there are some better (more expensive) options if you scroll to the bottom
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Metal Mickey on November 13, 2013, 11:27:54 PM
My car (small 4x4) spends most of it's time with the rear seats folded down and full of boots, waterproofs, more outdoor clothing than you can shake a stick at, torches, fixed shovel, traction boards, tow strops/shackles, well stocked first aid kit etc.

For winter I fit winter tyres and make sure there is some food/drink in.
Also I carry a plastic dust pan and brush which is great for clearing snow off the roof and windows  :tu:

I have found these ok for stuff http://evaq8.co.uk/
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: nate j on November 14, 2013, 06:52:28 AM
Hmm, can I ask how you (or anyone else, of course) store all this stuff in your car? Do you have a bag, or a special compartment or something like that?

I buy the bottled water by the case, and just keep it in the original packaging.  With the exceptions of the water and the jumper cables (which are just coiled up in the small bag they came in), everything else goes inside the cooler, which is of the medium-sized hard plastic variety.  This keeps everything neatly together and protects the more fragile items from being damaged by suitcases, groceries, etc. that might be thrown in on top.  It also makes it easy for me to grab and go if I'm going to be changing vehicles or riding with someone else for an extended period.  Plus, in a survival situation, I might even find a use for the cooler itself, e.g. catching rain water or carrying water from a nearby source...
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 14, 2013, 10:48:03 AM
most of the stuff I keep in my car fits under the boot. The jump leads and ratchet strap are coiled round the spare wheel, the towel, meter and water is shoved in another little corner, cable ties in the dish in the centre of the wheel... Coat is in a behind seat pocket, Leatherman in glove box and a few other things lying around.

I've just been updating the first aid kits at work so I'm going to take a few of the nearly expired things and make up a car FA kit. As far as I'm concerned I'd prefer to be stuck together with an "expired" bandage than die, but if we get inspected and have a load of out of date stuff at work they won't be very happy with us.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 14, 2013, 10:56:15 AM
'expired' doesn't always mean useless eh ! god bless the 'health and safety' fools  :rofl:
personally i'd even eat out of date food rather than starve
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: lowtech on November 14, 2013, 04:08:11 PM
My car (small 4x4) spends most of it's time with the rear seats folded down and full of boots, waterproofs, more outdoor clothing than you can shake a stick at, torches, fixed shovel, traction boards, tow strops/shackles, well stocked first aid kit etc.

For winter I fit winter tyres and make sure there is some food/drink in.
Also I carry a plastic dust pan and brush which is great for clearing snow off the roof and windows  :tu:

I have found these ok for stuff http://evaq8.co.uk/

Sounds like my brothers Niva...
Stuffed with tools, gear and equipment.
I suggested to remove the rear seat, bolt in a safety net and airline rails to fix stuff to and have some decent luggage room.
But he said He´d rather be able to pick up all three young, female Hitchhikers standing in the summer rain which he is sure He´ll meet some day...
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 14, 2013, 06:37:54 PM
'expired' doesn't always mean useless eh ! god bless the 'health and safety' fools  :rofl:
personally i'd even eat out of date food rather than starve

well yes, I like going to the shops and buying three meals for about 20-40p each because they're on their sell by date. Means I have more money to spend on more interesting things, food included.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Metal Mickey on November 14, 2013, 08:35:08 PM
My car (small 4x4) spends most of it's time with the rear seats folded down and full of boots, waterproofs, more outdoor clothing than you can shake a stick at, torches, fixed shovel, traction boards, tow strops/shackles, well stocked first aid kit etc.

