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Family road trips and short rides in the car are fun if you have the right supplies. Traffic jams or minor emergencies can cause a change in plans, even on short trips shuttling kids to practice or home from school. Keep the car stocked with a few essential items for a safe and fun trip. Safety First Keeping a first aid kit in the car is a good idea for everyone, not just parents. Check the supplies regularly to make sure there is plenty of everything. Remember that ointments and alcohol pads have expiration dates. Roadside emergency kits are another good idea for keeping your family safe if you get a flat tire or other breakdown.  Road flares alert other drivers that there is a stopped car on the side of the road while you change a tire or wait for help. Keep cell phones charged and a car charger handy. A road map and GPS may seem redundant, but both are helpful in different situations. more Keep it Clean Wipes are vital for kids of all ages. Use them to clean up spills on clothing and in the car. They are a great way for adults and kids to clean their hands and freshen up when there is no water around. Keep tissues and hand sanitizer handy, too. Even on short trips, a change of clothes offers peace of mind. Clean underwear and a fresh outfit can save the day during the potty training years. Remember to keep a spare shirt for mom and dad for those times that dirty little handprints don't get cleaned fast enough. Enjoy the Great Outdoors Be ready for spontaneous play days by keeping a picnic or beach blanket in the car. The blanket will also come in handy for sporting events, especially away games with limited seating. Sunscreen and hats will keep everyone safe from the harsh rays of the sun year-round. Simple toys such as a ball or a Frisbee create hours of entertainment for the entire family. Have a couple of umbrellas or rain ponchos on hand as well for when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Always keep snacks and drinks handy. Water bottles tend to travel better than juice boxes, especially in the warmer weather. Pack snacks that also hold up to all types of weather such as cereal or crackers. Prepackaged individual-size snacks have a longer shelf life and will be better than bagging up your own snacks if they will be in the car for months at a time. Even if the kids are not hungry, sometimes a few Goldfish crackers can go a long way towards keeping little ones occupied and fighting off boredom as well as hunger. Experienced parents know to expect the unexpected. At the least, cover the basic necessities of food, water, and clothing as well as a few cleaning supplies. Follow these tips to reduce stress for the adults and kids in the car. Image via pixabay.com

Check out these Springfield restaurants for some of the best local fare that won't break your budget. Each offers a unique dining experience at prices that allow you to eat out multiple times a week. Red Rose Pizzeria Red Rose Pizzeria has some of the best pizza in Springfield. The menu also includes a variety of grinders, salads, and authentic Italian dishes. Red Rose Pizzeria is a family owned and operated business. Nicola and Edda Caputo opened the doors in 1963 and the restaurant is now run by two of their children, Tony and Rita. This is a great place for anyone on a budget. The prices are low and the portions are large. The party size pizza has 28 slices at only $23. Red Rose Pizzeria serves beer and wine. The dessert menu includes classic Italian favorites such as tiramisu and cannoli. more Eat Eat is a great little affordable spot for breakfast. This is a local favorite that will not break the bank. Eat seats about 20 people for breakfast or brunch. They offer takeout for those who do not want to wait. There are a few tables outside, as well. The menu items range from BLT sandwiches to chicken and waffles, plus pretty much anything you would hope to find on a breakfast menu. There are some dishes that are more traditional lunch items like fries and salads, too. They offer unique daily specials like chicken blackberry salad, so customers always have a variety. Bueno Y Sano Bueno Y Sano offers authentic Mexican fare fast and cheap. The name means "good from the start." They pride themselves on using fresh ingredients and simple recipes. The food is healthy and delicious. The ingredients are locally grown, making this restaurant part of the local fabric of the community. The menu is simple but extensive. Choose from burritos, salads, tacos, or quesadillas with many choices of meat and toppings. Their prices are low and they offer a variety of special deals. Repeat customers get their 11 th burrito or taco free. They offer call-ahead service for takeout so your order is ready when you arrive. Hot Table Hot Table is best known for their paninis. Choose from various chicken, steak, ham, turkey, tuna, and veggie options. The hummus veggie is a top favorite among vegetarians and those looking for a light but filling meal. It's hard to pick a favorite among the steak panini, but the steak horseradish gets rave reviews. The buffalo chicken is a perfect blend of blue cheese, hot sauce, and buttermilk ranch flavors. Hot Table also offers a variety of breakfast panini that will make anyone's morning a little brighter. They offer many salads, as well. Red Rose Pizzeria is a great place to go with a group of friends. Share a party size pizza and enjoy a glass of wine or a few beers. Meet up with a friend for brunch at Eat. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is cozy. Hot Table is great for lunch on a budget and Bueno Y Sano offers great Mexican fare that you can feel good about eating. Image via pixabay.com

