If you live somewhere where the weather makes getting around difficult or even dangerous in the dead of winter, there are certain things you should have in your vehicle to mitigate risk and potentially save your life.
We’ve put together a 20-item DIY winter car emergency kit to help you plan for the worst.
20 Items You Must Have In Your Vehicle’s Winter Emergency Kit
1. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
- Scratch-free bristle head design
- Durable materials, withstands -40°F temperatures
- Versatile, detachable brush and scraper
I think it makes sense to start off a vehicle winter emergency kit list with an ice scraper and snow brush combo.
These tools allow you to remove ice and snow from your windshield, side windows, rear view mirrors, and headlights, ensuring maximum visibility during winter driving.
A good-quality scraper should have a durable blade for cutting through ice, while the brush should have stiff bristles to sweep away snow efficiently.
2. Jumper Cables
- Strong clamps with insulated rubber protection
- 20 ft cables, durable in extreme conditions
- Includes carry bag, 5-year warranty
Cold weather often leads to dead car batteries, making jumper cables a must. You should choose long, heavy-duty cables that can easily connect between cars, even in tough spots.
It’s also smart to ensure they’re insulated and rated for cold weather to avoid issues.
Of course, knowing how to use them correctly is key to avoiding damaging your vehicle’s electrical system–especially if you’re relying on them to get you out of a jam.
3. Portable Jump Starter
- 1000-amp jump starter, 20 uses per charge
- Multi-function: power bank, LED flashlight
- Compact, water-resistant, spark-proof design
A portable jump starter can quite literally save you if there’s no other car around to help.
These compact devices can jump-start your vehicle on their own–e.g., you break down on a rural road with no one around for miles–and often come with extra features like flashlights, tire inflators, or USB ports.
Having one provides peace of mind during winter emergencies and should most certainly be in your DIY winter car emergency kit.
4. Shovel
- 3-in-1 tool: shovel, pickaxe, hoe
- Compact, folds to 9" x 6"
- Lifetime replacement, USA-based support
A collapsible shovel is essential for digging out if your car gets stuck in snow or mud (or sand).
Look for a lightweight, durable option made from aluminum or steel that folds for easy storage.
This tool can be the difference between being stuck and spending hours (or even the night) in your vehicle and getting back on the road.
Consider adding a rope for the bottom of the shovel to lighten the load on your back:
5. Tire Chains
- Self-tightening ratchets for auto tightening
- Easy installation, removal in minutes
- Diamond pattern for smoother ride
Tire chains offer extra grip on snowy or icy roads, especially in mountainous or rural areas. Where I grew up, these were pretty much mandatory if you were planning on driving certain routes.
They improve traction by wrapping around your tires, making driving safer. Ensure the chains fit your tires and practice installing them ahead of time to save stress in winter conditions.
6. Sand, Kitty Litter, or Traction Mats
- Provides emergency traction for tires
- Lightweight, supports up to 3.5T
- Hexagonal design increases friction for grip
If your car gets stuck in snow or ice, sand, non-clumping kitty litter, or traction mats can help regain traction.
Sprinkling sand or kitty litter around your tires provides the grip needed to drive out, while traction mats can be placed directly under the tires for a quick solution.
Have a look at how effective traction mats can be in deep snow:
These items are easy to store and can be lifesavers in slippery conditions.
7. Blanket or Sleeping Bag
- 70% wool, flame-resistant, all-season blanket
- Durable, machine washable, retains vibrancy
- Multi-use: camping, car, home, emergencies
If you’re stranded during a winter storm, staying warm is crucial.
Stranded doesn’t have to be spinning off an icy rural backroad with no one around for a hundred miles. It could be stranded in traffic on the way home from work.
A thick blanket or thermal sleeping bag can help retain body heat, preventing hypothermia. If you’re looking for a more compact option, space blankets are also a small, easy-to-store item to keep in your trunk.
Make sure to pack enough blankets for each passenger, especially if your car breaks down or you’re waiting for help in freezing temperatures.
8. Extra Warm Clothing
Extra warm clothing is essential for winter emergencies.
Items like hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks help retain heat, and materials like wool are excellent as they wick moisture and keep you warm, even when wet.
If you need to leave the car or make repairs, having proper winter clothing is vital for staying safe.
9. Non-Perishable Snacks
Unexpected delays in winter can leave you stranded for hours. Having non-perishable snacks like energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruit can help maintain your energy.
These snacks are calorie-dense and won’t spoil in the cold. Store them in an easily accessible spot so they’re available when you need them.
10. Water
Staying hydrated is important, even in winter. Keep bottled water in your car to prevent dehydration during long waits.
To avoid freezing, store water in insulated containers and rotate the supply regularly. I always have at least one bottle of water inside the cabin, where it’s less likely to freeze solid.
11. Emergency Kit
- Sturdy 12V, 150 PSI tire gauge, durable tools
- Includes shovel, hammer, and multipurpose accessories
- Compact, lightweight, perfect for travel or gifting
If you are more interested in getting everything you need in one place, a comprehensive winter car emergency kit right out of the box offers all of the standard emergency items you are likely to need (and some that might not have crossed your mind).