For winter I fit winter tyres and make sure there is some food/drink in.
Also I carry a plastic dust pan and brush which is great for clearing snow off the roof and windows  :tu:

I have found these ok for stuff http://evaq8.co.uk/

Sounds like my brothers Niva...
Stuffed with tools, gear and equipment.
I suggested to remove the rear seat, bolt in a safety net and airline rails to fix stuff to and have some decent luggage room.
But he said He´d rather be able to pick up all three young, female Hitchhikers standing in the summer rain which he is sure He´ll meet some day...

one day soon I'm sure...  :rofl:

Sometimes I do have to clear it out and put the seats back up for family use  :cry:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 15, 2013, 10:47:38 PM
My Jeep kit doesn't change year round, but for the car we add a folding shovel and folding traction ramp thingys.

Like these.
(http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/pi/mp/16648/1291776107?src=http%3A%2F%2Fd3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net%2F82056299%2Fimages%2Ftp-7417__4.jpg&d=9612fa42a9ea0e8c79d67d4367f2de87ec24a62c)

These are a brilliant idea... except.... once you get going you have to stop again to pick them up which means you need to use them again to get going which is pointless because you then need to stop to pick them up again.... or just abandon the durned things.  I'd often thought about tying about three feet of rope to them so that once you have gotten going you just drag them along behind your car.

Def
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: derekmac on November 15, 2013, 10:57:50 PM
Haha, yeah, that is one downfall for them.  We had only used them once before, and once we drove a few feet we were in a good enough spot to stop and get them and still be able to get going again. 


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 15, 2013, 11:03:25 PM
I've seen the rope idea done with sand rails.  Make sure you tie them to the back of the car, pass the tracks/rails forward under the car and put in place.  When you drive off the tracks will get dragged behind you without any chance of the fouling anything on the underside of your car.  Of course driving in the City with a couple of tracks being pulled behind you is kinda different to doing the same in the desert.  ;)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 15, 2013, 11:11:23 PM
in Britain we don't get that stuck due to the lack of snow (even on a bad day)   :D
we just like to feel prepared for the worst  :rofl:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 16, 2013, 12:56:34 AM
I actually drove through so much snow once that it built up under my Jeep enough that the wheels were lifted off the ground.  It doesn't matter how many drive wheels you have if none of them are touching anything!

Def
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Smashie on November 18, 2013, 11:47:30 PM
Time to swap the Jeep for a BV 206 I think  :D
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 18, 2013, 11:56:49 PM
Oh man, if I could only afford (and justify) one of them. :drool:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 19, 2013, 12:00:41 AM
Just to say that I've ordered some of the spray tire grip.  The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work. :D
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: AimlessWanderer on November 19, 2013, 09:00:33 AM
Just to say that I've ordered some of the spray tire grip.  The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work. :D

Nah, the worst that could happen is they cause your tyres to go brittle and crack and they all need replacing  :P
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 19, 2013, 09:22:07 AM
Just to say that I've ordered some of the spray tire grip.  The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work. :D

Nah, the worst that could happen is they cause your tyres to go brittle and crack and they all need replacing  :P
Nah, they are already brittle, cracked and need replacing. :whistle:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: AimlessWanderer on November 19, 2013, 09:30:11 AM
 :D
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 22, 2013, 06:38:58 PM
OK, the spray stuff has arrived, now all I need is a little snow. :D

I've got together most of my winter car kit now;
lined work gloves
stove+coffee supplies
jump leads
tire compressor+sealant (much easier to do, compared to changing the wheel, in poor weather)
Wool hat
Fleece sleeping bag liner
tea light candles
whistle
tire snow grip spray
.....errr, other random stuff that seemed like a good idea last night but I now can't recall. :think:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 22, 2013, 08:44:37 PM
in car phone charger !
just saying  :facepalm:

* and you forgot the porn  ;)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 22, 2013, 11:16:44 PM
*fap fap fap*
*knock knock* "you OK in there sir?" "oh, erm, err, yes, just trying to keep warm!"
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: jerseydevil on November 22, 2013, 11:20:52 PM
*fap fap fap*
*knock knock* "you OK in there sir?" "oh, erm, err, yes, just trying to keep warm!"