If your child tends to get car sick, it is very difficult to take a trip or even run out and do errands around town. Fortunately, there are ways to treat a carsick child and even help prevent it. Start by making sure they don't eat a lot before you leave on a trip, and then try some of these natural solutions for your child's car sickness. Ginger Research shows that ginger works well in treating car sickness and motion sickness. You can use ginger in a variety of ways including making some ginger candy chews or buying some that has already been made. You can often find them in a natural food store, or you can buy them on Amazon. Ginger root is a tried-and-true solution for nausea and motion sickness, and chews are an easy and delicious way to give some to the kids. more Acupressure When you apply firm pressure to certain points on the body, it causes muscles to relax and increases your blood flow. This works to bring the body into a more balanced, better state and to reduce motion sickness. The easiest way to apply pressure is by having them wear a band. Sea-bands are an acupressure wristband that they can put on before they get in the car. This will apply the right amount of pressure around the wrist where they need it. Aromatherapy You can also try using a blend of essential oils to help with car sickness. Plant Therapy's KidSafe synergy blend uses a combination of roman chamomile, spearmint, dill, and ginger. The blend is called "Tummy All Better," and you can use it in a variety of ways. Put some in a car diffuser, and plug it in, or you can mix some up with some alcohol in a spray bottle, and spritz some in the car if your child starts to feel sick. Fresh Air Some fresh air can work wonders when a little one has an upset stomach. Open up the windows, let the air come in, and make frequent stops so they can get out of the car and walk around. You can also try distracting them. Have your child put some headphones on and listen to their favorite music, or if their stomach can handle it, put a movie in for them to watch on their portable device. Breathing Breathing techniques can also help, so as soon as your child starts to feel sick, have him or her close their eyes so they can't see the scenery moving past them. You can also try having them focus on a spot in the distance, and take deep even breaths. There is nothing worse than a sick child even if you know it is just temporary. While some of these solutions might work for some people and not for others, it is worth a try to find the right solution. Image via pixabay.com

If you are in the Springfield area and want to sink your teeth into some crispy, juicy fried chicken, there are several places in town you can go. Most fried chicken restaurants are casual and offer takeout, so it is easy to take the kids or get a quick meal on the go. Here are some of the best places for finger-licking fried chicken. City Pizza and Fried Chicken City Pizza and Fried Chicken on Main Street in Springfield serves fried chicken and more. They offer Chicken Combo Boxes with coleslaw or mashed potatoes and dinner rolls. You can get these in a variety of sizes ranging from two pieces and up to 35 pieces if you need to feed a crowd. They also have sandwiches, salads, and pizza if you want something other than chicken. City Pizza and Fried Chicken opens at 2 p.m., and they stay open until 9 p.m. at night. They even offer delivery so you can have them bring it right to you. more Kennedy Fried Chicken Head to Kennedy Fried Chicken on St. James Ave for fresh fried chicken with a large variety of sides to go with it. This is a takeout and delivery place without any frills, but they offer good food and fast service. You can order a Chicken Combination plate with a couple of pieces of chicken, a side and a roll, or just stick to the chicken, and order it by the piece. If you are in the mood for something else, Kennedy also has burgers, fish sandwiches, and several types of wings. They open at 10:00 a.m. in the morning and stay open until midnight, so you can get your fried chicken almost any time of day or night here. Kentucky Fried Chicken There is always the tried and true Kentucky Fried Chicken if you want a quick meal. Located on Riverdale St. in West Springfield, KFC has their buckets of chicken along with wings and their famous sides. They open up at 10:30 in the morning, and you can even get a late-night meal if you want since they don't close until 12:00 a.m. Crown Fried Chicken and Pizza Crown Fried Chicken and Pizza is another restaurant on Main Street in Springfield with both chicken and pizza options. They are a Halal restaurant that doesn't serve any pork, making it a good choice for those who don't eat it for religious or other reasons. Bamboo House Bamboo House on Belmont Ave is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious fried chicken. The flavor is peppery with a nice crunch and not too greasy. This place is open every day except Monday starting at 11:00 a.m. for lunch, and they close at 9:30 each night except for Fridays and Saturdays when they stay open until 10:00 p.m. If you are looking for a quick, delicious meal, fried chicken is a great choice. Try one of these Springfield restaurants on a night when you don't want to cook. Image via pixabay.com

