What to Keep in a Winter Car Emergency Kit

A winter car emergency kit should help you get unstuck, stay warm and visible, and support passengers during a delay. Start with these essentials, then adjust the supplies to your vehicle, route and passengers.

• Clear snow and gain traction: Pack a shovel, snow brush, ice scraper and sand or cat litter in a closed container. ^[1]
• Stay warm and visible: Carry blankets or a sleeping bag, warm layers, a flashlight with spare batteries and reflective gear. ^[1]
• Keep in touch and support passengers: Bring a charged phone, a compatible power bank or spare charger, food, water, a first-aid kit and needed medication. ^[1]
• Prepare the vehicle: Choose booster cables or a jump starter compatible with your vehicle. Add tire equipment, such as chains, when your route, conditions or local rules call for it. ^[1]

What should go in a winter car emergency kit?

Group supplies by purpose so you can find them quickly. Keep the core items together in an accessible bag or container, but store snow-clearing tools where you can reach them without unloading the vehicle.

• Snow and traction: Pack a shovel sized for your vehicle, a brush, an ice scraper and abrasive material such as sand or cat litter. A shovel moves deeper snow, the brush clears loose snow, and the scraper removes ice from windows. ^[1]
• Warmth and visibility: Carry blankets or a sleeping bag, warm clothing, hand or body warmers, a flashlight with spare batteries and a reflective vest. Warning triangles or other warning devices can help alert other road users, but use them only if you can place them without entering traffic or creating another hazard. Otherwise, stay in a safe location and contact help. ^[1]
• Communication and basic support: Bring a charged phone, a compatible power bank or spare charger, a first-aid kit, nonperishable food, water and necessary medication. Check that the power bank or charger works with your phone.
• Starting and route-specific gear: Keep compatible booster cables or a jump starter. For an EV, follow the owner’s manual for any 12-volt jump-start procedure. Carry chains or other tire equipment when they suit your vehicle and route; check local requirements before setting out.
• Flat-tire equipment: If your vehicle has a spare, check that it is present and usable, and carry the jack and lug wrench if supplied. If it does not have a spare, pack a compatible tire inflator and sealant kit if the vehicle supports one. Check the owner’s manual and learn how to use your chosen equipment before you need it.

How can you stay warm and visible if you are stranded?

Warm layers and blankets can help while you wait. Turn on your hazard lights to make the vehicle more visible, and use warning devices only when you can do so without entering traffic or creating another hazard. If conditions are dangerous, postpone travel rather than relying on emergency supplies to make the trip safe.

If you need the engine for heat, run it only when necessary. Before starting it, make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow, but do not exit into traffic to check. Recheck after snowfall if you can do so safely; snow can block the tailpipe again. Never run the vehicle in an enclosed space, and do not sleep with the engine running. A blocked exhaust can let carbon monoxide enter the vehicle. ^[1]

What should you pack for passengers’ food, water and medical needs?

Pack food and water for the people in the car, plus any prescription medication, first-aid supplies or special medical items they may need. Scale vehicle supplies to trip length, how remote the route is, passenger needs and available storage. Add baby or pet supplies when they apply. ^[2][3]

Water can freeze in a vehicle. To help keep it usable, store it in an insulated container or a less exposed part of the cabin when practical, and check it before travel. Replace containers that have frozen, cracked or leaked; do not count frozen water as immediately drinkable. Check food and medication for expiration dates and any storage limits.

How should you tailor the kit to your vehicle and family?

For an EV, follow the manufacturer’s cold-weather instructions and charge before travel. If the vehicle supports battery preconditioning, use it while plugged in as directed by the manufacturer. Overnight plugging alone does not guarantee a particular battery temperature; thermal-management behavior varies by vehicle. NHTSA notes that cold weather can reduce electric and hybrid-electric vehicle driving range. ^[1]

For children in car seats, NHTSA cautions that heavy coats can interfere with proper harness fit. Use thin warm layers, tighten the harness as directed, then place a blanket or coat over the child. Add supplies for each passenger’s age, medical needs and comfort, and account for pets if they travel with you. ^[1]

What should you do before winter travel or if the car gets stuck?

Check the vehicle, kit and route before winter travel. If you become stuck, take these steps in order:

1. Call for help: Contact emergency services if anyone is injured, in immediate danger or facing a medical emergency. Otherwise, call roadside assistance or the appropriate local help. Share your location and follow instructions.
2. Make the vehicle visible from inside: Turn on the hazard lights. Use interior lights if needed and if doing so is safe. Do not exit into traffic to place triangles or other warning devices.
3. Usually remain inside: Stay in the vehicle while waiting, especially in cold or poor visibility. Leave only if there is an immediate danger, such as fire or exhaust entering the cabin, or if you can reach clearly safer shelter without entering traffic. If you must leave, move well away from the roadway.

• Check the kit: Confirm supplies are accessible, usable and suitable for everyone travelling. Test the flashlight and power bank; check batteries, food, water and medication; and make sure cables or a jump starter match the vehicle.
• Check again after packing: Keep essential items from being buried under luggage, and make sure you can reach snow tools without unloading the car.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I check the food, water, flashlight batteries and medication in my winter car kit?

Check the kit before winter travel and during seasonal preparation. Replace food, water, batteries or medication that is expired, depleted, frozen, leaking or no longer suitable for the passenger who needs it.

Can I leave bottled water in my car through freezing temperatures?

Water can freeze in a parked car. Check your supply before travel, replace containers that have frozen or leaked, and store water in a less exposed location or suitable container when practical.

What should I keep in a winter car kit for a long trip through areas with few services?

Take the core kit and add enough passenger-specific food, water, medication and other supplies for the trip length, route, expected conditions and available storage.

Should I store the emergency kit in the cabin or the trunk?

Store essential supplies where you can reach them without moving other cargo. Keep snow-clearing tools accessible, and do not bury your phone power source, warm layers or other items you may need while staying in the vehicle.

Guidance cited

• ^[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Winter Driving Tips (vehicle supplies, cold-weather driving, EV guidance and child car-seat advice).
• National Weather Service Buffalo, Winter Travel (vehicle-kit recommendations, water guidance and travel checks).
• National Weather Service (NWS), Cold Weather Safety (cold-weather preparedness checklist and fuel guidance).