Winter weather can be treacherous for drivers, with snowy, icy, and slushy conditions contributing to a significant number of accidents and fatalities each year.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, 1,836 people are killed and 136,309 are injured annually in vehicle crashes on winter-affected roadways. This is why it is important to create a well-stocked winter car emergency kit. Especially if you reside in areas that have harsher winter weather.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of items to include in your kit, so you can stay safe and ready for whatever winter throws your way on the road.
1. Blanket or sleeping bag
Staying warm is crucial in the cold, especially if your car breaks down or you’re stuck waiting for help. A heavy blanket or thermal sleeping bag can help keep your body temperature stable if you’re stranded for a long time.
You can go for a wool blanket, thermal blanket, or even an emergency foil blanket, which reflects body heat. It’s a simple yet important item to have, so you don’t freeze while waiting in the cold.
2. Ice scraper and snow brush
When snow and ice cover your windshield, it’s hard to see where you’re going, and that’s dangerous. An ice scraper helps you clear the ice off your windows, while the snow brush takes care of the snow.
Driving without cleaning your windows is not only unsafe but can also get you a ticket. Keep a good quality ice scraper and snow brush in your trunk so you’re always prepared.
3. Jumper cables
Car batteries don’t love the cold, and you might find yourself with a dead battery on a freezing day. Jumper cables will allow you to jump-start your car with help from another vehicle.
Make sure to get cables that are long enough to reach between cars. They’re lifesavers in winter when batteries tend to fail more often.
4. Shovel
Snow can pile up quickly, and if your car gets stuck, a small shovel can help you dig your way out. Having one in your trunk could mean the difference between getting back on the road or being stranded.
Look for a foldable or compact shovel that won’t take up too much space. It’s small but powerful when you need to clear snow away from your tires or create a path.
5. Sand or cat litter
If your car gets stuck in ice or snow, you’ll need some extra traction to get it moving. A small bag of sand or non-clumping kitty litter can be spread under your tires to help them grip the ground.
This simple trick can save you from hours of frustration and keep your tires from spinning helplessly in slick conditions.
6. Flashlight with extra batteries
The days are shorter in the winter, and if you break down after dark, you’ll need light to see what you’re doing. A good flashlight will help you change a tire, look under the hood, or signal for help.
Make sure your flashlight works and pack extra batteries, just in case. A dead flashlight won’t do you much good when it’s pitch black.
Flashlights make it into just about every one of our emergency preparedness kits and our list of 150 preparedness items you need to have on hand!
7. First aid kit
Accidents happen, and being prepared with a first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s a cut, scrape, or something more serious, having bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other medical supplies on hand can help until professional help arrives.
A first aid kit is essential year-round, but it’s even more important in the winter when help might take longer to reach you.
8. Tire chains
Tire chains provide extra traction when driving in snow and ice, especially in mountainous areas. They can help you get better control and keep you safer on slick roads.
Just make sure you know how to put them on and that they fit your tires properly. They’re not something you want to figure out when you’re already in a tough spot.
9. Windshield washer fluid
Winter conditions mean more salt, snow, and dirt hitting your windshield. You’ll need plenty of windshield washer fluid to keep your view clear.
Make sure it’s the kind that’s rated for winter use, so it doesn’t freeze in your lines or on your windshield. Keep an extra bottle in the trunk to refill when needed.
10. Non-perishable food and water
If you’re stuck for hours, having snacks and water can help keep you comfortable while waiting for help. Choose non-perishable foods like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit.
It’s also a good idea to keep bottled water in your car. Just remember, water can freeze in extremely cold conditions, so consider insulating the bottles.
11. Spare tire and jack
A flat tire in the cold is a nightmare, especially if you’re unprepared. Make sure you have a spare tire and a jack in your trunk, and that they’re in good condition.
Check your spare regularly to make sure it’s properly inflated. You don’t want to discover a flat spare when you really need it.
12. Gloves and hat
If you need to get out of the car to change a tire or dig yourself out of snow, you’ll want to stay as warm as possible. A pair of thick gloves and a warm hat will protect you from the freezing cold.
