Are you Emergency Ready?: What Every Colorado Driver Needs in Winter
As November settles in, the last golden leaves twist through the air along Canyon Boulevard. The mornings are colder, your windshield takes longer to defrost, and the Flatirons wear a dusting of early snow. It’s the kind of quiet shift that sneaks up—one day you’re driving with the windows cracked, the next, you're reaching for gloves and watching for black ice.
Colorado winters are breathtaking—but they’re also unpredictable. That’s why being emergency-ready isn’t just a good idea. It’s essential. At Pellman’s Automotive, we’ve helped Colorado drivers prepare for decades. From keeping your brakes responsive on frozen canyon curves to helping you build the ultimate emergency kit, we’re here to make sure you’re ready for anything winter throws your way.
Winter Driving Starts with Smart Prep
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the rules change in winter. You drive slower, take wider turns, and leave more space between vehicles. Visibility drops faster than the temperature, and stopping distances stretch on slick roads. Even a quick trip to the store can turn into a cautious, calculated drive when the snow rolls in.
That’s why
car prep isn’t optional.
Routine service and preventive care are key to avoiding breakdowns and accidents during cold-weather driving. Whether you’re searching for the best car repair shop, places to get an
oil change, or
brake repair, the team at Pellman’s delivers thorough, honest service. We offer complete vehicle inspections, car diagnostic tests, and expert repairs on everything from brakes and
batteries to detailed engine checks —keeping your car reliable, responsive, and road-ready.
Build a Winter Emergency Kit That’s Ready for Anything
When the temperature drops and roads get slick, a well-stocked emergency kit can turn a bad day into a manageable inconvenience. Here’s what we recommend keeping in your vehicle this winter:
Warmth & Comfort
- A warm blanket, extra gloves, mittens, a hat, and layers of clothing
- Thermal hand warmers (optional but great for long waits)
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
Tools & Essentials
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Tow strap or rope for towing or rescue
- Cutting tool (box cutter, pocketknife, or multi‑tool)
- Duct tape for quick fixes
- Small shovel for digging out of snow
- Car chains or Auto Socks for added traction
- Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
- Tire pressure gauge
Safety & Visibility
- Emergency flares or reflective triangles to warn other drivers
- Whistle to signal for help
- Reflective vest for roadside visibility
- Flashlight with spare batteries (a headlamp is even better)
Traction & Stability
- Small bag or bucket of sand, gravel, or kitty litter for traction
- Traction mats (optional but great for icy conditions)
Health & Hygiene
- First‑aid kit, including:
- Bandages, antiseptic wipes, cold pack, first‑aid cream, gloves, and pain relievers
- Hand cleaner or wet wipes for cleanup
Food & Hydration
- Gallon of water in a metal container (plastic can crack or burst in the cold)
- Bottled water (for short-term use)
- Non‑perishable snacks (like protein bars or nuts)
Power & Communication
- Phone charger and portable power bank
- Spare set of car keys
- Notebook and pencil/pen for notes or leaving messages
- Cash in small bills
Bonus Convenience Items
- Snow brush and ice scraper
- Shop cloth or microfiber towels
- Flashlight or green lightstick for visibility inside the vehicle
Preparedness brings peace of mind—especially when traveling through remote mountain passes or navigating surprise storm systems along the Front Range.
Two Winter Giveaways You Won’t Want to Miss!
Enter to Win a Fully Stocked Winter Emergency Kit – Courtesy of NAPA
In partnership with NAPA Auto Parts, Pellman’s Automotive is giving away a premium cold-weather emergency kit to help one lucky Colorado driver stay safe and prepared this winter.
Why It Matters: This curated kit has everything you need to handle common winter roadside emergencies—from black ice breakdowns to remote canyon stalls.
Bonus Giveaway: DieHard Platinum 2000 Peak Amp Lithium Jump Starter – Powered by Carquest
In partnership with Carquest, we’re also giving away a DieHard Platinum 2000 Peak Amp Lithium Jump Starter & Power Pack—the ultimate tool for independent, on-the-go power. Whether you're stuck in a parking lot or out in the mountains, this portable jump starter gives you the freedom to get going without needing a second vehicle.
Not sure how to use it? Check out our guide on how to safely jump-start your car using a jump pack or traditional cables.
Why Drivers Love It
- Starts cars, trucks, SUVs, and diesel engines with ease
- Compact, powerful, and easy to use
- Built-in power pack for phones and electronics
- Includes Safe Smart Cables & Clamps
How to Enter Either Giveaway
Every one of the following gets you an entry—no purchase necessary:
- Visit Pellman’s in November
- Leave a review on Google or Yelp
- Like, comment, or share one of our social media posts on Facebook or Instagram
The more you engage, the better your chances of winning!
Deadline: November 30, 2025
Winners Announced: December 2nd, 2025
Pickup Location: Winners must collect their prize in person at Pellman’s Automotive
We’re drawing two lucky winners because winter safety is better shared. Since participants can earn multiple entries, we’re keeping things fair by limiting the prize to one per person.
If the same name is drawn twice, we’ll redraw to give another community member a chance to win. Enter once a day, share the love, and good luck!
Why Choose Pellman’s This Winter?
With over 30 years serving the Boulder area, Pellman’s Automotive is proud to be one of the best car repair shops that locals continue to rely on.
We offer:
- Winter-specific inspections
- Car diagnostic tests
- Oil changes
- Battery checks
- And everything your car needs to handle cold weather confidently
Drive Safer. Stay Ready. Be Emergency-Prepared.
Whether you’re heading up to Eldora, braving a snowstorm on US-36, or simply navigating an icy morning drop-off, winter driving in Colorado demands more from your vehicle—and from you.
Let Pellman’s Automotive help you get ready. Schedule your seasonal inspection, prep your emergency kit, prepare your vehicle for Boulder’s Winter, and enter to win some extra peace of mind. Because in Colorado, winter isn't just a season—it’s a challenge. And we’re here to help you face it with confidence. Let’s make this your safest, smartest winter yet.