 :rofl:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 22, 2013, 11:25:30 PM
 :to:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: ironraven on November 23, 2013, 01:39:51 AM
Just like my summer kit, only another wool blanket, a couple more sets of gloves and socks, a pair of sweats (which I can use as long johns) in my overnight bag, and a new big bag of heat packs. And kitty litter
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 23, 2013, 01:44:26 AM
Socks!  That's another item that went in the kit. :)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Spatha on November 23, 2013, 11:29:35 AM
Just like my summer kit, only another wool blanket, a couple more sets of gloves and socks, a pair of sweats (which I can use as long johns) in my overnight bag, and a new big bag of heat packs. And kitty litter

I realize this is probably obvious to everyone else here, but please humour me and tell me, what is the kitty litter for?    ???  Do you carry a cat as part of your summer kit?   :think:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 23, 2013, 11:42:02 AM
improving traction when you're stuck.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 23, 2013, 01:30:32 PM
It provides weight in the trunk/boot for rear wheel drive cars to help with traction and can be dumped under the wheels for additional grip if necessary.

Plus since it's just fancy dirt it's environmentally friendly so the tree huggers can't get upset with you,

Def

Sent from a digital multitool
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 23, 2013, 03:29:24 PM
Plus if you are stuck in a snowdrift and really need a pee....... :whistle:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: enki_ck on November 25, 2013, 03:54:44 PM
:rofl:

I used to have a 50kg bag of cement in my trunk when I had a rear wheel drive car. Driving without it was like ice skating drunk. :ahhh

Front wheel drive on my last two cars now and not going back. :whistle:

I actually just put some winter tires on my car a few hours ago.

(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh627/enki_ck/Mics/2013-11-25125748_zpsc4df52dd.jpg)

Just in time for the first snowflakes of the year. ::) No "real" snow yet but the wind is a killer.

(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh627/enki_ck/Mics/2013-11-25125738_zps8ccd8f04.jpg)

Winter tires are a must here. You can get away with radial tires (correct english name?) but I ended up in the ditch a few times already with them and my father in a concrete road fence driving 10km/h and broke the axle. So now when the temperatures drop below 6°C for more than a few days, it's time for winter tires. :salute:

As for the winter kit, it gets upgraded slightly from the normal car kit I have anyways. Our winters here vary very much, from now snow and warm temperatures to -25°C and half a meter of snow.

Last winter was moderate. ::)

(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh627/enki_ck/tab/IMG_20130114_150732.jpg)

Here's a "short" list of the kit.
fleece blanket,
picnic blanket with a nylon coated bottom layer
sleeping bag
nylon work gloves
winter gloves
ice scraper/snow broom
folding snow shovel
deerskin cloth
big umbrella
47s AA^2 Tactical flashlight
Swisstool X
snow hat, scarf, buff
fleece jacket
jumper cables
high visibility vest
towel
roll of duct tape
hank of paracord
long cable ties
candy bars
canned beans
resqme
FAK
car jack/tools/spare tire
lighter/matches/ cemetery candles (don't know the name of them in english)
water

I'm thinking I'll add some candy bars and canned baked beans, a whistle and some other stuff to mentioned here looks like a good idea.
 

 
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: enki_ck on November 25, 2013, 08:02:54 PM
Oh, and forgot to add to the list, a complete change of clothes, thick trousers and socks, ... 
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 25, 2013, 09:28:37 PM
That is one heck of an impressive kit list mate. :tu:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: enki_ck on November 25, 2013, 09:40:44 PM
That is one heck of an impressive kit list mate. :tu:

Quite a few of those things are required by law either here or in the neighbouring countries like for instance an approved FAK, safety triangle, hi-vis vest, ... and I forgot the tow rope that you're also required to have. And if you're driving through some parts of Croatia or the whole of Slovenia you have to have winter tires and/or chains.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: derekmac on November 25, 2013, 09:52:07 PM
That is one heck of an impressive kit list mate. :tu:

