If you're one of the nearly 4 million registered motor vehicle operators in Alberta you might want to consider having these items to your vehicle. In the event of an emergency or other unexpected situation, these items can get you out of a jamb.
1. Snow Brush
An average winter in Alberta will have between 30 and 75 days of snowfall. That means a lot of days of getting out of that car and wiping the whole thing down from top to bottom. We recommend using a foam bladed snow brush to avoid scratches on your vehicles paint. Don't forget to brush off your entire vehicle before taking off. Make sure your roof, trunk, license plate, mirrors, and windows are clear before driving off.
2. Squeegee
Similar to a snowbrush, a squeegee can come in handy in the spring time and the early fall. When the weather is starting to cool in the fall vehicles can become very wet with dew, especially if parked in the shade. The same principle applies in the spring when the snow and ice begins to switch to dew and rain. In order to drive away safely, have a squeegee accessible to quickly clear the field of view of your vehicle. That way you have maximum visibility and you can proceed safely.
3. Booster Cables
Booster cables can be a lifesaver. If you leave a light on in your car, or it's the end of your batteries life, booster cables can get you enough juice to get to where you need to go. We recommend having 16 to 20 foot booster cables so you can boost a vehicle it is parked in front or behind you. This gives you the most flexibility with the placement of your vehicle.
The red (positive charged) cable gets attached to the boosting battery first. Then the other red clamp gets attached to the positive terminal of the dead battery. The black (negatively charged) end then gets attached to the boosting battery. Finally, the other black clamps gets attached to a grounding point in the engine bay of the dead vehicle. In the event that there is no viable ground in the engine bay, you can attach the clamp directly to the negative battery terminal.
4. Spare Tire
While not all vehicles come equipped with a spare tire from factory, you should check to see what your vehicle does have. Some new vehicles do not come with a spare tire and instead come with an air pump. Some vehicles come with run-flat tires that are designed to be capable of being driven on flat (recommended to not go over 80KM/h). Whatever your vehicle is equipped with, you should ensure that it is accessible and functional in the event that you need to use it. Reminder to know where your wheel lock key is located. It can be very frustrating to try and get a wheel off without the wheel lock key.
5. Vehicle Jack and Crank
Sort of going hand in hand with a spare tire, you need to make sure you have a way to actually get the tire off of your vehicle. Having a functional jack and a crank/handle to operate it is the only way you're going get the job done. Make sure that if your car is equipped with a spare tire that there is a way for you actually change your tire.
6. Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge will ensure that your vehicles tires are at the correct inflation for the vehicle. In your vehicles owners manual or in the jamb of the drivers side door their will be the specifications of the proper inflation of your vehicles tires. Don't go over, don't go under. Your vehicle can lose 2% fuel efficiency for every 5 PSI over or under the recommended pressure level. Keep a pressure gauge in your glove box and check your pressures from time to time.
7. Flashlight
Given that Alberta has stretches of the year with only 8-10 hours of daylight, it's safe to say that you may have a situation that needs attention when it is not daylight hours. Keeping a small flashlight in your console can help you out if you're in a bind.
8. Blanket
Keeping a blanket in your car isn't 100% necessary, but it is recommended. You never know when you'll need to hunker down inside your vehicle. A warm blanket can be a big difference maker in a winter storm. A blanket in the car has the added benefit of a being an impromptu picnic blanket.
9. Owners Manual
Your vehicles owners manual can be a lifesaver for finding out important information on your vehicle. What does that flashy light mean? How do I change the time on my radio? Where is my cars washer fluid tank?
Pretty much any question you might need answered about your vehicle can be found in the owners manual. If your vehicle doesn't have an owners manual, you can usually find a copy on the internet or you can purchase one from the dealership.
10. Registration and Proof of Insurance
Obviously the things that make your vehicle road legal are important. The minimum fine for driving without registration is $230 in Alberta. The Armour marketing director can attest to this. Note that it is less than $160 to register your vehicle for 2 years. Make sure you only have active registration in your vehicle, in the event that you're pulled over you may accidentally hand an old registration and face a penalty.
Proof of insurance is a much bigger deal. If you're driving without insurance it can mean major penalties for you. The fine will range somewhere between $2,800 and $10,000! This could also result in up to 6 months in prison. This is all if you're just driving without insurance, an accident will have much more severe implications.
However, having proof of insurance on your person has never been easier. Not only does Armour print you a physical copy of your pink card and send it to you, you can also access your insurance information through the Armour app! Additionally, if you're an Intact insurance client, you can get Intact Client Centre. Client Centre gives you 24/7 access to your insurance information and it can be downloaded to your google or apple wallet for offline access as well.