For driver's who are eco-conscious or for those who are looking to save money on gas, Toyota offers several different Hybrid models. The Prius is their most popular hybrid car, but they also have four other models outside of the Prius. Here is a little information about each of them to help you choose the Toyota hybrid that is right for you. The Toyota Camry Hybrid The 2017 Camry Hybrid offers everything that drivers love about the large sedan in a hybrid model. It has a comfortable interior with plenty of space for up to five passengers, and it features the latest connectivity and technology. If you are in the market for a mid-size sedan, and still want some power, the Camry hybrid is even quicker than the regular four-cylinder, and you can expect to get about 40 miles per gallon combined. The Camry Hybrid offers a smooth and quiet ride, and you can even get the SE trim with a sport-tuned suspension. more The Toyota Avalon Hybrid The Avalon hybrid is a large sedan with a spacious trunk and an upscale look. This is the car for drivers who want a larger size vehicle without going into an SUV. The exterior design is similar to a luxury European vehicle, and inside, you'll find high-quality materials and all the latest technology from a large touchscreen infotainment display to a power rear window sunshade. The Toyota Avalon is the only car in its class offered in a hybrid model, making it unique and one of a kind. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid The Highlander Hybrid is the only three-row crossover SUV hybrid available in the U.S. For the 2017 model, Toyota added some more power to the 3.5-liter V6 engine. This SUV makes a great vehicle for large families and for those who need the extra space and power of a utility crossover. The base model Highlander will get about 29 miles per gallon combined, while the three higher trim levels will get about 28 miles per gallon combined. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid If you are in the market for a smaller crossover SUV, then the 2017 RAV4 Hybrid is an excellent choice. While the hybrid version offers less cargo space than the gas model because of the battery, it still has an impressive amount of space for a smaller vehicle. This five-seat crossover will get 33 miles per gallon combined which is significantly higher than the 26 miles per gallon combined in the regular version. The RAV4 comes with a backup camera on the higher trims, and you can also get a power moonroof in the XLE model. The Limited trim comes with SofTex seats and an upgraded version of Toyota's Entune infotainment system. With so many hybrid vehicles to choose from, it is easy to find one that fits your driving needs. Toyota has something for everyone whether you need space for a large family, a luxury sedan or a smaller SUV that will get you almost anywhere you need to go. Image via Dealeron

More and more people are cutting down on the amount of meat they eat or cutting it out entirely, but it is not always easy to find good vegetarian restaurants. If you are in the Springfield, MA area and want some delicious vegetarian food, try one of these meat-free eateries. Nadim's Downtown Mediterranean Nadim's on Main Street serves Middle Eastern cuisine with many vegetarian and vegan options. They serve a wonderful vegetarian rice loaded with fried onions and vegetarian grape leaves. For an appetizer, try the Roasted Eggplant Delight or the Falafel. Nadim's menu has a wide variety of both vegetarian dishes and choices with meat so you can enjoy a meal with friends and family who eat meat. They are open for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday when they are closed. more Panjabi Tadka You'll also find Panjabi Tadka on Main Street in Springfield. This restaurant serves both vegetarian and meat Indian-style dishes. The have a delicious coconut soup with big slivers of coconut, and veggie samosas that they make with potatoes, peas, and a subtle blend of spices. They also serve vegetable tikki and a vegetable pakora with assorted fresh vegetables that they deep fry in chickpea batter. Bueno Y Sano This Mexican restaurant on Sumner Ave. has a vegan-friendly menu with meat substitutes such as BBQ Seitan. The Salvadoran burrito comes with grilled veggies, black beans, and rice. They also have a vegetarian bean dish, and you can substitute tofu in any of the meals. At Bueno Y Sano, they also make sure to use separate pans for their vegetarian dishes, or they turn them over in a high flame to burn out all the meat. Holyoke Hummus Company The Holyoke Hummus Company is a food truck that serves the Holyoke, MA area, and surrounding communities. They are a favorite stop on Thursday's for the Falafel Plate which comes with fried falafel balls, tomato cucumber salad, and pickled turnip along with some Holyoke Hummus. You can order a Hummus Snack for just a single serving of Holyoke Hummus with some pita chips, or get their Pair o'grape leaves. They also have Hummus to go in an 8-ounce container. Check out their Facebook page to find out where the Holyoke Hummus Company has their truck parked. Taste of Lebanon Taste of Lebanon on Main Street in West Springfield, MA serves Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes. They have a delicious Hummus Fatte that they serve with pita bread, plain yogurt, chickpeas, and hummus, or try their grape leaves with rice, parsley, onions, and tomato, that they serve with mint and lemon juice. You can also try the Spinach Manousheh with dough, spinach, and onions. End your meal with one of their sweets such as Kateyef Ashta with cream and syrup or their Nutella Manousheh with hazelnut chocolate spread and marshmallows. Image via pixabay.com

