Many people like to carry a few specific tools in the trunk of their vehicles during winter, in case of roadside or weather-caused emergencies. Even if your vehicle is an all-wheel-drive SUV or a full-fledged four-wheel-drive truck, some tools can come really handy in extreme situations. Firstly, it is a good idea to keep a light shovel in the trunk. It can be a simple aluminum one, but if the car is small and doesn’t have much trunk space, hardware stores sell foldable plastic shovels that will do the job. Another great piece of equipment to keep in back of the car is a traction aid. These are devices that help motorists get unstuck from snowed-in or iced-in situations. Traction aids come in many shapes and sizes; some are made of tough plastic, others of steel material. They usually come in a small box with very simple assembly instructions. Many drivers like to carry booster cables in their cars — especially older cars — in case the battery dies on a very cold day. It is best to buy high quality cables that come in a solid carrying case. Boosting a car is a specific technique that requires some knowledge. Fortunately, a good booster cable kit will come with clear instructions and a device that can help you identify the positive and negative poles. Getting them mixed up can cause damage to the car. Lastly, if you travel a lot or drive to remote places, it would be a good idea to get a winter survival kit that includes a survival blanket, a candle, and a lighter. The last two items have been proven to provide a little bit of heat in a stalled car in winter. If you ever need to use either, make sure you open a window slightly to allow fresh air to circulate.