Driving on dark, cold, winter Alaskan roads can be full of potential mishaps for vehicle owners. The best way to stay safe is to be prepared. 

While there are some items you should have in your car year-round, take some extra time in the winter to add these must-haves to your car’s winter toolkit. In many cases, these items can mean the difference between safe travels and potentially serious emergencies.

Snow Tires or Chains

Your car’s tires can make a huge difference on icy and snow-covered roads. Investing in quality snow tires or tire chains can significantly improve your traction on slippery surfaces. 

Snow tires are designed with a unique rubber compound and tread pattern that provide better grip in cold conditions. Tire chains, on the other hand, can be installed when roads are particularly treacherous, giving you even more traction.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

While all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are not exactly items you can buy and keep in your trunk, they are essential features in an Alaskan winter. 

AWD or 4WD systems distribute power to all four wheels, keeping your vehicle more stable and controlled in slippery conditions. If you’re planning on buying a new vehicle and live in (or plan on living in) Alaska, consider one with AWD or 4WD for added safety.

Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

Before you even think about hitting the road, make sure your car’s windows and mirrors are clear of ice and snow. An ice scraper and snow brush are essential tools for this job. 

Look for a sturdy ice scraper with a long handle to reach across your windshield, and ensure it has a brush on the opposite end to clear off accumulated snow.

Battery Blanket or Block Heater

Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your car’s battery, often leading to sluggish starts or, worse, a dead battery. To prevent this, consider investing in a battery blanket or a block heater. 

These devices help maintain your battery’s temperature—and, thus, its charge—making it ensuring it’s ready to go when you are. A block heater will also make it easier for your engine to start in sub-zero temperatures, putting less stress on the battery and engine components.

Brake Inspections

With slippery roads in winter and the potential for overheated brakes in summer, brake maintenance is crucial. Routine maintenance can keep your brakes in optimal condition.

Emergency Kit

Preparing for the worst-case scenario is crucial when you’re driving in extreme winter conditions. Put together an emergency kit that has what you need for both in-town trips and longer excursions. In the event you become stranded in the cold, this kit could be a lifesaver.

Check out our blog “Metro’s Ultimate Guide to Outfitting Your Winter Roadside Emergency Kit” for more information on what to include in your kit.

Jumper Cables

Cold weather can be hard on your car’s battery, and you may find yourself—or a fellow driver—needing a jumpstart. At the very least, always have a set of jumper cables in your vehicle and familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for jumpstarting a car safely.

For distance commuters and longer excursions, it might be helpful to invest in a jump pack or power pack. These allow you to jump your battery without cables or the need to find another car to shimmy up next to yours and share a charge. All you have to do is hook up the lead from the power pack to your battery and you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Shovel

If you encounter deep snow or have the unfortunate experience of skidding into a snowdrift, a compact folding shovel is an essential tool for digging your way out. It doesn’t take much space in your trunk and can save you from a frustrating, or even dangerous, situation.

Kitty Litter or Sand

Sprinkling some kitty litter or sand under your tires can provide additional traction when you’re stuck on icy surfaces. Keep a bag of one of these in your car just in case.

Winter-Grade Windshield Washer Fluid

Regular windshield washer fluid can freeze in extremely low temperatures, rendering it useless. Frozen fluid could even burst the fluid reservoir and damage your vehicle. 

Invest in a winter-grade windshield washer fluid that can withstand sub-zero temperatures and help keep your windshield clear.

Keeping Your Vehicle Prepared for the Winter

Surviving an Alaskan winter with both yourself and your vehicle intact requires a little extra preparation. By investing in these must-have items, you’ll be better equipped to handle the unique challenges of driving in the Alaskan winter. 

Safety should always be your top priority, so take the time to be prepared for just about any emergency situation.

Don’t forget your mid-winter inspection and be sure to get your vehicle maintained regularly and proactively. Need to winterize your vehicle? Make an appointment with METRO, your local Alaskan auto garage, today. https://metropolitangarage.com/appointment