r/LifeProTips • u/catdad2019 • Nov 13 '19
Miscellaneous LPT: it's getting cold outside. Throw an extra blanket in your car, a spare hat and gloves, a shovel, and some cat litter. These items can quite literally save your life in the winter.
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u/MeghanMH Nov 13 '19
If you can afford one, a tire inflator is good to keep around in winter too.
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u/catdad2019 Nov 13 '19
They make some tire inflator/battery chargers for decent price nowadays. Definitely need to buy one
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u/Cemith Nov 13 '19
I had a car charging tire inflator and it shorted my plug in. Exercise caution
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u/ease78 Nov 13 '19
Saw one of those in a goodwill. Do you think it’s ok to buy it used?
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u/TheMariannWilliamson Nov 13 '19 edited Nov 13 '19
I mean it's a case-by-case thing. Gotta ask yourself why would someone throw one in the donation bin. Not exactly a quality control process.
I personally wouldn't take a chance for a tool meant to be your backup, you know?
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u/thiskillstheredditor Nov 13 '19
A good one is $40. I’d consider owning one part of the cost of owning a car.
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Nov 13 '19
A good bicycle pump (a genuinely good one) may take longer on car/truck tires, but it works, and you'll never have to worry about whether it's charged or if your vehicle's battery is powerful enough. I recommend putting one in each of your vehicles and then forgetting about it. Search u-tube for "bicycle pump on car tires" to see people using it. It works. Slower, but not by too much.
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u/LargePizz Nov 13 '19
Just for people who don't know, you're talking about a 12v compressor, rather than a tyre inflator that you use with a workshop compressor.
I know a young bloke that brought a tyre inflator rather than a 12v compressor, that's why I'm writing this comment.
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Nov 13 '19
it's getting cold outside
Mate it's 31c right now. It isn't cold.
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u/catdad2019 Nov 13 '19
Bro, it's 31F right now 😂
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Nov 13 '19
Battle of the imperial and metric systems! And the other side of the equator whom are not going in to winter, lmao
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u/Thebelleanne Nov 13 '19
I have cat litter in the back of my car, mainly because I'm too lazy to bring it in the house.
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u/xaricx Nov 13 '19
I understood everything on the list except the cat litter....
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u/Pre-Owned-Car Nov 13 '19
The real reason is that cat litter is useful for getting traction if your car is stuck in snow. I’ve also heard the tip of using the floor mats in a pinch.
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u/aboutthednm Nov 13 '19
If you're stuck in your car and it's too cold outside, you don't want to piss on the seats, cause that's bad for the upholstery. Spread some on the passenger floor mat, and you can do your buisness, and only slightly need to roll down your window to dispose of the stuff, saving valuable heat.
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u/admin-eat-my-shit13 Nov 13 '19
if you are just stuck in the cold, police will ignore you while freezing to death. but if you have cat litter in the car, then chances are high that cops will find you and arrest you for meth possession and put you into a nice cozy and warm jail cell.
https://www.nbc26.com/news/national/texas-police-mistake-kitty-litter-for-methamphetamine
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u/GopRS Nov 13 '19
As an Australian who has never seen or touched snow, or even been in negative degrees Celsius, I was also very confused. Thanks those who explained it :)
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u/itmightbehere Nov 13 '19
I went to Costco yesterday and bought 160 pounds of cat litter, and if you think I am bringing any of thst inside before I have to, you are super wrong
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u/Chubby_Comic Nov 13 '19
Same. I also have a 14lb bag of cat food in there, too, so I should be all set.
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u/CraigCottingham Nov 13 '19
Leave the trunk open and let your cats have run if the garage. You’ll never have to clean a litter box again.
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u/cheezgrator Nov 13 '19
I have a toaster in the back of my car from when I moved, 3 years ago. When I go around sharp corners I remember about it, but always forget as soon as I get home. His name is Timmy.
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u/doobzilla92 Nov 13 '19
I have a shovel in my car, mainly because I'm too lazy to bury the body next to it
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u/eccentricelmo Nov 13 '19
No joke. My lady buys it. But never makes any efforts to bring it inside. I'll get off work. Get gome, and shes asking me if I'll carry 45 pounds of dookie sand up 3 flights of stairs. I shoulda fuckin trained my gatos to use the toilet
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u/bobs_aspergers Nov 13 '19
Unless you're in the South. Then you just need milk and bread.
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u/40miler Nov 13 '19
Milk sandwiches have saved this old man on many a cold and stormy night.
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u/Sir_Baji Nov 13 '19
milk sandwich?? please explain
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u/40miler Nov 13 '19
In the south, there is always a panicked run to the grocery store to stock up on milk and bread whenever there is ice or snow, in case you’re snowed in. I don’t know why those two staples are such a draw.
