What to Keep in Your Winter Driving Emergency Kit
Posted on February 14, 2025
Winter driving can be a challenge, especially when snow, sleet, and icy roads make it harder to see and control your vehicle. In fact, about 30% of car accidents in Canada happen in winter weather conditions.
Having an emergency kit winter driving in your car can make a huge difference if you find yourself stuck in bad weather. While it’s always best to avoid driving in severe conditions, sometimes that’s just not possible.
A well-stocked kit can help you stay safe and comfortable until help arrives, or until you're able to get back on the road. Let's take a look at what you should keep in your kit for winter driving emergencies.
Key Components of a Winter Driving Emergency Kit
Having the right items in your winter driving emergency kit can make all the difference when you're stuck in snowy or icy conditions.
Here's a list of essential items recommended by the National Safety Council to keep in your car at all times:
- Blankets, mittens, socks, and hats – To stay warm if you're stranded.
- Ice scraper and snow brush – For clearing off your car windows.
- Flashlight and extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight) – To see and be seen in the dark.
- Jumper cables – For starting your car if the battery dies.
- First-aid kit – Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and more.
- Bottled water – Stay hydrated during an emergency.
- Multi-tool – A versatile tool like a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife.
- Road flares or reflective warning triangles – To signal for help and improve visibility.
- Windshield cleaner – To keep your view clear.
For those in colder, snowier regions, consider adding the following extra supplies to your kit:
- A bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter – Helps with traction if you’re stuck.
- Collapsible or folding snow shovel – To clear snow around your car.
- Tire chains and tow strap – For added traction or to help get you moving.
- Hand warmers – To keep warm during long waits.
- Winter boots and sleeping bag – Essential for longer trips in extreme conditions.
Other essentials include a small fire extinguisher, tire gauge, jack, and lug wrench, along with rags, duct tape, and nonperishable snacks like granola bars and dried fruit.
Make sure to also have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, lighter and matches, paper maps, and a compass for navigating in case of an emergency.
Emergency Warm-Up Essentials
When you're stuck in cold conditions, staying warm becomes a top priority. Having the right gear on hand can help you manage until help arrives or you can get back on the road.
Here are the key warm-up essentials to keep in your winter emergency kit:
1. Extra Warm Clothes
Even if you're wearing warm clothing when you head out, it’s always wise to pack extra. Consider stowing these items in your car:
- Insulated winter coat: Go for a waterproof and heat-rated coat, ideally designed for temperatures lower than your region’s typical lows.
- Winter gloves: Choose waterproof, ultra-warm gloves to protect your hands.
- Knit cap or beanie: A warm, insulated cap helps prevent heat loss from your head.
- Extra socks: If your boots or shoes aren't weatherproof, an extra pair of socks can make a big difference in keeping your feet warm.
- Winter boots: Insulated, waterproof boots will keep your feet dry and warm in snow or wet conditions.
2. Emergency Thermal Blankets
Thermal blankets are compact and highly effective at keeping you warm without taking up much space in your car. These blankets are designed to retain body heat and are moisture-resistant, making them perfect for emergency situations.
A few thermal blankets in your car can help you stay cozy and protected if you’re stuck outside or in your vehicle for an extended period.
3. Disposable Hand Warmers
In extremely cold conditions, disposable hand warmers are a quick and effective way to provide extra warmth. These small, portable packets heat up when activated and can be tucked into your gloves, boots, or pockets to keep your hands and feet warm.
They’re lightweight, easy to store, and can be a real lifesaver if your vehicle’s heater is unavailable or insufficient.
4. Emergency Power Sources
If you find yourself stuck in your car, an emergency power source can be a lifesaver. Having extra power banks or a battery-powered heater can help keep your devices charged or provide a little extra warmth.
A solar-powered charger can also be a great backup, especially in cases where you need to charge essential items like your phone or flashlight.
5. Emergency Light Sources
In cold, snowy conditions, visibility can be reduced, especially at night. Keeping a reliable flashlight or headlamp in your kit is crucial for seeing and being seen in an emergency.
Consider adding extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight to ensure you’re never left without light, even if your battery runs out. Road flares or reflective warning triangles are also essential for signaling your location if you're stranded and need help.
6. Tools for Clearing Ice or Snow
Having the right tools to clear your vehicle is essential when dealing with icy or snowy conditions. Keep an ice scraper and a snow brush in your car to remove snow and ice from your windows and windshield.
This will help improve visibility and ensure your vehicle is ready to go when you can safely drive again. A collapsible snow shovel is also handy for digging your car out if you're stuck in heavy snow.
7. Additional Traction Aids
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice, having extra traction aids can help you get moving again. A bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter can provide traction under your tires.
Tire chains are another great tool for improving grip on icy roads, while a tow strap can help you get out of sticky situations by enabling another vehicle to pull you out.
8. Tire Care
Your tires are your car's main connection to the road, so proper tire care is critical, especially in winter. Keep a tire gauge to monitor the pressure of your tires, and make sure you have a jack and lug wrench to change a tire if needed.
A foam tire sealant can also help temporarily patch small punctures until you can properly repair the tire.
9. Personal Emergency Essentials
In a winter emergency, having the right personal essentials can help keep you safe and comfortable. Thermal blankets or sleeping bags are a must for warmth, while extra warm clothing like socks, gloves, and hats will help protect you from the cold.
Nonperishable snacks like energy bars and bottled water are also important to keep on hand in case you're stranded for a long period.
10. Car Tools
Finally, it’s important to have a few basic car tools in your emergency kit. A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife can be useful for small repairs, while duct tape and zip ties are great for making temporary fixes.
Having these simple tools on hand can save time and frustration when dealing with unexpected car problems in winter conditions.
Tips for Maintaining Your Emergency Kit for Car in Winter
Keeping your winter emergency driving kit in top condition is crucial for making sure that it’s ready when you need it most.
Here are some simple tips to help maintain your kit:
1. Check Regularly
Take a look at your emergency kit every few months to make sure everything is in working order. Batteries in flashlights, hand warmers, and other devices should be replaced if needed. Ensure that food items haven't expired, and that everything is properly stored.
2. Replace Expired Items
Items like food, medication, and water have expiration dates. Replace any expired items promptly to avoid unpleasant surprises in an emergency.
3. Organize Your Kit
Keep your kit organized so you can easily find what you need. Use clear bags or pouches for small items like first-aid supplies, hand warmers, and batteries. Make sure your tools and larger items like blankets are easily accessible.
4. Test Equipment
Regularly test any equipment that needs power, like flashlights, radios, or portable chargers. If something isn’t working, replace or repair it immediately.
5. Seasonal Adjustments
Before winter hits, double-check that your kit is stocked with cold-weather essentials, like blankets, extra clothes, and tire care tools. If you live in a milder climate, adjust the contents accordingly for the weather you might face.
6. Store in a Convenient Location
Keep your emergency kit in an easily accessible place in your car, like the trunk or under a seat. Make sure it’s secure, so it doesn’t shift while driving.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your emergency kit is always ready to help you stay safe and comfortable in any winter driving situation.
Get Winter Ready with CarHub North York Chrysler
Having a well-stocked winter driving emergency kit can make all the difference when you’re faced with unexpected weather conditions on the road. At CarHub North York Chrysler, we understand how important it is to keep your vehicle in top shape during winter.
We offer a range of services, from winter tire installations to battery checks and fluid top-ups, making sure your car is prepared for the cold. Plus, our parts department is stocked with all the essentials to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
For more tips and updates on vehicle maintenance, don’t forget to check out our CarHub North York Chrysler Blog page. Stay safe out there, and drive with confidence this winter!