Quite a few of those things are required by law either here or in the neighbouring countries like for instance an approved FAK, safety triangle, hi-vis vest, ... and I forgot the tow rope that you're also required to have. And if you're driving through some parts of Croatia or the whole of Slovenia you have to have winter tires and/or chains.
Too bad more places didn't make it mandatory to carry gear like that.  A stretch of hwy not too far from here gets really bad at times, and has been shut down for hours before.  I'd care to guess that over 95% of the people stuck didn't have anything to help them in that situation.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Spatha on November 25, 2013, 09:52:58 PM
Plus if you are stuck in a snowdrift and really need a pee....... :whistle:

 :rofl: Public service announcement: Never eat yellow snow.

Reading this thread has made me realize I'm going to need a car with a bigger boot to carry all this kit. ;)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 25, 2013, 10:30:03 PM
Here is a shot of the content of my winter car bag.  Other things like snow shovel and de-icer are still in the back of the car.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 25, 2013, 10:38:44 PM
All packs neatly into this rucksack I got from Tony at one of the meet-ups.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Metal Mickey on November 25, 2013, 11:55:56 PM
:rofl:


I actually just put some winter tires on my car a few hours ago.

----------

Winter tires are a must here. You can get away with radial tires (correct english name?) 

I put winter tyres on our cars a a few days ago.
Which model did you go for? I went for Continental TS850 on the hatchback because they seem to win all the tyre tests and reviews this year.

Radial tyres (tires) is really the type of construction and so would apply to winter tyres as well as summer tyres or "ordinary" or "normal" tyres as they tend to be called in the UK.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: enki_ck on November 26, 2013, 12:15:46 AM
Sava eskimo hp

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Sava/eskimo-hp.htm

Got them in January last year, together with the new car. If you buy a car in the winter, there's always added cost.  :D And I got rubber carpets, front and back. The Renault ones that attach to the floor so no sliding around or under the pedals. :ahhh
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Metal Mickey on November 26, 2013, 12:34:50 AM
Sava eskimo hp

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Sava/eskimo-hp.htm

Got them in January last year, together with the new car. If you buy a car in the winter, there's always added cost.  :D And I got rubber carpets, front and back. The Renault ones that attach to the floor so no sliding around or under the pedals. :ahhh

So if you buy a new car in winter, does it not come with winter tyres fitted?
I keep the unused winter/summer tyres at home in a shed. Some tyre fitting places offer a tyre hotel to store your tyres. is this common in Croatia or do most keep them at home?
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: enki_ck on November 26, 2013, 01:00:59 AM
Sava eskimo hp

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Sava/eskimo-hp.htm

Got them in January last year, together with the new car. If you buy a car in the winter, there's always added cost.  :D And I got rubber carpets, front and back. The Renault ones that attach to the floor so no sliding around or under the pedals. :ahhh

So if you buy a new car in winter, does it not come with winter tyres fitted?
I keep the unused winter/summer tyres at home in a shed. Some tyre fitting places offer a tyre hotel to store your tyres. is this common in Croatia or do most keep them at home?

It came with summer tyres but I got winter tyres free as part of a promotion they were running back then. I was looking at the Peugeot 308 at the time also, but the same configuration would have cost me an about 800 quid more and without winter tyres. As I sold them my old Clio with summer and winter tyres I got a good discount and lots of gear, radio, parking sensors, metallic, fog lights front and rear (must have if you live between two rivers, it gets foggy ;) ), parking sensors, their seat upholstery (side air bags  in the seats so you can't use any aftermarket ones), ... £11k

Yes, the tyre fitting places offer the same service here also, but I prefer to store them at home in the attic. I clean them, remove the stones from the tracks and store them in those big plastic bags.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: jerseydevil on November 26, 2013, 01:19:55 AM
Plus if you are stuck in a snowdrift and really need a pee....... :whistle:

 :rofl: Public service announcement: Never eat yellow snow.