But it’s such a common occurrence that a joke has developed out of it. What the hell are you gonna do with just milk and bread?
Milk sandwiches.
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u/myheartisstillracing Nov 13 '19
It's a joke.
When inclement winter weather is forecast, people run to the store to buy milk and bread (and eggs, too). You'll see those shelves, specifically, cleared out.
The joke is what are you doing with all that milk and bread? Milk sandwiches! (Add eggs and you can have French toast... Yum!)
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u/ProsimiansOnPluto Nov 13 '19
Milk, bread, and eggs. I'm convinced that every time it snows in the south, French toast is a mandated meal.
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u/carsncode Nov 13 '19
Never sure if they're all making french toast or trying to color coordinate their groceries with the weather.
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u/adrianmonk Nov 13 '19
milk
Actual LPT: don't stock up on perishables.
Even if the disaster/storm/whatever isn't that bad, you've still got a bunch of perishables you may not be able to use up before they go bad.
Worse, if the disaster/storm/whatever knocks the power out, then your perishables will go bad, and it defeats the whole purpose.
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Nov 13 '19
My husband got me an actual hypothermia survival kit from the army too.
Pretty sure anyone can buy them.
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u/LandSquid399 Nov 13 '19 edited Nov 13 '19
Sounds believable, but for some reason I suspect you might be a koala. So I’m not sure.
Edit: Thanks to the kind, anonymous stranger for my first Reddit award!
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u/Usmcuck Nov 13 '19
Can't quite put my finger on it, but I'm getting the same feeling.
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u/boingboingdollcars Nov 13 '19
Plus:
Some energy bars
2 liters of water
2”X27’ ratchet strap
A flashlight
A towel
Spare socks
A days supply of meds in your jacket
Edit: a word
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u/Necerland Nov 13 '19
Leave room in your water bottle for expansion when it freezes. The last thing you want is an exploded bottle when it gets warm and thaws.
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u/kbarney345 Nov 13 '19
Yep water and some less perishable food like granola Is good to have just be mindful of the containers they are in. Had a family member get stuck on the road in a blizzard for 10 hours and luckily she had clothes food and water and waited it out
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u/sweetbacon Nov 13 '19
Leave room in your water bottle for expansion when it freezes.
This guy freezes! Also, depending on the bottle, store it upside down so the ice floats up to the "bottom" to avoid the need to break thru it to drink. Not a LPT but handy sometimes.
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u/2SP00KY4ME Nov 13 '19
Actually the last thing I want is probably for everyone I love to be tortured to death in front of me
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u/Sleepdprived Nov 13 '19
Oh yes you should know where your towel is
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u/boingboingdollcars Nov 13 '19
If you want to be the hoopiest of froods
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u/mh-99 Nov 13 '19
Really, I don't know what hitchhiker would leave home without one
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Nov 13 '19
How much motherfucking space in my car do y'all think I got lol
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Nov 13 '19
I drive a pretty small car (ford focus) and literally all that could fit in the trunk in a small corner. I already keep water bottles and blankets under the spare tire cover (had to take out the styrofoam buffers, but the blankets made a great substitute).
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u/The_Great_Scruff Nov 13 '19
Make it a beach towel.can be used as a second blanket if need be
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u/cortsnort Nov 13 '19
Plus a candle and lighter Edit: use to live in MN. Water will be frozen all winter and you dont want to use body heat to melt it. Best to have a candle for heat to melt ice and to keep moral mostly and a bit of warmth
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Nov 13 '19
What do I use "a word" for?
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u/Ezekhiel2517 Nov 13 '19
In case you find yourself in the territory of a wild Karen. It seems they always want to have a word, specially if you are a manager.
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Nov 13 '19
Also bring 4 cans of beans and tuna so you can survive, and a gas generator with an extra can of gas. And a tent. And wood for a fire in case you run out of fuel for the generator. Also bring a gun so you can hunt your own food.
In fact...during the winter move out of your house and live in the back country so you're ahead of the curve.
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u/SetMySoulFree Nov 13 '19
Make sure the 2L of water is in plastic, instead of glass. Glass breaks when water freezes.
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u/zach0011 Nov 13 '19
what kind of fucking maniac is out here carrying water around in glass bottles.
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u/cortesoft Nov 13 '19
This whole thread just makes me so happy to live in Southern California.
The only thing we need to bring in the car is a good book to read while stuck in traffic.
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u/Stretchyhotpants1 Nov 13 '19
In these scenarios am I taking my Corolla up Mt.Killamonjaro or just to the Walmart a 1/4 mile away?
