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Interviewer: As winter is approaching, there might be things that you want to put in your car that you didn't really think about.
Today, we're talking with Dr. Kyle Bradford Jones, a family physician with the University of Utah, and he's going to tell us the five things that you should keep in your car with you during the wintertime. So, Dr. Jones, Number 5?
A Simple First Aid Kit for Minor Emergencies
Dr. Jones: A first aid kit. Just a small one. It doesn't have to include a lot of stuff, but some basic bandages, some basic antibiotic ointment. If you have problems with your car in the winter and you get stuck in the snow, sometimes you get some of those minor injuries that the first aid kit can really help out with.
Interviewer: Really quickly, what is included in those first aid kits?
Dr. Jones: Mostly small bandages, some antibiotic ointment, maybe some Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Just some very basic things that you can address, small things that you need to.
Lights That Help You Be Seen When You're Stuck
Interviewer: Okay, Number 4?
Dr. Jones: Number 4 is lights, whether it's flashlights, whether it's something you can put on the road around your car. If you're broken down or you're stuck in a snow bank and it's at night, oftentimes passing motorists won't be able to see you. So it's for your safety, as well as to try to flag them down to get some help.
Interviewer: Kind of like the SOS sign.
Dr. Jones: Exactly.
Water and Snacks for Unexpected Delays
Interviewer: All right. Number 3?
Dr. Jones: Including some water, some snacks, especially if you have kids in the car that are traveling with you, you want to make sure that you have something like that if you're stuck for a while.
Tools to Help You Get Unstuck in Snow
Interviewer: All right. Five things to keep in your car. Number 2?
Dr. Jones: One of the most important things, a shovel, obviously. If you get stuck in a snow bank, you want to be able to shovel out. Another thing along those lines is maybe considering having a sandbag in your trunk. Two reasons for that. If you have a Front Wheel Drive car, putting that weight in the back can help you get out of the snow easier.
Interviewer: Oh, okay.
Dr. Jones: But also, if you need to, you can pour some of that sand on the snow, which gives a little more friction to help you drive out.
Warm Clothing and Blankets Could Be Lifesaving
Interviewer: I did not think about that. This is good that we're having this conversation. All right. Number 1?
Dr. Jones: Something to keep warm. Obviously coats, blankets, hats, gloves, anything. If you're stuck out there, you obviously want to make sure that you're staying warm.
Interviewer: Any other final tips about preparing for winter in case your car breaks down?
Dr. Jones: Just remember that happens a lot in Utah with the snow bank. There are a few things you can keep in your car that can really help you out if you're in a pinch like that.
updated: December 18, 2025
originally published: March 3, 2015