ILLINOIS WINTER: Every Driver Needs This In Their Vehicle

The truth is that in a bitterly-cold Illinois winter, there are several things you should keep in your vehicle, but this one particular necessity has saved me butt more times than I can count.

Winter Driving Essentials for Illinois Drivers

When winter hits Illinois, it’s not just about bundling up in your coziest coat and throwing some extra blankets in the backseat. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that the weather has no mercy, and even the most seasoned drivers can find themselves stuck on the side of the road.

Before the snow starts falling and temperatures plunge below freezing, now’s the time to make sure your vehicle is stocked with essential supplies to help you survive anything winter throws at us.

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First, keep an ice scraper and snow brush within arm’s reach. This combo is non-negotiable if you don’t enjoy driving with just a palm-sized patch of windshield cleared off.

A good shovel is another must, in case you need to dig yourself out of a snowbank.

And if you’re venturing out during a winter storm, pack an emergency kit with blankets, a first aid kit, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and a flashlight—because getting stranded isn’t something that just happens in movies.

Toss in some extra windshield washer fluid to fight against the perpetual road grime.

But there's one thing that every Illinois driver absolutely needs for true winter preparedness:

A portable car battery jump starter. It’s not just for your own peace of mind; it’s a game-changer when you’re stranded miles from civilization with a battery that refuses to cooperate. It’s the one item that can get you out of a bind when you least expect it, and if you’ve ever experienced that Illinois winter chill, you know exactly why it’s worth having.

I don't believe you need one with all the bells and whistles. I spent less than $100 on mine (Walmart) and it has never let me down. I found a ton of them on Google.