Reading this thread has made me realize I'm going to need a car with a bigger boot to carry all this kit. ;)

 :D  Sorry, I have to post this now.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSY2uPuLi-U
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Metal Mickey on November 26, 2013, 06:25:17 AM
Sava eskimo hp

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Sava/eskimo-hp.htm

Got them in January last year, together with the new car. If you buy a car in the winter, there's always added cost.  :D And I got rubber carpets, front and back. The Renault ones that attach to the floor so no sliding around or under the pedals. :ahhh

So if you buy a new car in winter, does it not come with winter tyres fitted?
I keep the unused winter/summer tyres at home in a shed. Some tyre fitting places offer a tyre hotel to store your tyres. is this common in Croatia or do most keep them at home?

It came with summer tyres but I got winter tyres free as part of a promotion they were running back then. I was looking at the Peugeot 308 at the time also, but the same configuration would have cost me an about 800 quid more and without winter tyres. As I sold them my old Clio with summer and winter tyres I got a good discount and lots of gear, radio, parking sensors, metallic, fog lights front and rear (must have if you live between two rivers, it gets foggy ;) ), parking sensors, their seat upholstery (side air bags  in the seats so you can't use any aftermarket ones), ... £11k

Yes, the tyre fitting places offer the same service here also, but I prefer to store them at home in the attic. I clean them, remove the stones from the tracks and store them in those big plastic bags.

Interesting. Thanks  :salute:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: enki_ck on November 26, 2013, 08:06:17 PM
OK, to get back on topics. :D

The contents of the bag:
(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh627/enki_ck/Mics/PB260178_zps8f74135e.jpg)

All packed up: (Buff tied to the handle)
(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh627/enki_ck/Mics/PB260175_zpsaba8b9b8.jpg)

And how the trunk looks like. Still lots of room available. You can see part of the snow shovel behind the bag. The shaft of it and the umbralla are behind the blankets.
(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh627/enki_ck/Mics/2013-11-26145446_zps7bd13218.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 26, 2013, 08:51:26 PM
The latest item to be added to the winter bag.  I do love these. :drool:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Spatha on November 26, 2013, 09:01:54 PM
Thanks for the photos! Those Light My Fire sporks are great, aren't they?  You should be careful eating those chili beans if you get stuck in your car, you know, with it being an enclosed space...  :D
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 26, 2013, 09:21:08 PM
@ enki-ck ~ I don't think my boot (trunk?) has ever been that tidy  :o
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 26, 2013, 09:25:58 PM
@ enki-ck ~ I don't think my boot (trunk?) has ever been that tidy  :o
I suddenly feel the need to go tidy mine up for some reason. :whistle:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Gareth on November 26, 2013, 11:09:36 PM
@ enki-ck ~ I don't think my boot (trunk?) has ever been that tidy  :o
I suddenly feel the need to go tidy mine up for some reason. :whistle:
Done. ;)
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 26, 2013, 11:27:18 PM
I gave someone a lift the other day without having tidied up my boot or put any of the seats up from the previous day. Every time we went round a corner there were awful crashing, crunching and things generally making a mess in the back. I was a bit  :facepalm: :whistle:

I have now cleared most of the random crap out, left most of the useful stuff and put the seats back up!
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: enki_ck on November 27, 2013, 12:49:23 AM
@ enki-ck ~ I don't think my boot (trunk?) has ever been that tidy  :o

Well I had to get all the stuff out to make room for 3 winter tyres yesterday (one went on the back seat).
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis on November 27, 2013, 01:55:52 PM
Just saw this on Amazon, what do you guys think of this?  Do you think it might ever come in handy for heavy snow/icy region?