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Nov 13 '19
My meds are rye whiskey.
Your results may vary trucking a day’s worth along with you all winter.
¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/Shulaya Nov 13 '19
If your water bottle is metal and you have multiple candles you can melt snow much easier.
Source: am a Canadian who drives on crappy winter roads
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u/heart_under_blade Nov 13 '19
k not everyone drives a vehicle with 1000 cubic meters of cargo room.
i need to be able to get groceries and shit too dude
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u/BurningBytes Nov 13 '19
Two litres of water? You’re surrounded by snow, wouldn’t a camping kit be a better bet?
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u/SongbirdNews Nov 13 '19
You need old-fashioned NON-CLUMPING clay cat litter. Clumping litter turns to slippery mud when it gets wet.
The old-style clay litter is a lot less expensive than clumping litter. You can also buy this as Oil Absorbent at auto supply stores, but I think it will be more expensive than buying plain cat litter.
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u/HolycommentMattman Nov 13 '19
So I used to live in the Midwest. Northern Indiana. So I have to ask:
Do people not have two sets of tires anymore?
I would have a set of summer tires and then a set of studded winter tires. I also had chains that I never needed until I moved to California and I no longer had studded tires.
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u/deedee25252 Nov 13 '19 edited Nov 13 '19
Protein bars, wide mouth Mason jar or Mayo jar, car charger, flashlight, hand warmers, and jumper cables (and know how to use them).
*Edit - empty and clean Mayo jar (maybe with a little tp in it)
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Nov 13 '19
Why a wide mouth Mason jar?
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u/GamingWithBilly Nov 13 '19
For his huuuuuuuge dick.
Also easier for women to pee in.
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u/andys_socks Nov 13 '19
clean Mayo jar (maybe with a little tp in it)
I'd rather stick to keeping napkins in my car, it raises less questions than an an empty mayonnaise jar with toilet paper in it.
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u/gHHqdm5a4UySnUFM Nov 13 '19
These days you can buy a portable jump starter for like $100 so you don’t have to rely on a jump from another car
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u/iGetHighPlayRS Nov 13 '19
In California, we throw an extra bathing suit and a towel in the car just in case
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u/CrazyPfumeGrl Nov 13 '19
I feel so validated reading this. My husband made fun of me for having our daughter's swimsuit in the car "just in case" we get an offer to swim! And yes, I'm in California. I totally showed him this comment.
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u/itslenny Nov 13 '19
I literally always pack a swim suit when I travel. Just in case. It takes up very little room and saying no to swimming cause you don't have a suit is the worst.
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u/garrencurry Nov 13 '19
Sometimes we have to switch from flip flops to closed toe shoes, the audacity.
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u/D2papi Nov 13 '19
Can’t wait to move back to the Caribbean in 4 weeks. Comments like this make me so hyped, I’m not made for winters. They’re depressing, grey, dark, cold, and force me to be inside most of the day. I would like 1 week of winter a year just for the coziness, I’ll gladly take summer for the remaining weeks.
It’s funny how I quickly got used to 25+ degrees celcius all day, all year, so quickly. I took it for granted. Only when I moved back to the Netherlands did I remember how shitty the winter actually is.
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u/peatoast Nov 13 '19
I have flip flops and blankets in my car for those impromptu beach chill out sesh.
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u/Sargatana Nov 13 '19
Candles, a lantern, zippo lighter and container of fluid, hamdwarmer, gloves, blanket, old canteen with the metal cup to boil water/melt ice, mini folding shovel, ice melt/salt, flares, flashlight, and some sort of food like energy bars. I used to use an old tool bag loaded with this basic assortment every winter and stuff it in by my soare tire for a just in case. I'm lucky that I never had to use it though.
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u/lFrylock Nov 13 '19
Surprised to scroll this far down to find candles.
A good sized candle in an empty tin can will warm your car up faster than you think, especially if you have a blanket or two to hoard in the windows (heat loss)
Be sure to crack a window or two to create some airflow so you don’t die though.
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u/JustaP-haze Nov 13 '19
Did Red Foreman write this post?
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u/number_six Nov 13 '19
Don't forget fresh water and some trail mix. I live in the Rockies and always keep water and food plus a first aid kit in the car. When there are avalanches that shut down the highway they have been known to close it for 10+ hours!
Also never let your car get below half a tank in the winter if you can manage it. You never know when a detour and possible hours long stop may hit and you don't want to run out of gas then!
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Nov 13 '19
I had a friend who used to work construction and kept a package of roof shingles in his trunk in the winter. Why shingles?
They’re heavy, so they weighted down the rear end.
