Canyon season: the winter car kit for northern Utah

Snow can arrive on the benches and in the canyons weeks before it reaches Layton. Whether you commute on I-15 or head up Weber Canyon on weekends, a simple kit in the trunk is worth the space.

What to keep in the trunk

• A roadside emergency kit with jumper cables, a tow strap, a reflective triangle and first aid supplies.
• A cordless tire inflator. Tire pressure drops about one PSI for every 10 degrees of temperature loss.
• A warm blanket, gloves, water, snacks and a phone charging cable.
• A small shovel and an ice scraper.

Before you head up

• Check the UDOT Traffic app for canyon restrictions and traction law alerts.
• Keep the tank at least half full in winter.
• Tell someone your route if you are heading somewhere remote.

If you get stuck

Stay with your car, turn on hazard lights and run the engine only in short bursts with the tailpipe clear of snow. A well-stocked kit turns a scary moment into a long wait, and that is a good trade.