Car Emergency Kit: What to Keep in Your Vehicle All Winter
· Melanie Becker
A winter car kit turns a stranded vehicle from a danger into an inconvenience. Breakdowns, road closures and storms can leave you waiting for hours in freezing temperatures. These are the items worth keeping in your trunk from now until spring.
Stay warm
- Wool blankets or sleeping bags for each passenger
- Extra hats, gloves, socks and a warm coat, stored in a waterproof bag
- Hand and foot warmers, which are cheap and light
- Emergency space blankets as backup
Get unstuck
- A compact folding shovel
- Traction aids, such as cat litter, sand or traction mats
- An ice scraper and snow brush
- Tow strap (and know where your vehicle's tow points are)
Be seen and get help
- A flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
- Reflective triangles or road flares
- A reflective vest
- A phone charger and a power bank
- A whistle
Fix small problems
- Jumper cables or a jump starter
- A tire pressure gauge and a tire inflator, or sealant if your vehicle lacks a spare
- Basic tools and duct tape
- Extra washer fluid, and a gallon of coolant if your vehicle needs it
Food, water and first aid
Keep non-perishable snacks such as energy bars and nuts, plus water. Water in a vehicle can freeze, so store it in a container with room to expand, or carry a bottle inside the cabin on cold days. Add a compact first aid kit and any medications you need.
Keep the vehicle itself ready
Keep your gas tank at least half full in winter. Check tire pressure and tread, battery condition and wiper blades before the season, and keep your phone charged before trips.
If you get stuck
- Stay with your vehicle. It is easier for rescuers to spot and gives you shelter.
- Call for help and share your location.
- Make the vehicle visible with hazard lights and a bright cloth on the antenna.
- Run the engine only briefly for heat, and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide entering the cabin. Crack a window slightly.
- Move around gently to keep your blood circulating, and stay dry.
Next step
Shop vehicle emergency kits or build your own with the list above.