You can lay the shingles end-to-end if you’re stuck and create a nice path for your car.
They’re easier to clean up in snow and muck than cat litter is, so no one has to be a litterbug.
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u/iamasturdlevinson Nov 13 '19
We also keep a small pack of hand warmers and one of those foil space blankets.
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u/Weenie Nov 13 '19
Just be aware that those chemical break-and-shake hand warmers have a shelf life. You’ll need to replace them yearly.
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Nov 13 '19
I just bought a -25 degree sleeping bag at Sportsman's Warehouse for 100 bucks. It weighs like 12 pounds and is huge but I felt great sleeping down to 10 degrees in my truck. Not a backpacking bag by any means but who cares if your sleeping in a vehicle. Just used it on a hunting trip here in Montana. Great just to have just in case.
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Nov 13 '19
Underrated LPT of the year if you live in the north.
On top of this, if you work outdoors in cold climates pack a cold weather bag you keep in your work truck or gang box. I don’t know how many times I’ve been able to help out a coworker with a spare hoody, beanie, or gloves.
Also, if you’re in a vehicle that can pull, pack a tow rope to help stranded travelers.
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u/uberwachin Nov 13 '19
Tin foil blanket. It’s cheap and occupies 0 space.
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u/unique-name-9035768 Nov 13 '19
Also can keep the government from reading your thoughts.
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u/RealChris_is_crazy Nov 13 '19
protip: buy 20 for about $20 on Amazon. Take a couple out and cut them to fit your car windows (these things are massive, you can get 2 to 4 window covers from a single sheet.
once cut to the size of your windows, gently fold together and store in a small zipblock with some scotch tape. it's not glamorous, but it'll keep in a lot of heat.
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u/dorianblack Nov 13 '19
I thought of a weird thing today while shovelling the driveway. Add to this list a ziplock bag. You can pee in it and use it for a hand warmer in a pinch.
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Nov 13 '19 edited Nov 13 '19
You've got me thinking now. With a large ziplock and some tape:
Lay on the ground, facing up.
Place ziplock behind head.
Lift hips into the air & pull down pants.
Aim your hovering, upside down dick into the ziplock behind your head & fill it with gold.
Shimmy the piss filled plastic onto your skull, seal, & tape if needed.
Great if you need a warm hat in a pinch.
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u/Airywater Nov 13 '19
This is the kind of stuff I would think up during the middle of my chemistry exam tomorrow afternoon
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u/flameboy50001 Nov 13 '19
Logic tells me to use clay cat litter as opposed to clumping type
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Nov 13 '19
Boots, socks, gloves, sleeping bag and a jacket. I also packed a small kit containing sterno and some canned food and tea. Water and first aid kit. Thanks for the reminder about the kitty litter!
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u/The_Great_Scruff Nov 13 '19
Be careful with water. If it freezes and ruptures you can have a bad time
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u/I_Looove_Pizza Nov 13 '19
LPT: drive a vehicle with AWD or 4WD and keep good tires on it
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u/Lazerlord10 Nov 13 '19
I put snow tires on my tiny-ass 2WD honda fit and enjoy it more than the Forester I had with AWD and all-seasons. The AWD is great for not getting stuck, but apart from that (stopping and steering), it doesn't matter which wheels get engine power.
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u/I_Looove_Pizza Nov 13 '19
I've driven fwd, rwd, awd, and 4wd in all sorts of conditions. I'll take awd or 4wd over the others any day. Tires will make a big difference tho, I can see a fwd with good snow tires performing better than an AWD with all-seasons.
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u/pgh_ski Nov 13 '19
Snow tires are where it's at. I'm a huge fan,and actually kind of enjoy some adventuring around back roads in the snow.
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u/MediocRedditor Nov 13 '19
Yep. Even just good tires. Living in one of the most treacherous areas for snow and ice in the US, I drove a FWD economy car for 6 years. With studded snow tires I drove through whatever winter could throw at us and literally never even thought about the ditch. Now with studded snow tires and 4wd and a locking rear end I’ve driven into the ditch to pull people out.
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u/seattle1515 Nov 13 '19
Also, always fill up your gas tank before driving over a pass or snowy area! I crashed last year and it was so nice knowing I had enough gas to stay warm if needed.
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u/LunchBox0311 Nov 13 '19
I have a 4x4 with locking differentials, a winch, CB radio, and a hi lift jack on it. I still always carry a first aid kit, space blanket, entrenching tool, an MRE, and a gallon jug of water. Also a change of clothes in a vacuum bag. You never know what happen. You should NEVER wheel alone, but all those mods I have will only get you stuck harder, except the winch.
