Don't get stranded out in the cold – make your own winter car survival kit.
Everything You Need For a Winter Car Emergency Kit
Updated on Feb. 18, 2025
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Candle-Powered Heater
When your car is stuck or broke down in the winter, keeping it running to stay warm can be dicey. For one thing, you’ll eventually run out of gas (though your car can run for a few hours on a full tank) and you’ll need some fuel when help arrives to get your car moving again or when the weather clears up.
But more importantly, snow and ice can block your engine’s exhaust and lead to deadly levels of carbon monoxide in the car’s cabin. So make sure you pack a simple candle-powered heater. All you need is a metal can, an emergency candle and a lighter. A candle can make a surprisingly effective ad hoc heater in the confined space of a car.
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Small LED Flashlight
Make sure your car kit contains a small LED flashlight with fresh batteries. Flashlights are a godsend for changing flats, or to see under the hood to find any quick fixes. And once the sun sets, you’ll want something to illuminate the interior of the cabin for writing down notes, phone numbers, etc. And in some cases, you can use the flashlight to signal oncoming cars or help a tow truck pinpoint your location.
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Cell Phone Car Charger
Cell phones are welcome lifelines when winter driving goes wrong. In the event of a collision, your phone’s camera and notes app are essential for recording evidence and information. And if you get stranded, you’ll need your phone to contact help.
But phones are only effective when they’re charged, so keep a spare cell phone charger in your survival kit to keep your phone charged up. A simple USB car charger lets you charge any phone as long as you have the right cord.
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Portable Air Compressor
Powered by the 12v outlet in your car, a portable air compressor doesn’t take up much space and can help fill low tires— or, more importantly, fill a flat or low spare tire. Tire pressure-related tire failures are surprisingly common, so it’s always a good idea to check your tires regularly. You also may need to fill your tires more often when it’s cold.
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Simple Tool Kit
There are a few roadside fixes that can be accomplished with some common tools. Pack a couple screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench and some duct tape. If you can get your car moving again and to a service station with a few Macgyver tricks, you may not only get home safe and sound, you’ll save yourself the cost of a tow.
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Safety Absorbent
A small bag of safety absorbent can help your car regain traction when you’re stuck on ice. Cat litter also works, but floor sweep absorbent works better. (Sold at auto parts stores, it’s sprinkled on garage floors before sweeping to absorb oil and grease.) Do you have 4-wheel drive? Make sure you know how to use it, especially in winter.
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Foldable Shovel
Digging out compacted snow from under the car or around the wheels is much easier with a proper shovel. Plus, using your hands, even in gloves, can cool you down fast. When you don’t have room for a full-size shovel (and really, who does?), the next best thing is a foldable shovel. You can pick them up online or in military surplus stores. Maybe the best tip, though, is becoming a better winter driver.
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Fix-a-Flat
Sometimes, when you’re lucky, a can of fix-a-flat can get you back on the road without having to put on your spare (which can be a real hassle in the cold). Remember, fix-a-flat isn’t intended to be a permanent solution, just a stopgap measure until you can find a tire shop. But fix-a-flat has to be warm to dispense. So either keep it in the cab or warm it over the defroster before using.
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Warm Hat and Gloves
Staying warm is the most important survival tactic when you’re stranded in the winter. It’s always a good idea to have an extra hat and gloves so you (or an under-clothed guest) can keep warm while getting your car out of a ditch, changing a tire or taking a look under the hood.
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Warm Blanket
It could be a while before help arrives, so you need to keep warm. A spare blanket will help you do just that. Keep in mind it’s likely to get dirty, so choose an old comforter or quilt.
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Pack it All Up
Put everything into a sturdy box or plastic bin and pop it in the trunk or back seat. Hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but you’ll be thankful you have your winter emergency car kit if you do find yourself stranded in a winter storm. Next, get to know what you should have in your car’s emergency kit for summer road trips.
