Written by: Lauralee Schmidt, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As we revel in the chilly blustery winds of old man winter, I want to remind everyone that caring for your car is incredibly important in all seasons, but in winter, it’s especially important to not only look over the mechanics of your car but to pack some extra survival gear just in case the unforeseen occurs. I am a needy traveler by nature, and I have a daughter to think about, so I compiled a little something I like to call “How to Pack,” the Woman’s Guide to Winter Driving.
It’s thorough and excessive. Much like me:
1. Pack blankets. But not just regular old raggedy blankets. Pack yourself a luxurious Sherpa blanket, or two, that can cuddle you and your sweet baby up for hours and hours, so you never feel a chill. Do pack one raggedy blanket in case you must get out of the car and must sit on the ground for some reason. I have a water-resistant folding blanket that I keep in the car emergency pack all year long. You never know when there will be snow or rain on the ground.
2. Gloves, oversized scarves, and woolen hats. I advise keeping 2 sets in the car. You may have a friend with you who needs some fuzzy gloves to keep their fingers warm, or maybe yours get wet because you are forced to go fiddle with the car, and you need that fresh pair to keep from losing your fingertips to frostbite. You will also want to make sure your kid has a nice warm set. Kid fingers get cold too.
3. If you have a kid, I recommend an extra set, or 2, of clothes. I like to keep a long underwear set all winter long in the car for my kid. This probably sounds like basic stuff, but it’s not a bad idea to stash a pair of long underwear for mommy or daddy in the car too. If you get stuck, must get out to look over the car in the cold, or are stuck waiting for a tow in the car long, you will thank me. I like Cuddl Duds. No, they don’t pay me to recommend them. I think they have cute patterns and are super warm. If you must be stuck, why not be warm and look cute at the same time?
4. Some healthy snacks, water, and more snacks. You’re already carrying the grocery store around in your bag if you have a toddler like me. In case you have an unfortunate vehicle mishap, snacks are good to have on hand no matter what age groups are in the car. If you have my luck, you will most certainly be stuck in the middle of nowhere or in a ridiculously long traffic jam that is nowhere close to an exit when your car decides to fall apart. A snack can be a nice distraction for a fussy kid or basic subsistence at a time in need. Snacks, always pack snacks.
5. First Aid Kit. It’s self-explanatory why you should have one of these in the car, but I think it’s necessary to mention those who may not have one. They are a good idea if a more serious situation arises, and really something you should have all year long in the car. So far, I’ve only needed ours for my daughter’s imaginary boo-boo. But that polka dot band-aid kept her from whining for a whole car ride, and that is valuable for saving mommy’s sanity. So, you see, first aid is important for many reasons.
6. Get a few nicer flashlights. It’s just a good idea to have several in your house and your car. I recommend having 2. Do you see the trend of my excess yet? Keep a smaller one in the door by you or the glove box and a lantern-style light in your trunk. My lantern turns into a warning light as well, so it is quite useful. It’s smart to have something extra in terms of lighting in case you lose your car battery and it starts to get dark.
7. When I was dating my husband, being the true romantic that he is, he bought me a charging kit for Christmas. Many women would scoff at that gift, but he knows what a utilitarian I am, which made me very happy. It comes with every type of charger you can imagine, and I can charge from my cell to jump a car battery with it. It’s incredibly handy.
Pro Tip: Ensure the charging kit is charged prior to use, or no good will come from it.
**Even if you don’t have a whole charging kit like the one mentioned, a set of jumper cables should be in your car. This is another great thing to keep all year long. You never know when you, or someone around you, could use a jump. They aren’t expensive, and I promise at some point you will need them.
8. Get yourself an ice scraper that is big and plush!! I don’t know why people keep playing with the dinky little ice scrapers I see in cars. Get the long one with the nice furry glove handle. You will save yourself a lot of effort and keep your hands warm if you just spend a little extra cash and get a good scraper. Treat yourself!
9. Parents, this one is specifically for you. If you have a potty-training toddler, put a potty chair in the car with you. This is a perfect way to keep the training process going in the event of getting stuck somewhere. You know, if you get stuck, that’s the moment your child is going to need to go potty, so be prepared. I kept one in my car the whole time I was training my daughter, and it was a savior more than once. Get a potty. You’re welcome.
10. The Extra Stash; de-ice, a lighter or two, trash bag/trash can, wipes, 1 or 2 towels, umbrella, small pillow, extra shoes, activity book/toys, cash, the list could continue on and on pending how OCD you are. But, I will stop here.
With the seasons being so unpredictable year to year, the Schmidt Auto Care team wants to make sure you are not stuck at all in your car. Along with being prepared on the inside of your car for the winter, make sure you look for the common failures auto shops see most during this season. Take the time to have your battery checked, your tires checked/rotated, get a new set of wipers if needed, and have your fluids looked at to ensure they are good to go. These are super simple things that could save you as we move deeper into the winter months.
If you haven’t made a winterizing appointment for your vehicle, we are happy to accommodate you at our new location. 285a Hiawatha Trail Springboro, OH 45066
You can also follow her beauty pages here!
Lauralee Schmidt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lauralee is a cosmetic guru turned auto care goddess. Her years inside a cosmetic education role with a Fortune 500 company armed her with knowledge and skills that paired perfectly with her passion for branding a business and educating a client base. Her goal is to educate women in car care, change the stigma surrounding the auto industry, and be a guiding post for branding and business development. From international beauty campaigns to underneath a car, she has successfully navigated the world of business and branding.