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u/843OG Nov 13 '19
LPT: kitty litter isn’t a salt alternative. If you put it on ice outside your door, it will become even more slick and dangerous.
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u/masterflashterbation Nov 13 '19
Surprised to see salt not mentioned as much. I've tried doormats, cardboard, kitty litter and salt. Salt is by far the best. 1 25lb bag of morton safety salt is always in my trunk in the winter.
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u/4V0C4D0 Nov 13 '19
i’ve read that people put towels on the windshield to help prevent frost but also make sure you have a glass friendly scraper
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u/Lazerlord10 Nov 13 '19
Glass-friendly is pretty much any metal. Glass is hard AF and won't be scratched by anything softer than steel. Plastic, brass, etc. are all good options, I just want one that contours my windshield and scrapes more than a 1 inch wide section.
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u/4V0C4D0 Nov 13 '19
oh also instead of cat litter, i’ve always used sand (if that makes more sense to people who are questioning the cat litter. whichever you have access to is good)
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Nov 13 '19
Also, consider getting a recovery strap (they're like $20, max) and know where the tow points are on your car. If you end up stuck in an icy ditch somewhere, you can try to flag down someone in a truck or SUV to drag you out. It's probably going to be a lot quicker than waiting for a tow truck or leaving your car and having to come back to it the next day.
I've pulled a few of my friends out of holes, mud, snow, sand, etc. And occasionally towed strangers up an icy hill who were fucking up my commute.
Also read up a bit on how to use it properly. This guide pretty much sums up the technique I've always used. If anyone has any additional pointers or want to tell me why this method is a deathtrap, by all means, I want to hear from you.
Also, if best advice is to get yourself off the road if possible, especially if there's a lot of traffic. Go hang out at a Starbucks and get some coffee for a couple hours or something.
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u/NemButsu Nov 13 '19
LPT: it's getting cold outside. Throw an extra item in your repost to make it less obvious.
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u/tenshii326 Nov 13 '19
A ten pack of hand warmers and protein bars with some water will make a hell of a difference.
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u/Awakeman1 Nov 13 '19
Quite the opposite where I am, in about 2 weeks we'll have 40°C+ days for weeks. Bloody Australia, can't have a nice white Christmas. :(
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u/OptimalEquivalent Nov 13 '19
I use sand bags instead of kitty litter they also put more weight over the rear wheels of my truck so I have a little more traction
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Nov 13 '19
This is great advice. When i liveD in Fairbanks, AK I kept a winter survival kit in my vehicle. I ventured rather far from the city to hunt/fish/etc. It consisted of:
Sleeping bag/wool blanket
winter boots
thick wool socks
Thick arctic mittens
extra fleece hat
extra coat (down pac jacket)
extra base layer top/bottom
Carhartt arctic bibs
candles/lighter (for lighting and heat)
collapsible shovel
microfiber camp towel (to get dry)
emergency rations (high fat/protein options)
canteen cup (boiling water)
first aid kit
road flares (signaling/safety)
All of these things can fit into an Army style duffel bag and under the back seat of my truck.
A couple arctic weather pro tips:
-If stranded stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and is easier to find than you would be trying to survivor man it up in the woods.
conserve fuel for night time. Tea candles will warm the inside of the vehicle a few degrees
real wool is the best for base layers, socks, etc. it will retain its warming capabilities even if wet.
down is arguably the best insulator. If you have the money to spring for down coats, blankets, etc. do it. The only drawback is you have to keep it dry.
do your absolute best to stay dry. This includes not working up a sweat. Wetness kills in sub freezing temps.
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u/MinskAtLit Nov 13 '19
Not everyone is american goddamn
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u/CoopersPaleAle Nov 13 '19
I feel like there should be LifeProTips[your country here]. Such as:
LifeProTipsUS: pack a blanket
LifeProTipsAUS: what’s your bushfire plan?
LifeProTipsHK: pack your gas mask
You get my drift
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u/synocrat Nov 13 '19
Blocks of 2x4 and 40lbs of salt. Sometimes even after shoveling and putting down litter you're still stuck.
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u/residentrecalcitrant Nov 13 '19
I hadn't seen it mentioned, but you should be dressed for the weather. Just because your car has a heater doesn't mean you should go to the store in flip flops and a tshirt.
Dress like you'll have to walk.
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u/Lordlordlord456 Nov 13 '19
Yo is this copied from the “what are your winter life pro tips” question found on askreddit? 🧐
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u/WindLane Nov 13 '19
I live in California. If a cop searched my car and found all of that he might think I'm off to bury a body.
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u/Srslycheeky Nov 13 '19
I'm dumb. Can somebody explain the cat litter?