Car buyers today can easily become overwhelmed by the many options to choose from when purchasing a car. Many cars now offer innovative technology and features that allow customers to experience entertainment on new levels. Buyers can also expect enhancements with lighting, body design, and interior space. During the car buying process, they must also decide on specific price points, color options, and models. The plethora of choices can make car buying confusing, but one thing that every family understands is safety. Toyota's safety features could quite possibly simplify the car buying experience. Collision Prevention The Toyota Safety Sense offers added safety technologies that often set this car apart from many competitors in their class. Collision prevention is enhanced through vehicle detection, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. The pre-collision system modifies speeds and minimizes damage in the event of a crash. The Lane Departure Alert helps with steering the vehicle and expanding visibility. Likewise, automatic high beams also help to prevent accidents by improving visibility when drivers are on the road at night. more Smart Stopping Another popular safety feature is made available through the Smart Stop Technology. This feature improves the efficiency of the braking system when attempting to come to an abrupt stop. Drivers who encounter unexpected incidents on the road, like a car quickly switching lanes or breaking in front of another car, can quickly reduce speed and power to avoid an accident. They can press both the accelerator and the brake petal at the same to bring the car to a quick stop. Airbag Design Toyota also ensures the safety of its drivers and their passengers by offering multiple airbags that protect the drivers from various angles. Front impact airbags can prevent serious head collision. Side impact airbags available in front and rear seats can protect riders if a collision takes place from the sides of the vehicle. Overhead airbags are well-fitted safety measures for a vehicle that rolls over and knee airbags protect the lower body. Pedestrians Proof Toyota takes it a step further by considering the safety of those who may be outside of the vehicle. The pedestrian detection system allows drivers to see the road from a different perspective: the view of those who may be passing by the vehicle quickly to cross the street. Drivers find this particularly useful when they drive through areas where there are large groups of people walking or bike riding. The vehicle can come to a short stop at up to 24 miles per hour if a pedestrian is spotted. With advanced features like automatic beams to adjust for other drivers, a warning system to notify drivers of lane instability, and automatic braking to prevent collision, Toyota's recent positive ratings are well earned. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration frontal crash ratings delivered five stars for overall safety, side barrier ratings, and side collision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset crash test ratings gave the vehicle good ratings for overall evaluation, head and neck safety, driver head protection, roof strength, and restraints. Image via pixabay.com

Balise Toyota's Yuletree Jubilee of 2016 was a huge success raising $6500 for the West Springfield Arts Community!  For the past couple of weeks, the Balise Toyota showroom beautifully displayed 30 plus trees uniquely themed and decorated including snowmen, Under-the-Sea, and the infamously popular elf tree and much more. These trees lit up our showroom and brought holiday cheer to customers and employees within our dealership and were finally raffled off on December 11th. The lucky winners were able to take home the festively decorated holiday tree and gifts included in the display. more We wanted to graciously thank all 600 attendees for helping us exceed our goal, doubling the success of last year's event. Balise Toyota takes community involvement to heart and is honored to be a part a community effort benefiting local artists. We are thrilled to know that our donations helped the ladies of the Red Thread Network get closer to achieving their dream of opening an Arts & Cultural center in the city. If you'd like to contribute a decorated tree to next year’s event, it's not too early to begin planning! Check out the Yuletree Facebook page for details and updates!

