The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A useful winter car emergency kit keeps you warm, visible, hydrated and able to handle common snow-related breakdowns until help arrives. Start with blankets or a sleeping bag, dry winter clothing, a flashlight and spare batteries, a charged phone and charger, warning devices, a snow shovel, ice scraper and brush, traction material, jumper cables, first-aid supplies, medicines, water and high-energy food. Then adjust quantities for your passengers, pets, climate, trip length and vehicle storage space.
There is no single government-mandated kit. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) provide preparedness guidance; their lists are starting points that you should adapt to your circumstances.
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Why a winter car emergency kit matters
Snow, freezing rain and extreme cold can turn a minor delay into a dangerous exposure event. A crash, blocked road, dead battery or spun-out vehicle may leave you stationary for hours while road crews and rescuers work. NWS notes that more than 5,000 fatalities occur on roadways each year due to weather conditions; the cited figure is not identified as winter-only and has no underlying data year on the source page. A kit cannot prevent every incident, but it gives you heat, light, traction, communication and basic sustenance while you wait.
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Store supplies where occupants can reach them without leaving the vehicle. A rigid tote, soft duffel or cargo organizer prevents loose items from becoming projectiles and lets you inventory the contents quickly. Keep the kit secured so it does not interfere with pedals, airbags or a clear view.
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- Premium Roadside Emergency Kit: This winter safety kit includes 86 essential items, featuring 12 ft 8 Gauge jumper cables, and a 73-item first aid kit, preparing you for any roadside crisis
- Winter Car Tools: Stay safe during winter travel with our detachable snow shovel and car snow brush, specifically designed to clear snow and ice from your vehicle quickly. Ideal for drivers in snowy regions who want peace of mind on wintry roads
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The core winter car survival kit checklist
Warmth and protection from exposure
- Blankets or a sleeping bag for every occupant you can reasonably accommodate.
- Extra dry clothing: warm hat, gloves or mittens, spare socks, a jacket and sturdy boots. Wet cotton loses insulating ability, so prioritize dry, insulating layers.
- Hand, body or foot warmers for severe cold. Check their expiration dates and packaging before each season.
Keep these items in the passenger compartment rather than under frozen cargo. If a coat or blanket becomes wet, replace it with a dry layer before attempting strenuous work outside.
Light, visibility and communication
- A flashlight with spare batteries. Test the switch and replace corroded or depleted batteries.
- A charged mobile phone and a vehicle charger or spare power bank. Charge the phone before a long trip and conserve battery if stranded.
- Reflective triangles, flares or another bright warning device to alert approaching traffic. Set them only when it is safe to exit and follow local road rules.
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide weather and road updates when cellular service or vehicle power fails.
Snow removal, traction and recovery
- A snow shovel and broom for clearing around the tires, doors, roof and exhaust outlet.
- An ice scraper with a brush.
- Traction material such as sand or cat litter to place under a slipping drive wheel.
- Jumper cables. They require a second vehicle or a suitable jump starter and correct connection procedure.
- A basic tool kit. Depending on the route and your skills, NWS regional guidance also lists a tow rope, compass and paper road maps.
Shovel and scraper sizes should match your vehicle. A tiny scraper may not clear a large windshield, while an oversized shovel may not fit in a compact trunk. Never use traction material as a substitute for safe tire choice or careful throttle control.
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- ESSENTIAL RESOURCES: Packed with practical supplies from jumper cables, reflective triangle and vest to tow rope, and tire presure gauge, we've got everything you need to stay safe during an roadside emergency. But that's not all - it also includes rarely used but essential items like safety hammer, emergency blanket, and survival whistle. With these, you'll be prepared for almost everything the road throws your way.
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- FOLDABLE SURVIVAL SHOVEL: At 16.5 inches, it's a portable size and comes with a carrying pouch. Its versatile design allows for shoveling, digging, hoeing, sawing, and chopping, making it the perfect tool to get you out of any tight situation.
- CAR REPAIR TOOL SET: This handy kit contains all the necessary tools for emergency vehicle repairs and basic household DIY projects, including hammer, wrench, plier, tape measure, PVC tape, digital display test pen, 3 screwdrivers, and 5 hex key. Each tool is neatly organized in a handy case for easy storage and portability.
