In much of the northern part of the country, wintry weather conditions are a fact of life for several months out of the year. Every year, 24% of weather-related accidents happen when roads are snowy, slushy, or icy, according to the Federal Highway Administration.^[1] Alaska, Colorado, northern California, and Washington are some of the snowiest parts of the country.^[2] 

If you’re stuck on the side of the road after a winter accident or breakdown, a winter car kit can help you fare in the inclement weather.

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What is a winter car emergency kit?

A winter car emergency kit is a stash of supplies that can help make sure that you’re as safe as possible if you need to hit the road during wintry weather conditions.

Winter car emergency kits should include items like a first aid kit, phone charger, water, and snacks, in case you’re injured or stranded in your car during a storm. You should also include items designed to help you deal with snow and ice, including ice scrapers, shovels, and a spare pair of gloves.

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Items to keep in your winter car kit

You should keep some items in your car year-round, such as drinking water and medical supplies. But in colder seasons, you should stock other supplies specific to winter weather conditions, like snow scrapers and shovels. The items in a winter car emergency kit can help you in case you break down in the snow, making sure that you’re as comfortable as possible and ideally back on the road as soon as possible.

1. Fresh water

Fresh water is an essential element of a winter emergency car kit. If you find yourself stranded indefinitely due to a snowstorm, you need to stay hydrated. While it’s a good idea to keep your car stocked with fresh water year-round, this is especially important in winter, when a storm could immobilize you without much warning. One easy way to keep water from freezing in your car is to store it inside a cooler or other insulated container. Make sure to change your water supply a couple times a year so that it stays fresh.

2. Nonperishable snacks

Food is the next most important item in a winter emergency kit. If you’re stranded in your car during a storm, snacks can help you keep your energy up. You should include shelf-stable snacks that can withstand both hot and cold temperatures. Some great options include nuts, granola, protein bars, and jerky. As with water, you’ll want to swap these out every so often and make sure that they aren’t expired.

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3. First aid kit

A staple of any emergency car kit, a first aid kit is a must-have, whether you get into an accident due to a winter storm or even just give yourself a minor injury while scraping ice or shoveling snow. A good first aid kit should include items like bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, sterile gauze, tweezers, and other items.^[3] If you have any time-sensitive medications that you need to take daily, you might also want to consider including them in a first aid kit. Check the kit periodically to make sure that nothing has expired.

4. Flashlight

You should also keep a flashlight in your car in case you’re stranded in the dark or when inclement weather makes it hard to see. Make sure that your flashlight has batteries. You may also want to include a backup hand-crank flashlight that’s operable without batteries.

5. Phone charger

Keeping your phone charged is important in an emergency in case you need to get in touch with emergency services, get a tow, or call friends or family for help. You should include a phone charger in your winter emergency kit. If possible, it’s a great idea to also include a fully charged phone battery pack so that you can continue to charge your phone if your car is turned off.

6. Hat and gloves

Stay prepared for chilly winter temperature with a spare pair of gloves and a warm hat. Even if it’s not that cold when you leave the house, temperatures could drop with the onset of a winter storm. Keeping warm, cozy winter gear in the car is an easy way to make sure that you’re more comfortable if you’re stuck in your car during winter weather.

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7. Blanket

A warm blanket is also a must-have in your winter emergency kit. Some first aid kits come with emergency blankets designed to retain heat and help you stay warm. But even an old quilt or blanket is a good backup.

8. Ice scraper

Ice scrapers, which typically also include a brush attachment to brush off snow, help clear ice and snow from your car without damaging it. Whether you just bought a new car or are moving to a place with lots of snow, you’ll quickly find that an ice scraper is an essential element of your winter car kit arsenal.

9. Shovel

If you’re stuck somewhere unexpected during a winter storm, there’s a chance that you might find yourself snowed in. If this is the case, a shovel will come in handy to help you dig out your car and get back on the road when it’s safe to drive. Look for a compact, collapsible shovel that you can easily fit in your trunk.

10. Sand

Slick conditions can make it hard to gain traction on roads. A bag of sand is another great addition to your winter emergency kit since it can help you get unstuck. Just sprinkle the sand along the surface to give your tires grip and traction on the road.^[4]

11. Jumper cables

One of the only things worse than being stranded with your vehicle during a winter storm is being stranded and having your car die on you. Keeping a spare pair of jumper cables in your car can make it easier to get a jump from another driver.

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Car maintenance tips to prepare for winter weather conditions

Aside from keeping a fully stocked winter emergency kit, making sure your car is properly maintained is one of the best things you can do to prepare for winter weather.

• Replace wiper blades. You don’t want to head into a winter storm with old, damaged wiper blades that leave your windshield streaky and blurry. It’s a fairly simple car maintenance step if you want to tackle it yourself, but you can also ask for a replacement whenever you get your oil changed or tires rotated.

• Check your tires. You should also check your tires before hitting the road in the winter. Make sure that your tire pressure is in line with your manufacturer’s specifications. You should also check your tire’s tread depth. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends using the “quarter test,” where you insert a quarter headfirst into the tire tread. If George Washington’s head is visible, it’s a sign your tires might need to be replaced.

• Check the car battery. Winter weather conditions can put a strain on your car’s battery. Have a mechanic check the battery at the beginning of the winter season to make sure it’s in optimal condition.

• Check the gas tank. It’s always a good idea to keep your gas tank topped up, but this is especially important when hitting the road during inclement winter weather. Some gas stations may not be open, and if you’re stranded or otherwise unable to reach your destination, make sure that you have enough gas to still get where you need to go once roads are clear.

• Mitigate road salt corrosion. Road salt lowers the freezing temperature of water to prevent ice from forming — but it can also leach into groundwater and corrode metal car components. To mitigate car corrosion, wax your vehicle’s exterior, keep your tires clean, and wash your car regularly.

• Test headlights and brake lights. Working headlights and brake lights are especially important during winter storms, when visibility is affected. Make sure that your headlights and brake lights are in working order, and fix them if they’re dim or broken.

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Winter driving tips

Whether you’re not yet used to winter driving or just need a quick refresher, here are a few things to keep in mind when driving during the winter months.

Drive below the speed limit

Winter weather can make road conditions slick and dangerous, so it’s important to go slow and avoid speeding. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends reducing your speed to half that of the posted speed limit on snow-packed roads and to two-thirds of the posted speed limit on wet pavement.^[5]

Use chains on your tires

Using chains on your tires during snowy conditions can help improve traction and make sure that your vehicle doesn’t slip and slide on the road. In some states, using chains is required during snowstorms. For instance, during inclement weather, the Colorado Department of Transportation may require vehicles to have chains, winter tires, tires with an all-weather rating or mud and snow designation, 4-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.^[6]

Clear your car of snow and ice

If snow is on your car, clear it off entirely, even if it takes a few extra minutes. This is important because leaving snow on your car’s roof, trunk, or windshields can make for dangerous conditions on the road. Not only does it potentially reduce visibility while you’re driving, but it can also fall off your car and hit another vehicle, especially at high speeds.

Only drive on plowed or salted streets

No matter where you’re going, getting to your destination isn’t worth risking your health and safety. You should only drive on plowed or salted streets and avoid driving on roads that are unplowed or have packed snow. Not only can this help prevent accidents, but it will also reduce your risk of getting stranded in the snow.

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Winter car emergency kit FAQs