Having grown up in Michigan and now living in the mountains of Colorado, I've had my fair share of experiences with snowstorms. While most winter drives have been pleasant, there have been exceptions, like the time I broke down in Iceland for 18 hours in sub-freezing temperatures. Winter driving comes with its challenges, but with the right essentials, you can be prepared for whatever the next snowstorm throws at you.

Be Ready for Winter with These Essential Gear

Winter Tires and Chains

It's never a smart move to skimp on what connects your vehicle to the ground. This includes your tires. All-season tires aren't truly suitable for all seasons; they're best for warmer weather. Ideally, you should switch to winter tires designed for icy and cold conditions around the first frost. I stick with models having the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, like Falken Wildpeaks, which have performed well on various vehicles. But if you don't want to swap tires or just bought new all-seasons, tire chains and socks are emergency options. It's best to practice putting them on safely at home before needing them on the road.Another option is to invest in a new set of tires. I've paid anywhere from around $600 to almost $2,000 for tires. These Wranglers are 3PMSF-branded and will hold up in winter. However, make sure to use Walmart's tire-finder tool to ensure they fit your vehicle.

Recovery Gear

A few years ago, my friend and I got stuck in a snowbank in northern Michigan during a ski trip. Luckily, a pickup truck driver with tow straps came to our rescue. Since then, I've always kept recovery gear in my car, especially during winter road trips. A compact, collapsible shovel is great to have in case you need to dig yourself out. It takes up little space in the trunk. Mats designed for cars are also useful for getting out of mud, slush, or snow. And a portable tow strap can be a lifesaver; you can hook it up to a good Samaritan's vehicle and get pulled to safety.

First Aid

For years, I've kept a 0-degree sleeping bag in my car during winter, thinking it's better to be safe than sorry. Once, during a work trip to Iceland, our camper van broke down and the sleeping bag was the only thing that kept us warm. Now, I always throw a first aid kit in the trunk. It includes items like bandages, a cold compress, an emergency blanket, and a compass. A zero-degree sleeping bag may seem excessive, but it's a cheap way to ensure you never freeze to death and compresses down when not in use.

Other Nice-to-Haves

This year, I had a crack in my windshield wiper fluid reservoir, highlighting how often I use that function. A jug of washer fluid that remains liquid down to -27 degrees Fahrenheit is a must-have. A winter weather warrior tool has a panel to push snow off the car, a telescoping handle for hard-to-reach spots, and LED lights for clearing snow in the dark. It even has a foam covering to prevent scratches. And a multi-tool with various tools like knives, pliers, screwdrivers, and a bottle opener can be a lifesaver in a jam. It's more of a luxury than a necessity, but it's great for campers during winter road trips.