First aid, medicine, food and water
- A first-aid kit and all necessary medicines. NHTSA specifically mentions a kit that includes a tourniquet; a tourniquet recommendation is not a requirement, and carrying one does not replace professional training.
- Non-perishable, high-energy food such as dense bars, nuts or other items that tolerate freezing and do not require cooking.
- Drinking water sized to your passengers, trip duration, climate and storage conditions. An NWS cold-weather preparedness page gives a broad target of at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days. That is a general emergency-preparedness figure, not a practical requirement for every vehicle or short winter journey; freezing and storage capacity must be considered.
- Tissues, paper towels, plastic bags and other sanitation supplies, particularly for remote or extended travel.
Rotate food, water and medicines so nothing is expired, leaking or damaged by freezing. Use containers that will not burst if their contents expand.
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The correct amount of gear depends on who is traveling and where the vehicle may stop. Use this planning table before buying an assembled kit or filling a tote.
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- The Road Guardian- The portable roadside assistance kit is designed and hand picked by a group of experienced veterans and experts to provide every essential tools you need in roadside emergencies. The automotive safety bag contains accessories such as repair cable ties, bungee cords, electrical tape, space blanket, rain poncho, reflective warning triangle, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, safety gloves, tow rope and more to get your vehicle back on the road and continue your travel.
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| Situation | Add or change | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| One driver, short trip on well-traveled roads | One warm layer, blanket, light, phone charger, scraper, shovel, traction material, warning device, food, water and first aid | Provides basic exposure protection and recovery tools without overloading a small car |
| Several passengers | More blankets, dry socks, food and water; medicines for each person | Supplies must cover everyone if the delay lasts for hours |
| Infant or young child | Diapers, wipes, spare clothing, and special formula or food | Child-specific needs cannot be replaced by general supplies |
| Pet aboard | Pet food, water, leash or carrier supplies, waste bags and any animal medicine | Animals need their own calories, hydration and restraint equipment |
| Remote roads or long journeys | Extra food and water, larger sanitation supply, tool kit, tow rope, compass, paper maps and radio | Help may be farther away and phone service less reliable |
| Severe-cold region or overnight travel | Sleeping bag, additional insulation, warmers and more spare clothing | Exposure risk rises sharply when temperatures are low or travel extends overnight |
| Limited trunk or hatchback space | Compact shovel, collapsible containers and a soft organizer; keep critical items in the cabin | Every item must fit without blocking occupants, controls or visibility |
Before selecting a pre-packed kit, check its passenger rating, dimensions and actual contents. Many general roadside bags omit warm clothing, traction material, warning devices, food or water. Treat the assembled kit as a base and add medicines, baby supplies, pet supplies and water yourself.
Prepare the vehicle before winter
Kit contents work only if the vehicle can run safely. NHTSA’s winter driving guidance advises checking the cooling system and coolant and carrying winter driving supplies. It also says, “Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible.” A fuller tank provides more flexibility when detours, closures or idling become necessary, although it does not make it safe to drive into a closed road.
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- Inspect tires, tread, inflation and the spare or inflator according to the vehicle manual; winter traction depends on tire condition as well as loose traction material.
- Check windshield-washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures, and replace worn wiper blades.
- Clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lamps, roof and license plates before moving.
- Confirm that the exhaust system and tailpipe are intact and unobstructed.
- Review local forecasts, road closures and travel advisories before departure. Tell someone your route and expected arrival when traveling remotely.
Pack the kit before the first major storm, then recheck it before longer trips. NWS Sioux Falls guidance recommends reviewing the kit before winter, confirming it is fully stocked and ensuring perishable items remain usable; see Winter Preparedness.
How to maintain the kit
- Inventory every item. Use the checklist above and mark supplies that are missing, damaged or unsuitable for the number of occupants.
- Test power and light. Turn on the flashlight, inspect spare batteries for leakage and charge the phone power source. Store batteries as directed by their manufacturer.
- Inspect consumables. Replace expired medicine, stale food, compromised water containers and used warmers. Check that formula, pet food and special-diet items are still appropriate.
- Check seasonal fit. Confirm that clothing still fits children, boots fit the wearer and blankets or sleeping bags match the expected temperatures.
- Verify tools. Open and close the shovel, inspect jumper-cable insulation, check the scraper and ensure warning devices are intact.