(http://imageshack.com/a/img201/3261/g7fz.jpg)

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-2953AT-12-Volt-Portable/dp/B000COTKDM/ref=pd_luc_wl_01_01_t_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 27, 2013, 02:30:04 PM
I did (on a whim) buy one of these a couple of years ago :facepalm:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nordstrom-BM30-2Ton-Puller-Winch/dp/B002YB18V8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1385558690&sr=8-7&keywords=tree+puller
figured it 'might' get me out of the 'do-do' or give me an 'option' if I had to rescue someone else  :D it must be deep in my mind set  :multi:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Taxi Dad on November 27, 2013, 02:32:15 PM
^ the above tool did pay for itself, 'undenting' my daughters car ! after her first prang  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: derekmac on November 27, 2013, 03:10:52 PM
Just saw this on Amazon, what do you guys think of this?  Do you think it might ever come in handy for heavy snow/icy region?

(http://imageshack.com/a/img201/3261/g7fz.jpg)

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-2953AT-12-Volt-Portable/dp/B000COTKDM/ref=pd_luc_wl_01_01_t_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I would not try something like that for vehicle recovery.  The general rule of thumb for selecting a winch is to get one rated at 1.5 to 2x times the weight of your vehicle.  Not only would the winch itself not have the power to pull you or someone else out of the snow, you risk the chance of the cable snapping and possibly damaging the car or hurting someone.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis on November 27, 2013, 06:40:42 PM
^ the above tool did pay for itself, 'undenting' my daughters car ! after her first prang  :facepalm:


Wow, 2 ton by hand! :o  But just glad to hear it pays off in the end.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis on November 27, 2013, 06:47:38 PM
I would not try something like that for vehicle recovery.  The general rule of thumb for selecting a winch is to get one rated at 1.5 to 2x times the weight of your vehicle.  Not only would the winch itself not have the power to pull you or someone else out of the snow, you risk the chance of the cable snapping and possibly damaging the car or hurting someone.

That's good advice, certainly don't want to make a sticky situation any worse.

So what brands would you guys suggest from experience or reputation for a hand winch?  From Amazon reviews, it does seem many of these winches came without instruction and I just want something simple and foolproof in needed situation.  :pok:
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 28, 2013, 12:09:39 AM
With any winch, make sure you have decent gloves, something to catch the line if it snaps (you can get special mats that drape over but anything weighty will do) and stand well back if possible. If it goes, it can very easily remove your legs etc.

Not to say winches aren't fantastic things, but there are a lot of caveats.

The other really big problem with a winch is what to attach it to at the other end. Fine if you have another vehicle but not so fine if you're in the middle of nowhere by yourself. If you're doing it properly then a snatch block and some tree strops so you don't end up felling a convenient tree are a good idea.

Hand winches are good, Tirfor have a good name but that's not so say there aren't others. You can do a hell of a lot with a high-lift / farm jack. They can push, pull, winch, extricate etc etc. If I only had one piece of recovery apparatus it would be one of them.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: ironraven on November 28, 2013, 06:06:02 AM
+1 to everything Cupboard said about winches and comealongs. And if you put in a high lift jack, learn how to use it and how to place it. I've seen someone push one a foot into the ground during mud season- maybe a 18" or 24" square of diamond plate would help, I don't know.

And if you have the room, a few chunks of 4x4 to block under the frame while changing a tire might not be a bad idea. I used to carry those, don't any more, YMMV
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: derekmac on November 28, 2013, 12:33:47 PM
+1 to everything Cupboard said about winches and comealongs. And if you put in a high lift jack, learn how to use it and how to place it. I've seen someone push one a foot into the ground during mud season- maybe a 18" or 24" square of diamond plate would help, I don't know.

And if you have the room, a few chunks of 4x4 to block under the frame while changing a tire might not be a bad idea. I used to carry those, don't any more, YMMV
+1  Farm jacks are a fantastic tool to have, but can be quite dangerous if you don't know how to use one.  Of course, any sort of recovery gear can be dangerous if you don't know how to properly use it.

