i put a shaker flashlight in the car,summer and winter.i have yet to have a use for it but i assume without battery's to freeze or go bad to will work when i want.

Some of those flashlights are very good and use a capacitor to store power. Others use a cheap coin cell and wear out quickly with or without use. Make sure you know which kind you have before relying on it.

Of course the best "prep" is to watch the weather and change travel plans as necessary. "Blizzard" is usually a good clue that starting tomorrow is better...

Hi all --

Still lurking, still learning.

I'm in the process of re-stocking the car for winter, and have some questions regarding the kitty litter that several of you (including myself) store in your kit.

Have you ever actually used the kitty litter for traction/etc in an emergency situation? And if so, what were the results? Was it effective? Also, are there better alternatives?

The reason I ask: Kitty litter bags can apparently develop structural integrity issues over time. The bag that I'd kept in the trunk for about 3-4 years fell to pieces when I was moving it the other day. Microscopic bits of dusty clay EVERYWHERE.

Yeah, it was the old-fashioned big chunk kind. But over time it seemed to have disentegrated, being made of Fuller's earth clay.

Good tip about the contractor bags...

Sounds like it got moisture in it, which makes sense if the bag was compromised. (Tjay's ehat it's meant to do, after all.)Not sure but they must make regular litter in those plastic buckets? Granted, it would take up more trunk space.

well here we are again!!..i would skip the kitty stuff and get a bag of course sand as it won't get wet and turn to mush under the wheels.some people swear by busted up shells that are used for chicken pens.a few roofing shingles,cheap works better as they are courser,put under wheels got me out a few times.one of those cable pullers that you could attach to something,tree,sign post--whatever--would go a long way in getting you going again...
but i'm not worried--it's going to be another easy winter!!!
right????

But it will get wet and turn into a frozen brick,so it has to be kept dry.

I have plastic traxion plates instead of sand. Very effective in all kinds of surfaces (including sand).

Instead of kitty litter, I have switched to playground sand which is a better traction product as it is much coarser, packaged dust free and does not clump like wet kitty litter does. I usually purchase the sand in the early spring when Home Depot et al has it on sale in time for outdoor home projects.

Also depending on where you live and snow fall levels, a quality set of tire chains is a good investment. The cost varies from $60.00 for smaller passenger car tires then upwards of $150.00 which I just paid for 20" truck tire chains...