- Repack for access. Place light, clothing, phone power and first aid where occupants can reach them from inside. Secure heavier tools low in the cargo area.
- Repeat before major trips. A kit that was complete in autumn may be missing food, water or batteries after routine use.
What to do if you become stranded
NWS advises remaining in the vehicle where rescuers can find you unless a shelter is very close. Leaving to walk for help can expose you to whiteout conditions, hidden ice, exhaustion and disorientation. Call emergency services when possible, provide your location, vehicle description and number of occupants, and follow local instructions.
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- Superior Thermal Retention: Crafted from advanced aluminized Mylar, these foil emergency blankets are designed to retain up to 90% of body heat, providing crucial warmth in survival situations. A trusted addition to your survival gear and supplies.
- Multi-Purpose Survival Tool: Ideal for various emergency scenarios, including camping, hiking, and natural disasters. Can be used as ground cover, shelter, or to prevent hypothermia and shock. A good addition for camping or prepper gear and supplies.
- Compact & Lightweight Design: Each survival space blanket measures 82" x 52" when unfolded yet folds down to a compact size, making it easy to store in bug out bags, backpacks, cars, emergency kit, survival kit, or apocalypse gear without adding bulk
- Durable & Reusable Material: Made with tear-resistant Mylar, these blankets are not only durable but also reusable, ensuring long-term reliability for multiple emergency uses. Add them to you tornado shelter supplies and bug out bag supplies.
- Essential Emergency Preparedness: A must-have for any emergency kit. Space emergency blankets are perfect for use as emergency camping blankets, hiking, car safety kits, and disaster preparedness, offering peace of mind in unpredictable situations.
Make the vehicle easy to find
- Turn on hazard lights when the battery condition allows, and use a distress signal or reflective warning device if it is safe to place one.
- Tie or display a bright cloth only where it will not create a traffic hazard.
- Keep the phone charged and answer rescuers’ calls. If service is intermittent, send a concise location message when a connection appears.
Use the engine and heater safely
If you must run the engine for warmth, first clear snow from the tailpipe and continue checking it because drifting snow can block it again. NWS winter-storm guidance says to run the engine periodically rather than continuously and to open a downwind window slightly to reduce carbon-monoxide risk; see What To Do If You’re Caught in a Winter Storm. Never run the engine in a closed garage or other enclosed space. If anyone develops headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or confusion, shut the engine off, move to fresh air if safe and contact emergency services.
Conserve energy and avoid injury
- Layer clothing, use blankets and share warmth without overheating one person.
- Eat small amounts of high-energy food and drink water regularly.
- Do not overexert yourself trying to dig out. Clear only the area needed for the exhaust, doors and a safe path, taking breaks to avoid sweating and exhaustion.
- Do not wander from the vehicle during a dangerous storm. If a shelter is genuinely close and authorities direct you to reach it, take the safest marked route and carry a light and phone.
The NWS Spokane Winter Storms guidance includes expanded supplies for vehicle stranding; use it to scale up provisions for isolated routes rather than treating every item as mandatory for a short urban commute.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a generic roadside bag and stopping there: verify that it contains winter-specific warmth, traction, snow tools, warning devices, food and water.
- Storing everything in the trunk: a locked or snow-covered trunk is useless if you cannot safely exit the cabin.
- Relying on a phone alone: cold drains batteries, coverage can disappear and a charger cannot create a signal.
- Carrying water without considering freezing: leave expansion room, protect containers and rotate damaged bottles.
- Using jumper cables without knowing the vehicle procedure: consult the owner’s manual, use correct polarity and stop if cables heat or spark excessively.
- Leaving the exhaust buried: carbon monoxide can accumulate rapidly inside a stationary vehicle.
- Assuming one kit fits every trip: passenger count, pets, medical needs, climate, distance and storage space change the required contents.
A practical final check before departure
For an ordinary winter journey, confirm that every occupant has dry insulation; the flashlight, phone and charger work; the shovel, scraper and traction material are accessible; warning devices and jumper cables are present; first aid and medicines are current; and food and water cover the people traveling. For remote or storm-prone routes, add the extended supplies and tell someone your route. These checks take minutes and can determine whether a delay remains uncomfortable or becomes life-threatening.
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