Winter Car Emergency Kit: 20 Recommended Items

October 23, 2025  |  Adriel B. Villarreal

Driving during the winter can be hazardous. Severe weather, accidents, and engine troubles can happen at any moment. That’s why you should always drive prepared. If you do find yourself stranded on the road during the winter, having these emergency supplies in your vehicle will help you stay safe until help arrives.

1. Stocking caps, warm socks, mittens, boots, and layers: Frigid temperatures are likely to be the biggest threat to your wellbeing if you get stranded during the winter, so warm clothes are essential.
2. Blankets or sleeping bags: If you’re traveling a long distance or in a remote area where you could be stranded for several hours or even days, then blankets or a sleeping bag will help keep you warm and give you the opportunity to rest while you wait for help.
3. Hand and foot warmers: Small and compact, hand and foot warmers are easy to store and provide lots of heat.
4. First-aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies are critical for addressing injuries sustained in an accident.
5. Drinking water: Bring at least one gallon of emergency drinking water per person on extended road trips.
6. High-energy, non-perishable food: Foods like trail mix, protein bars, dried fruits, unsalted and canned nuts, raisins, and peanut butter can sustain you if you’re stranded for an extended time. Bring enough for everyone in the vehicle.
7. Cell phone adapter/charger and power bank: If you do become stranded, you can contact family, friends, and emergency personnel with your cell phone. A charger and power bank will ensure you don’t run out of battery.
8. Candle and matches: When stranded, you should only run your engine for about 10 minutes every hour. A small candle can help keep you warm when your car isn’t running or if your car won’t start. You can also place it in a metal can to amplify the heat. Keep the candle and matches in a waterproof, sealable bag.
9. Flashlight with extra batteries: Use a flashlight to inspect your vehicle for damage, perform repairs, find something you dropped, and alert others of your presence.
10. Ice scraper and snow brush: You should always have these in your vehicle during the winter, and you may need them for restoring visibility after performing minor repairs.
11. Sand or non-clumping cat litter: If your wheels are spinning in the snow, spread generous amounts of sand or cat litter to give your tires traction.
12. Portable shovel: This can come in handy for digging yourself out of small snowbanks, clearing snow away from your exhaust (which you should always do if you’re stranded), and spreading the aforementioned sand or cat litter.
13. Jumper cables: Cold weather can make it harder to start your car. Jumper cables allow another driver to help you out and also enable you to help stranded drivers you may come across.
14. Multitool: Always handy in an emergency, a multitool can help you in various situations, such as cutting a seatbelt or tightening a loose bolt.
15. Tire repair kit or inflator: You can use these tools to patch up your tire enough to help you make it to a repair shop.
16. Whistle: If you find yourself stranded in a remote area, you can use a loud whistle to signal for help. Three consecutive whistle blasts are a universal distress signal.
17. Red bandana or cloth: You can tie this to your vehicle’s antenna or hang it from a rolled-up window to signal distress.
18. Road flares or reflective triangles: If your vehicle is stuck on the road, use these to alert other motorists to your presence and prevent collisions.
19. Towing cables or chain: These can help other vehicles pull you out of snowbanks and ditches.
20. Tire chains: These will give your tires traction, helping you get unstuck and safely on your way.

Stay Safe on Winter Roads

Keeping these items in your winter car emergency kit will help you stay safe in case of an accident, but it’s better to drive carefully and avoid an accident if you can. If you do experience an accident, contact emergency services for assistance as soon as possible.

If you experience an accident due to another person’s fault, the car accident attorneys at Barna, Guzy & Steffen can help protect your rights. We will review your case in detail and help you obtain appropriate compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation.