5 Things To Keep In Your Car This Winter: Don’t Be Caught Unprepared

2021-12-25 02:08:18 By : Ms. Jessica Zhu

It seems like every Canadian has, at one time or another, been caught off-guard by winter weather or treacherous driving conditions. It’s not like we don’t know bad weather is coming; it happens at pretty much the same time every year. This year, get a jump on winter weather hazards by stocking your vehicle with these game-changing items, all of which can be found right here on eBay Motors.

Shop for ice scrappers at eBay Motors

One of the most quintessential items that every good Canadian needs to have in their car is a heavy-duty, high-quality ice scraper, preferably one with a high-volume snow brush, too. This style of  ice scraper – easily found on eBay Motors – has all the features you need to survive another tough winter. 

We really like the all-aluminum bad boy from Kungs Mega, as it includes a super-strong, six-edge, polycarbonate scraper that will make short work of ice and frost on your windows. Designed and produced in Finland, this particular model comes backed by a three-year warranty and is capable of extending up to 30.3 inches in length, allowing you to easily access those hard-to-reach spots. The twist-lock extending handle is made from durable, but ultra-lightweight aluminum and will last you for years.

Shop for jumper cables at eBay Motors

Whether you know how to use them or not, keeping a set of jumper cables readily accessible in the trunk of your car can be a huge time saver in the event of a dead battery. There’s never a worse time to be stuck with a car that won’t start than when the temps are frigid and it’s either getting dark fast or it’s already nighttime, which we all know comes quickly during Canadian winters. 

Look for jumper cables that measure at least 16-20 feet in length and are long enough to easily reach between vehicles. Heavy-duty 4-gauge cables with copper-plated clamps are a must to promote excellent and safe conductivity. An ampere rating of 400 or higher should be plenty strong enough for most passenger vehicles. Steer clear of flimsy-looking cables with smaller clamps that can easily become dislodged from battery terminals.

Shop for tow straps at eBay Motors

While maybe not on the top of everyone’s roadside emergency checklist, carrying a strong and rugged set of tow straps can save you or another stranded motorist hours waiting on a tow truck. While some tow straps can be had at many price points, you want to make sure you’re not sacrificing quality for cost when you’re buying them.

We’re fans of the 8,500-pound set from Erickson complete with hooks. These straps are designed with ultra-strong, brightly coloured webbing that’s meant to absorb jerky movements while holding up against damaging corrosion and moisture. Look for hooks that are made from forged alloy steel. This beefy set of straps can pull vehicles weighing up to 4,250 pounds. The straps are generously wide at 2-inches, and at 15-feet long, they’re a good length for most roadside scenarios.

Shop for first aid kits at eBay Motors

Another quintessential item that you should consider storing in your trunk, glove compartment, or under your seat is a comprehensive and well-equipped first aid kit. The key is to find one that comes equipped with everything you need to tackle minor emergencies when time is of the essence.

Kits range in size, from a few basics to a 70-piece emergency room on the road. Basics to look for include: disinfecting iodine and alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream, and of course differently-sized adhesive bandages. Plus up to find kits fitted with burn pads, a burn blanket, elastic bandages, blood stopping trauma bandages, sterile gauze pads, nitrile gloves, paper tape, duct tape (yes, duct tape),  and even towels. Consider adding a quick clot bandage to make your first aid kit even more well-rounded.

Shop for tire chains at eBay Motors

Few countries feature a winter as harsh and rugged as Canada’s. Blinding whiteouts, dangerously high winds, black ice, and accumulating slush are just a few reasons why it’s a good idea to keep a durable and easy-to-install set of nylon tire chains in your winter repertoire. 

Since most provinces have banned the use of metal tire chains, nylon tire chains, like the ones in this 10-Piece Universal Nylon Tire Chain Kit are an affordable option for giving you much-needed traction and peace of mind on slippery or dangerous roads. Look for a set of tire chains that feature high-quality anti-skid, low-temperature, and wear-resistance so that they will last for many uses. These straightforward alternatives to metal tire chains are great for use in snow, mud, and even torrential rain. Because they’re so compact, they’ll easily store inconspicuously in your trunk or under a seat. While they can’t really compare to the durability and strength of real metal tire chains, they’ll still do a great job without tearing up your roads and driveways.

Whether prepping for the coldest days of winter, or just doing some routine maintenance on the car or truck you love, make eBay Motors your first stop for car parts and accessories.

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