10 things you should carry in your car this winter

After a recent snow storm that stranded motorists up to 25 hours on highways, you may wonder how you might handle that situation.

As crazy as it sounds, experts say the best thing to do is stay put.

Could you stay in your car for 25 hours without depleting the charge in your cell phone or using all the gas in your car to keep warm?

That kind of boredom could easily drive someone crazy worrying about what could happen. Or would you be without a worry because you were prepared?

It's not particularly likely that you would get stuck, but with winter weather upon us, you just never know.

Overall, its best to be safe. Most of these items can be purchased at an automotive store, camping or military store, and even online for a minimal price.

1. Flares / Glow stick / Wire ties
   Flares usually only last 15-30 minutes, but they’re great for use if you have a flat tire or in an accident to warn other drivers.
   Glow sticks can last 6-12 hours and with a wire tie you can attach it to your antenna which would be more ideal for stuck in snow conditions. Another thing, about glow sticks, a couple of websites say glow sticks will still work and last longer if frozen - ezinearticles.com and glowproducts.com/info/faq/
   Average price of glow sticks - $12 for 5-10 and Flares – about $5 a flare
2. MRE’s/Granola bars/Jerky
   Well, you’re bound to get hungry being in your car for so long. MRE stands for Meal Ready to Eat, but I hear they’re not very tasty. Granola bars and jerked meat will last in their containers for a while.
   Price for MRE – too varied. You can get all different kinds of meals at different prices. It might be a good idea to get some and try a few to see what you like.
   Granola Bars – about $3.99 for a 12 pack. Average price for a bag of jerky - $7 (Be careful if you buy it online! There is a lot out there that is actually for pets!)
3. Emergency sleeping bag
   They can retain up to 80% of body heat so you wouldn’t have to turn your car on to stay warm. The average price is about $5 per sleeping bag, but you can find them cheaper if you shop around and you will want more than one incase you have people in your car.
4. Crank flashlight
   Turns out batteries aren’t necessarily drained by cold weather, but when they get cold the chemical process slows down in the battery that charges your device (for example: a flashlight). You can also find ones that have a radio in it, along with a spot for your cell phone. Prices Range from $10-60
5. Empty gas can
   If you do happen to end up with an empty tank, it will be a lot easier for you to get help if you have one. I recommend a 5 gallon can, incase you end up far a away from a gas station. Remember you don’t have to fill it all the way if you’re worried about how heavy it will be. Average price - $10
6. Military Shovel
   Of all the things, you’re probably wondering why a military shovel? Well, they’re metal so you’ll be able to remove some ice around the tires if you need to. Plus they fold up, so it will take up little room in your trunk. Average price is $15
7. Cat litter/ Ice Melt / Newspaper
   What do these items have in common? They can be used to help gain traction if you find yourself stuck. Carry all three or whatever you find works best.
   Average price – Cat litter $10, Ice Melt $5, Newspaper $1
8. Jumper cables
   Depending on the quality of your car’s battery it might end up dying sitting in extreme temperatures. Average price - $25
9. Book
   You might be a while, so you might as well sit back, relax, and chalk it up as ‘me’ time. Average price for a paperback - $7
10. Roll of Toilet paper
    This one should be pretty obvious!