It’s much harder to work on your car with frozen fingers, so keeping your hands warm is key to getting the job done quickly.
13. Flares or reflective triangles
If you break down on the side of the road, especially at night or in bad weather, you’ll want to make sure other drivers see you. Flares or reflective triangles help alert oncoming traffic and keep you safe.
These items are also useful for signaling help, especially in areas where your phone might not have service.
14. Tow strap
If your car gets stuck, a tow strap can help another vehicle pull you out. Make sure it’s strong enough to handle the weight of your car.
While you’ll need another car to help with this, a tow strap can save you the cost of a tow truck and get you back on the road faster.
15. Portable charger or power bank
In winter emergencies, your phone is your lifeline. Whether you’re calling for help or using GPS, you don’t want your phone to die. A portable phone charger will help keep your phone powered up when you need it most.
Make sure it’s charged and ready to go, so you’re never left without a way to call for assistance.
16. Whistle
A whistle can be great for getting attention. If your voice gives out or you are just exhausted and unable to move, it can make a difference between getting help, or not. Just be sure to invest in a better quality whistle that can be heard at long distances. Plastic or toy whistles will not work for an emergency situation.
Winter driving can be tough, but being prepared can make it a lot easier. With these 15 essential items in your car trunk, you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws your way. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep your car stocked!
17. Reflective Safety Vest
This tip comes from a reader. John recommended a reflective safety vest for whomever is working on the car. It is a small amount of money to save a life! Working on a car on the side of the road can be dangerous – especially in bad weather and in the dark. A reflective safety vest will help protect you while you are working on your car!
Download the Emergency Car Kit Checklist
To help you with your planning we have created a free downloadable winter car emergency checklist. It is a great tool for helping you prepare your car for winter. Place one in your emergency binder and print one to keep in your glove compartment!
Download the PDF checklist
Winter driving tips
Winter driving can be challenging and hazardous due to snow, ice, and cold temperatures. By following these winter-specific driving tips, you can enhance your safety and minimize the risk of accidents while navigating the roads during the colder months.
- Slow down: Reduce your speed to account for reduced traction on snowy or icy roads.
- Increase following distance: Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
- Avoid sudden movements: Accelerate, brake, and steer gradually and smoothly to prevent skidding or losing control of your vehicle.
- Don’t use cruise control: Cruise control cannot adjust as needed to troublesome road condition.
- Skid safety: Following the above should help you avoid a skid, but if you feel one occurring, steer in the direction of the skid to help regain control.
- Gas half-full: Always keep the gas tank at least half-full. Running out of gas is the last thing you want when it is freezing out.
- Stay home: The best way to stay completely safe – just stay home if the weather is that bad.
Prepare your car for the winter
Preparing your car for the winter season is one of the best things you can do to improve your safety and winter preparedness. Below are some simple steps to get your car winter ready.
- Install winter tires
- Check tire pressure often
- Test battery and replace if needed
- Use winter-grade wiper fluid
- Check antifreeze levels
- Use winter-grade oil
Sources: USDOT FHA
Free Printable Emergency ID Cards and How To Use Them
Emergency ID cards are great for kids and adults. When kids are dealing with an emergency they may get nervous and not remember important details. Adults might lose their license or have a medical emergency. These printable emergency ID cards can help with all emergency situations. Keep them in the car, in a go bag, and of course in school backpacks.
Creating Get Home Bags for Family Members
Never take a day for granted. An emergency can happen anywhere at anytime. While this article focuses on creating a get home bag for dad, they are actually a great idea for any family member who spends days away from home. This bag is meant to give them the tools they need in the event an emergency happens that keeps them from getting home easily.
For safety, you should include at least one reflective vest for whomever is working on the car. they are not expensive, typically $10-15, and well worth the time and effort if they save a life.
Fantastic idea! We were so focused on items to fix the car, we did not think about safety! We will definitely add a mention for this. Thanks John!
If you are in a bad situation for an extended time, a covered “potty” can would be wonderful and helpful, too. Some dry clothing and boots -snow melts, leaving you wet and cold. Also, a candle and matches,
Great additions Kitty! Will add these to the list, thank you!