For outdoorsy folks, getting out into the elements is the highlight of a weekend getaway. There is nothing like a long scenic drive to relax before a difficult work week or a trip to the local park for a walk on the trail. Having the perfect ride makes this feat even more enjoyable. You may need room for some extra gear and snacks, or just a few touches of elegance to help you relax along the way. The 2017 Toyota Sequoia and the Toyota Land Cruiser both offer comparable features that complement any regular meeting with mother nature. Toyota Land Cruiser The Land Cruiser is widely known for its ability to maneuver through various types of terrain. Its versatile design features appeal to those who enjoy outdoor adventures. This includes a 32-valve V8 engine with 381 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission that all make it easy to shift gears depending on the road conditions. more Springs and Shocks Advanced suspension systems are also useful for driving along dirt roads or woodsy trails. The Land Cruiser features a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System in the front and a similar linked system in the rear. This makes for smooth handling and safety no matter where you venture off to. You can expect better aerodynamics and a smoother ride. Safe Cruising Also, the Land Cruiser includes the Toyota Safety Sense, which is quite advantageous for extended trips. This system includes a pre-collision system that monitors potential vehicle obstructions, maintains lane stability, and automates lighting as extra safety measures. The cruise control system offers an added feature to moderate trip time and even gas usage. Toyota Sequoia The Toyota Sequoia is equally appealing for family escapades. It offers the right amount of strength and durability with a 5.7 liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower. The four-wheel drive options deliver added power when hauling a trailer or additional cargo. The construction also complements Toyota's dominance on the road. It is built with a remarkable fully boxed frame construction. Road Ready As opposed to the Toyota Safety Sense system, this model includes the Star Safety System with Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Smart Stop Technology. These features help to prevent collisions and manage car features in the event of a dangerous circumstances. Reliable Quality Both models embody the high level of quality and luxury that the Toyota brand is widely known for. The Sequoia and Land Cruiser can comfortably accommodate eight passengers and are both moderately priced. Another similarity is the expansive entertainment functions that make travels even more delightful. The Entune Multimedia suite gives drivers an aesthetically pleasing touch screen display, an auxiliary input to plug and play from personal devices, and Bluetooth wireless capabilities. The Entune system also allows users to access popular applications within the vehicle's dashboards. Once again Toyota gives drivers an enjoyable experience behind the wheel. Those who enjoy a few extracurricular activities outside of the home will be enlightened by these two models and their added features. They are both well matched for those who can benefit from a forceful SUV that takes command of the road. Image via pixabay.com

The cold weather doesn't have to keep you indoors. In fact, the winter is a great time of the year to take on a new adventure or find a new hobby. If you are the thrill-seeking type, you might enjoy skiing or snowboarding. If you are a music lover, there are usually plenty of classic performances in West Springfield each year. Maybe holiday travel plans may be on the top of your list? No matter what your pursuits are this year, knowing how to safely navigate snowy streets is very important. Here are a few useful tips to get you to your favorite destination. Invest in Winter Tires Although may cars include reliable tires that enable drivers to navigate the snow efficiently, snow tires are created to ensure winter safety. Everyone can benefit from the advanced safety capabilities that these tires offer. Many of them include specific patterns that make it easier to handle rough winter terrain. Buyers can choose between studded tires, unstudded tires, and all season tires to meet their needs. It is an added expense, but it is well worth the security for those who live in regions that encounter brutal winter storms. more Easy Brake Knowing how to manage the brakes will significantly help to improve your safety while driving in the snow. Drivers should stay focused on the road and pay close attention to the distance between themselves and other vehicles. As opposed to quickly pressing the brakes, they should keep some extra room in front of them and hit the brakes in slow motion. Most modern cars include anti-lock braking systems that support the driver's efforts to stop quickly and safely. When in doubt, eliminating additional speed through gas acceleration can help drivers to control the vehicle. Just Skidding Furthermore, knowing how to control the car in the event of an emergency bump or turn can impact safety. If the car begins to skid, it is important to maintain control of the wheel and to lightly realign the vehicle. A quick grab can result in unnecessary danger that can be avoided. Once again, drivers should take their foot off the gas, stay calm, and correct the vehicle's direction with ease. Modify Your Speeds It may seem unnecessary to mention that drivers can simply slow down to improve safety while driving in the snow, but this is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidents during the winter. Icy Road Safety suggest reducing speeds to 45 mph when there is ice on the road. Mistakes can happen quickly and more easily in harsh conditions. Drivers can stay safe by being aware of the environment and by taking extra precautions, even when they feel comfortable. With a few extra safety precautions, drivers are encouraged to get out and enjoy winter activities. Weather challenges can be met with care. Winter tires can help to minimize risk for those who travel often. Minimizing braking when experiencing turbulence will help drivers to maneuver more easily. Skidding can be managed as well. Most importantly, drivers can simply slow down to prevent injury. Image via pixabay.com

