The temperature is getting low, so your preparation should be at a high

Photo by Alaina Burris

The weather started cooling down and we’ve been hearing rumors of snow in the forecast. Do we actually believe snow will make an appearance sometime soon? Probably not. But should we be prepared just in case it does? Yes. 

Here are six things that you should always keep in your car as the temperature continues to fall so you are never in a sticky situation. 

1. Ice scraper
   Ice scrapers are an essential winter item for your vehicle, even if it doesn’t snow. Precipitation will freeze on your windshield at some point and you won’t always have the time to spare to have the heater to melt the ice away. Ice scrapers can range anywhere between $5 and $20, depending on the quality you want. Personally, the $5 scraper from Walmart works just as well as a $20 one from Academy.   

2. Jumper cables
   The cold can affect your engine in a negative way, leaving you in a bind if you have to wait for someone else to come jump you who has jumper cables. If you already have a pair, you don’t have to scramble to try and find someone who does have a set. Jumper cables run for $10-$30 at Walmart, depending on the quality and brand. It’s your preference on what you would like to spend your money on, but they are essential. Don’t know how to jump a car? Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSKRel_QzQE

3. Items to keep you warm
   Blankets, gloves, hats, anything of the sort. Yes, they will be cold if you keep them in your car. However, they’re always there and ready for use if they are in your car. If you break down somewhere, you will have these extra items to keep you warm so you don’t get sick (or as sick).  

4. Phone charger
   You don’t want to be stranded if you break down somewhere. If you keep a phone charger in your car, you’ll (almost) never be without power and can call or text someone if needed. 

5. Rock salt
   Rock salt is used for melting ice but it also can help your tires gain traction, so keeping a small bag of it in your trunk is not a bad idea. However, a nine pound bag of rock salt from Walmart is still $25, so a substitute for rock salt can be kitty litter. Yep, a small, 10 pound bag/jug of kitty litter can do the same thing as rock salt, you just spend less money. 

6. Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid
   Cleaning your windshield when it’s snowing helps increase your visibility level, which in turn will protect you from getting into an accident. Having some antifreeze on hand to put in your car will also help maintain your visibility level so your wiper fluid doesn’t freeze. 

There are many people on campus that aren’t used to the weather, so help them out in getting these essentials into their cars to make sure everyone is ready for the cold to hit.