A winter car breakdown survival guide

The winds howl over the deserted road when the car's engine suddenly cuts out. The snow falls thickly from the sky, covering the landscape in a blanket of white and creating an icy silence. When you try to restart the engine, you realize that something is seriously wrong. Panic sets in when you realize that nearby telephone towers have surrendered under the massive snowfall, and you find yourself cut off from the outside world. The thermometer shows 25 degrees cold, and a feeling of abandonment spreads. Well, maybe it doesn't have to be quite so dramatic in our well-developed and elongated country, but it can still be awkward, and there are certainly places in Sweden where this scenario can play out.

This text is about how you should think if the accident does happen, and how you can think before it actually happens. Equally important in all crisis situations is to have a thought about how you should act in a given situation, always assume the worst and it can only get better. What may not even need to be added for this scenario is that this accident could most likely have been completely avoided by not getting in the car. But sometimes you don't choose yourself and it also happens that a storm comes in suddenly.

To Stay By the Car or Seek Help?

The first step in survival is to keep a cool head - literally. Staying at the car or seeking help is a strategically important issue. Generally speaking, it's best to stay by the car, which acts as a kind of shelter from the elements. A car is also more visible and also protects better against any other traffic.

Stay Warm: The car acts as an insulating cocoon. Put on all available clothing and use any blankets or sleeping bags you have in the car. Keep moving to keep warm.

Ventilation: Check that the car's exhaust system is not clogged with snow. If possible, leave the engine running for short periods to keep the vehicle warm. Make sure ventilation is working to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Visibility: Post warning triangles and make sure the car is visible to any rescue personnel. The car is easier to find than a lone hiker in the open countryside.

Leave the car on foot?

On the other hand, if you judge that help may be near and you have the appropriate equipment and clothing to venture out, a cautious pursuit of help may be warranted. However, this is a risky decision and should only be considered if you are well equipped to handle the extreme conditions. In this weather, we can also assume that visibility for other traffic is limited and you run the risk of simply being hit, which can quickly make a bad situation significantly worse.

Even during the day, it can be difficult to see someone on the side of the road. When it gets dark it can be impossible and too late.

Car Survival Essentials:

To survive in your car in winter weather, you need carefully selected equipment. Here are some essential items to have in your winter car survival kit:

Warmth: A substantial sleeping bag or blankets to keep warm is essential. Preferably woolen blankets that retain warmth even when wet. Also some mylar blankets (survival blanket) are good to have in the car. They reflect body heat extremely well, but at the same time they don't breathe, which can result in you starting to sweat, which should be avoided. Therefore, only use the survival blankets as a last resort or preferably a bit away from the body, against windows etc. This way you keep more heat in the vehicle while ensuring that you keep your clothes and yourself dry. A portable heat source, such as a tealight or hand warmer, can also be useful.

A flameless heater helps you thaw water or snow without an open flame

Food and Water: Always have some food with a long shelf life and water in the car, for example energy bars, emergency cookies and water bottles. A camping kitchen and freeze-dried food is an extra plus, which can provide drinking water, a hot meal and also heat in the vehicle. Which can increase comfort in the short term and save lives in the longer term. Consider keeping a couple of chemical heating bags in the car. For example, a frozen water bottle can be thawed easily by lying in the bag, although the bag itself needs a little water to activate. Also remember to let some air in if you use an open flame in the car and ensure that the gas cooker is stable when in use.

Nut cakes with a high energy content and a 20-year shelf life. Can be stored in sub-zero temperatures

First Aid Kit: A well-equipped first aid kit is a matter of course and comes with most cars when they are sold. However, it may be a good idea to review the contents, top up and supplement, especially if you are dependent on any medication yourself.

Well-stocked first aid kit from Lifesystems

Tools and Equipment: A multi-purpose knife and flashlight/headlight with extra batteries/power bank is also good to have readily available

A headlamp is a must in the car

Communications: A battery-powered radio or hand-cranked radio to keep you up-to-date with weather reports and rescue efforts. You can probably use the car's radio, but if the error with the engine occurred due to a bad battery, there is a risk that the radio will not work.

A classic and robust crank radio

Reflex: If you now decide to, or for some reason are forced to leave the car in the dark, a reflex can save lives and is very cheap life insurance

Comfort and Psychological Well-Being:

During the isolation in the car, psychological well-being is as important as physical survival. It might be an idea to pack the car with something to pass the time and frustration, especially if there are more people in the car.

Books and Games: A book to read or a deck of cards can be an excellent distraction and can help keep you mentally occupied and thus also keep stress away.

Something good to chew on: A little candy, chocolate, chewing gum or something else sweet is a good way to keep worries at bay and can have a de-stressing effect.

Battery bank: To charge your mobile phone or other electronic devices. Feel free to choose a power bank with a built-in hand warmer

Mental Exercises: Simple meditation techniques or exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.

Music or Entertainment: A portable music player or instrument can be a great companion during isolation.

Other things to think about

of course you should always have a warning triangle and jumper cables in the car. Preferably a small tank of extra fuel if you don't run on batteries. Being stuck in the car like this is not common in Sweden, but even shorter moments can be difficult without the right knowledge and equipment. Finally, if there is a risk of extreme weather, check the news and stay where you are, always drive carefully in extreme conditions. Arriving late is always better than not arriving at all.