Bored this winter? Don't just sit in the window and watch the snowflakes dance! Springfield, Massachusetts offers plenty of reasons to get out of the house and enjoy the cold. Start your winter off right with a few extra layers of clothes and a lot of adventure on the mountainous slopes. There are plenty of reasons to create some new memories this year, and snowmobiling is just the right way to do it. Winter Indulgence The New England Sports Park offers a grand ol' time in the snow. You and your family can indulge in 12 lanes of steep slopes that will surely get your heart racing. You might also consider bringing a camera along to capture the scenic views. The park is located at 12 South Hunt Road. Tickets allow guests to ride along the snowy mountains in assorted tubes for just $25.  The hours are generally Thursday and Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is also an onsite pub for you to stop by and visit once you've worked up an appetite. more Super Cool Ski Butternut is another popular option for those looking to get out into the brisk cool winter air. It is located 80 State Route 23 in Great Barrington and includes a massive amount of trails, ski lifts, and parks. Those who truly take a liking to winter sports can even take classes at the ski school located onsite. Classes include snowboarding, advanced freestyle, racing techniques, performance training, and upper-level skier improvement. The park offers tons of other clubs, events, and lessons for everyone in the family to enjoy. Snowed Out With over 2,300 feet of elevation and over 1,100 feet in vertical rise, Jiminy Peak is another mountain resort to add to the winter's list of things to do. The park features over 167 acres of winter wonderland for all ages. This includes an inviting welcome center, Burbank Children's Center, Snowsports School at J.J.'s Lodge, Maloney Ski Patrol, Doc Maynard, and The Country Store. The hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the weekends and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the rest of the week. The selected attractions determine ticket prices. Just Chilling Also, Nashoba Park isn't too far away from the Springfield area. This park features 17 trails, lifts, rentals, and snow tubing. It is located at 79 Powers Road in Westford. The park has allowed visitors to embark upon its unique and progressive terrain since 1964. Visitors can expect slopes with varying levels of difficulty, a separate snow tubing park, and annual races from this award-winning park. The hours are from 1:00PM to 10:00PM on the weekdays and from 9AM to 10PM on the weekends. With these wonderful options available this winter, it won't be difficult for you and your family to create new memories. Snowmobiling has always been considered a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are just beginning to learn more about snowy adventures or considered an experienced racer, you'll find exactly what you need in Springfield. Image via pixabay.com

As a car driver, it is imperative that you are prepared for the variable weather that the winter may bring. Every driver should have a few supplies and emergency items to prepare for the worst. The right items will help you deal with cold weather and potential hazards. After adding these six things to your car this winter, you can relax knowing that you have the right tools to handle things — at least until assistance arrives. Battery Check Many car owners have their batteries checked just before the winter to avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery during this time of the year. No one wants to be stuck out in the cold attempting to jump a car with frozen fingers and toes, but unfortunately, things happen. One of the easiest things you can purchase to ease the pain of an unexpected dead battery is a set of jumper cables. Attempting to get juiced up in the cold is bad enough; this way, at least you'll avoid having to ask around for the cables. more Frugal Safety Another easy purchase is an ice scraper and brush. Most car parts stores or major retailers offer these at minimal cost. There's no need to search the kitchen for spatulas and makeshift tools if you have taken the time to get winter-ready. The Home Depot offers a wide variety of ice scrapers and snow brushes for under $20, but a heavy-duty version might cost around $70. Navigating Danger A winter storm can go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye. Having a navigation system can prevent you from getting lost at the wrong time or even help you to avoid traffic accumulation that may have occurred as a result of inclement weather. A navigation system may seem like an extra expense or an unnecessary feature, but when the going gets tough, you'll be at peace knowing you're at least headed in the right direction. Just in Case Believe it or not, snacks are also highly recommended for winter road warriors. Several storms have left people stranded for hours at the mercy of Mother Nature's timelines. One of the simplest things that drivers can do to improve their survival chances is to purchase a few snacks to leave in the car. This may seem like a minor suggestion to assist with winter preparations, but this is one step that you'll be glad to have taken if the weather does turn sour. A Few Must-Haves Another important purchase for the car is a First Aid Kit. Target makes this a neat process with its Health Essential line. Shoppers can customize their first aid kit with items like band aids, Neosporin, Benadryl, and calamine lotion. Other recommended items include a blanket or sleeping bag, brake fluids, screwdrivers, reflectors, and a flashlight. Staying Charged Lastly, a fully charged cell phone is a must. Drivers can purchase a backup battery, an independent battery charger, or a battery charging cell phone case for emergency circumstances. Although some of these items may seem a bit tedious for the average driver, the winter is unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for the worst. Taking the recommended safety precautions won't do you any harm and will actually be a big help in a bad situation. Image via pixabay.com