How to Prep Your Car For Winter

The winter months have officially arrived! There’s a lot to love about the winter, but there are some hazards as well, particularly when it comes to weather and road conditions in the Lakeville area. Therefore, it’s important that you have a winter car kit full of essential items in case of an accident. The team at Burnsville Toyota has put together a guide designed for MN winter car prep, including basic items to have in your car and items for longer trips. Read on, then schedule a service appointment if you’d like our technicians to make sure your car is fully prepped for winter!

Winter Car Kit

As winter sets in all over the country, the change of seasons brings icy roads, snow, and inclement weather to Apple Valley and beyond. The rate of accidents increases sharply during the winter months because of more hazardous conditions, so you’ll want to have some key items in your car at all times, including first-aid, food, and winter clothes. The service team at Burnsville Toyota has listed the most essential items below:

• Battery cables
• Ice scraper
• Portable shovel
• Items to help when stranded: flashlight, warning signaling cones, backup batteries, safety vest, and roadside triangles
• Basic first-aid kit
• Cell phone charger
• Camera
• Flat tire kit
• Common winter items: gloves, blanket, rain poncho, rags, boots, socks, a hat. Pack anything to keep you warm if you get stranded during a snowstorm. 

Essential Items for Long Road Trips This Winter

The winter holidays are often a time with Savage-area drivers take road trips on vacation or to visit friends and family. If you’re planning on taking an extended road trip this winter, there are some extra items that you’ll want to have in your car:

• Tow strap: In case your Toyota gets stuck in a ditch, a tow strap will help another vehicle help pull you out. Your owner’s manual will tell you how your specific vehicle uses a tow strap.
• Fire extinguisher: Be sure to have an extinguisher designed for automotive use on hand in case of a small fire.
• Long-lasting food and water: If you’re going on a long road trip, bring plenty of nonperishable food such as protein bars and granola, as well as lots of water.

In case you do find yourself stranded, in an accident, or off the road in dangerous weather conditions, never leave your vehicle. Emergency responders will not be able to find you in inclement weather if you’ve wandered off on your own, so it’s important that you stay as close to your car as possible (preferably inside). Your winter car kit will keep you safe until help arrives.

Be Prepared for Winter With Burnsville Toyota!

If you want to learn more about MN winter car prep, or if you have any questions about what we’ve discussed above, feel free to reach out to our office anytime! It’s also important that you get your Toyota inspected before the winter months to make sure everything is working properly, and our service team is more than happy to help.