Essential Items for Your Winter Car Emergency Kit

Essential Items for Your Winter Car Emergency Kit


October 6, 2023 | Allison Robertson

Essential Items for Your Winter Car Emergency Kit


Essential Items for Your Winter Car Emergency Kit

winter roads and man car selfie split image

Advertisement

Being unprepared for a winter vehicle emergency can have dire consequences. Every year, countless drivers find themselves stranded in cold, isolated conditions due to vehicle breakdowns or getting caught in severe winter storms.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 70% of the nation's roads are located in snowy regions, which receive more than five inches of average snowfall annually.

Moreover, nearly 40% of all weather-related vehicle accidents occur during winter conditions, resulting in about 1,300 deaths and over 116,000 injuries annually.

Without a proper emergency kit, stranded drivers risk exposure to freezing temperatures, which can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or even death.

Moreover, without the necessary tools or supplies, motorists may remain stranded for extended periods, increasing the risk of dehydration, hunger, and prolonged exposure to cold. Being proactive and prepared is not just about comfort—it's a matter of safety and survival.

Let’s explore some must-have items for your winter car emergency kit.

Blankets and Warm Clothing

pile of blanketsKelly Sikkema, Unsplash

Advertisement

It's crucial to keep warm if you're stranded, especially during extremely cold conditions. Pack blankets, thermal socks, gloves, hats, and even a few heat packs in your kit. These items can help prevent hypothermia and frostbite if you're waiting for rescue in your vehicle.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Escape Rooms FactsPixabay

Advertisement

Daylight hours are shorter during the winter, making a flashlight a vital tool. Ensure you have a reliable flashlight and a set of spare batteries to ensure visibility during the night or in heavy snow conditions.

Jumper Cables

Wholesome Encounters With Strangers factsFlickr, zoovroo

Advertisement

Cold temperatures can drain your car's battery quickly. Jumper cables are essential for giving your battery a boost or helping another motorist in need. Consider investing in a portable battery pack that doesn’t require another vehicle to jump-start your car.

First Aid Kit

First Aid KitShutterstock

Advertisement

Accidents can happen. Having a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, and pain relievers can be invaluable if you or a passenger gets injured.

Food and Water

Emergency kit for home or carspeedshutter, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

If you're stranded for an extended period, you'll need sustenance. Pack non-perishable snacks like energy bars, canned nuts, and bottled water to keep you hydrated and maintain your energy levels.

Shovel and Sand

Foldable shovel for carDaniel, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

A compact folding shovel can be crucial for digging your vehicle out of the snow. Additionally, carrying a bag of sand can provide much-needed traction if your car is stuck on ice.

Windshield Scraper and Brush

Man cleaning carweyo, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Visibility is paramount in winter conditions. An ice scraper and brush will help you clear your windows and mirrors of ice and snow, ensuring you have a clear line of sight.

Road Flares or Reflective Triangles

Car Emergency KitOur Today

Advertisement

In reduced visibility conditions, it’s essential that other drivers can see your vehicle if you're stranded on the side of the road. Road flares or reflective triangles can alert other motorists to your presence, potentially preventing accidents.

Portable Phone Charger

Strangest Interactions factsPexels

Advertisement

Your mobile phone can be your lifeline in an emergency. Having a portable charger ensures you can make calls, even if your vehicle's battery dies.

Basic Toolkit

basic toolsGeorge Dolgikh, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Packing a basic toolkit with items like pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver can be handy for minor vehicle repairs. If you're familiar with basic car mechanics, this kit can be invaluable.


READ MORE

Cadillac

10 Awesome Cadillac Concept Cars That Didn't Make It To Production

Cadillac designers dreamed big and made machines that pushed the boundaries of style and technology. However, corporate bean counters and practical manufacturing concerns stopped them from entering the street. Here’s a peek behind the curtain.
March 19, 2025 Peter Kinney
Lmthumb

The Most Incredible Moments From 101 Years Of Racing At Le Mans

A test of engineering, skill, and endurance unlike any other, let's look back at the most memorable moments from a century at Le Mans.
November 12, 2024 Jamie Hayes
Jaguar XJR-15

11 Of The Sleekest '90s Supercars

The '90s often remind us of iconic stuff like waffle crisps, boy bands, video game consoles, and blockbuster movies like Titanic. But that decade also brought supercars that broke speed records.
November 8, 2024 Peter Kinney
Internalfb Image

Massive Cars From The 1960s That Made Roads Feel Tiny

Chrome gleamed, engines thundered, and size ruled the road. These 1960s machines weren’t just cars—they were statements. Each one turned streets into narrow lanes and luxury into something unapologetically massive.
April 4, 2025 Alex Summers
F-22

The Chinese J-20 Vs. American F-22: Here's What We Know About The World's Most Hyped Fighter Jet Matchup

Initiated during the Cold War, the F-22 was designed to outperform Soviet jets. Then, China began its J-XX program, which led to the J-20, an aircraft built for long-range patrols. Here’s why their rivalry is hard to ignore.
June 30, 2025 Peter Kinney
Tim Allen

El Garaje De Tim Allen: Sus Autos Más Geniales

Tras las discretas paredes de un antiguo taller de pintura del sur de California, se esconde el paraíso automovilístico de Tim Allen. Este alberga una cuidada colección de muscle cars, superautos europeos y clásicos exclusivos. Aquí tienes unos cuantos.
January 14, 2025 Peter Kinney