With any winch, make sure you have decent gloves, something to catch the line if it snaps (you can get special mats that drape over but anything weighty will do) and stand well back if possible. If it goes, it can very easily remove your legs etc.
Even a blanket will work if that's all you have.  You just need something to help absorb the energy and direct it to the ground.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 28, 2013, 01:29:08 PM
I have almost been hit by the handle of my farm jack and let me tell you, that would have been the least pleasant nap I ever took!  I am usually quite observant about keeping my head as far away from the handle swing as possible when using it for just that reason. I have heard some serious horror stories and I don't want to know how many of them are true.

I've seen first hand how much pressure can come back and I don't doubt any of them, nor am I willing to out them to the test.

Def

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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Cupboard on November 28, 2013, 06:25:51 PM
yes you're absolutely about the handle. Get it wrong and you can have a really nasty smack under the jaws.

I don't see them as being any more dangerous than any other sort of self recovery gear though, any time you're pulling or pushing hard you're going to have a load of potential energy that has the potential to cause injury.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: comis on November 30, 2013, 04:05:32 PM
Yikes, this farm jack sounds like a good tool to learn, but it sounds like it is not without drawback.  I don't have much experience with either the hand winch or the farm jack, but definitely like to prefer something that is more foolproof and safe under stressful situation.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 30, 2013, 04:07:17 PM
It is pretty basic- just keep your face out of the way of the Jack handle.  Remember that and you are good.

Def

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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: ironraven on November 30, 2013, 10:01:28 PM
It is pretty basic- just keep your face out of the way of the Jack handle.  Remember that and you are good.

And don't get under the vehicle without proper blocking rather than the jack. Or be without an escape route. Or... lets sum up- never forget that you are working with a hand tool that is lifting or dragging a ton or more of vehicle by brute force, which you are providing. It's science, you aren't superman, and if something goes very wrong you get run over by your own truck. Same risks you have when changing a tire, really. Just like a chainsaw, you want to learn from someone who's used one a lot, rather than the users manual.
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Dtrain on November 30, 2013, 10:56:16 PM
Pretty Much what I keep in my T=Yaris Year Round...
1.Small Shovel
2.Tow Strap
3.Extra Bottle Jack to supplement Factory Scissors Jack
4. Blanket
5.Extra Consumables
6 Plug In Emergency Air Compressor
7. Farmer's Jack
8.Extra Wiper Blade
9. 50 ft of Rope
10.Tool Kit that Rides in Car or my Truck when I am at Work
11. Stanley Fubar Tool
12.Extra Mini Mag Flashlight
13.Road Atlas/State Highway Map

First Aid and Survival Needs are covered by my Jack Pack..

Dtrain
Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Max Archer on December 01, 2013, 12:01:50 AM
Nothing in particular in my Mazda. I live in southern California so there's not much winter to speak of.

In my '80s BMW I have a surplus German air force pilot's bag from the 80s or so, with:

-1gal premix coolant
-oil
-socket set
-vice grips
-several kinds of tape
-lug wrench
-small floor jack
-bailing wire
-tons of zip ties
-paper towels
-headlamp
-fuses

There's probably more that I'm not remembering. I should pick up a tow strap and a folding shovel...

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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: derekmac on December 01, 2013, 12:14:59 AM

It is pretty basic- just keep your face out of the way of the Jack handle.  Remember that and you are good.

And don't get under the vehicle without proper blocking rather than the jack. Or be without an escape route. Or... lets sum up- never forget that you are working with a hand tool that is lifting or dragging a ton or more of vehicle by brute force, which you are providing. It's science, you aren't superman, and if something goes very wrong you get run over by your own truck. Same risks you have when changing a tire, really. Just like a chainsaw, you want to learn from someone who's used one a lot, rather than the users manual.
Yep, I know someone that was killed by his truck Rolling over him. I use my jack and jack stands whenever I work on my vehicles.  If this does to make sense, sorry but I'm drunk.


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Title: Re: Winter car kits
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 01, 2013, 01:08:50 AM
I think getting under a vehicle while it's on any jack is a bad idea.  I'm even paranoid under a vehicle on jack stands, and I always have an escape plan.

Def

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