4 Useful Things You Need to Have in Your Car This Winter

If there's one thing we don't like about winter, it's the extended commutes. While we're big advocates of driving with caution in the snow, adding 30 minutes onto your drive home is miserable at best. Before you get sucked into the winter-Scrooge-blues, take the time to prepare for these long drives with our four simple tips. You'll be surprised at how much these small steps can help! And after you're done stocking your car with winter essentials, check out our winter car hacks to tackle big snowfalls.

1. Knitted Mittens

Always keep a spare pair of gloves in your car! We all know the pain of having to grasp onto an ice-cold wheel, and tucking your sleeves over your palms just isn't going to cut it this year. Mittens are best, even for adults, because the mitts trap the body heat, unlike gloves.

Get the how-to here

2. Granola Bars

Hunger can strike at the most inconvenient times... like in the middle of rush hour during a snowstorm. Calm your growling tummy or ease the hungry kids in the back seat with these homemade granola bars. If stored properly, these tasty treats can last up to three months, so they're ideal as an emergency snack.

Get the recipe here

3. Extra Tissues

Flu season is not fun. Make it less miserable by always keeping a pack of tissues ready at a moment's notice! Brighten up your illness by making these adorable tissue pack covers for your car. We recommend keeping one near the driver and one in the back seat with the kids at all times!

Get the how-to here

4. Safety Sand

Image courtesy of eHow

Many people turn to salt for slippery roads, but that solution can be extremely harsh on wildlife. Instead, keep a personal stash of sand in your car. Sprinkle a bit on icy patches as you walk from your car to your front door for extra traction. On particularly slick days, sand could very well be your lifesaver.