Whether that’s a glass hammer, a compass, a crank flashlight or a seriously well-stocked first-aid kit, a lot of people buy these 4-6 lb kits and keep them tucked away in the trunk or back seat.
12. Flashlight with Extra Batteries
- 5 modes: High, Medium, Low, Strobe, SOS
- Adjustable focus for versatile use
- Waterproof, durable aluminum alloy construction
A flashlight is vital for any winter emergency, especially during the short daylight hours of winter.
Whether you’re checking under the hood, changing a tire, or signaling for help, a durable, weather-resistant flashlight is a necessary item to have in your car at any time of year.
Make sure to pack extra batteries to ensure the light is always available. Opt for flashlights with LED bulbs for a longer-lasting light source and, ideally, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
A good tactical flashlight, properly cared for, should last you thousands of hours.
13. Road Flares or Reflective Triangles
- 9 flashing modes for emergency signaling
- Rechargeable, with long standby life
- Waterproof, crushproof, and magnetic design
Winter driving often reduces visibility, making it crucial to signal your presence if you’re stuck on the roadside.
Road flares or reflective triangles are perfect for alerting other drivers, especially in snowstorms or at night. These tools increase your visibility and help prevent accidents.
Make sure you’re placing them far enough away from your vehicle to give approaching drivers plenty of warning that you’re there.
14. Windshield Washer Fluid (Winter Formula)
- 2-in-1 Winter De-Icer & BugWash
- Melts ice, removes road grime
- Streak-free, safe for rain sensors
Clear visibility is essential for safe winter driving, as snow, ice, and salt can quickly coat your windshield.
Windshield washer fluid contains anti-freeze that keeps your windows from freezing over, and having extra in your DIY car emergency kit is a good idea.
I’ve always got an extra bottle in the trunk in case I’ve forgotten or haven’t had the chance to top up.
15. Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench
These are things that should be on an emergency checklist regardless of the time of year, but dealing with a winter flat can be especially difficult.
Always have a properly inflated spare tire, along with a jack and lug wrench, in your vehicle.
You should also have a tire repair kit alongside it that you can use to patch small punctures temporarily until you can make it to a shop.
16. Tire Pressure Gauge
- Manual calibration for precise accuracy
- Works in extreme temperatures (-4°F to 130°F)
- Sturdy, durable, and long-lasting design
Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, affecting both your car’s handling and safety.
An under-inflated tire can lead to accidents, especially on icy roads, so keeping a tire pressure gauge in your car, especially during the winter, lets you check the pressure regularly.
If it’s low, refill the tires at a gas station or with a portable air compressor.
17. Tow Strap
- Durable polyester weather-resistant strap
- Ideal for flat surface vehicle recovery
- Triple reinforced ends for secure connections
If your car gets stuck in deep snow or slides off the road, a tow strap or recovery rope can get you back on track.
These sturdy ropes can be attached to another vehicle or a tow truck to help pull your car out of snow, mud, or ditches.
Just make sure the strap or rope is rated for your vehicle’s weight.
18. Multi-Tool
- 17 tools in compact stainless steel
- Replaceable wire cutters, optimized pliers
- Backed by a 25-year warranty
I think a multi-tool is one of those EDC things that you shouldn’t leave the house without.
A multi-tool is a compact, versatile tool that can come in handy for a wide range of winter emergency situations. You might need it to tighten a loose screw, cut a piece of rope, or even cut your seatbelt.
Having a multi-tool ensures you’re prepared for various minor repairs.
19. Cell Phone Charger
- IP67 waterproof, drop-proof, dust-proof
- 42,800mAh capacity with QC3.0 fast charge
- Includes LED flashlight, 100 hours runtime
In an emergency, staying connected is crucial, so having a way to charge your cell phone is essential.
A car charger or a portable power bank ensures that your phone remains functional, allowing you to call for help, let your family know where you are, check directions, or monitor weather updates.
They are especially useful if your vehicle loses power, either because you’ve been running it for so long or due to the weather/an accident.
20. Emergency Whistle
- 120 dB, pea-less, heard over a mile
- Reflective lanyard, clip for quick access
- Durable ABS, waterproof, works in cold
An emergency whistle is a simple but effective tool that can help you signal for help if you’re stranded in a remote area or if visibility is low during a snowstorm.
The loud sound of a whistle can travel farther than your voice, making it easier for rescuers or passersby to locate you.
It’s small, lightweight, and easy to keep in your glove compartment or on your keychain.
DIY Winter Car Emergency Kit Checklist (Printable)
- Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
- Jumper Cables
- Portable Jump Starter
- Shovel
- Tire Chains
- Sand (Kitty Litter, or Traction Mats)
- Blanket or Sleeping Bag
- Extra Warm Clothing
- Non-Perishable Snacks
- Water
- Emergency Kit
- Flashlight with Extra Batteries
- Road Flares or Reflective Triangles
- Windshield Washer Fluid (Winter Formula)
- Spare Tire, Jack & Lug Wrench
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Tow Strap
- Multi-Tool
- Cell Phone Charger
- Emergency Whistle
