Winter Car Kit-23 Simple Items You Really Need [2022]

Chilly Willy Man! It’s time to prepare our winter survival kits including a Winter Car Kit. What should you pack in your winter car kit? See our helpful list below.

The low temps here in Nebraska have been in the 40’s this last week, and we might see 38 degrees next week! Fall is in full swing, and we enjoy every bit of hot cider, apple donuts, and chili.

Consequently, we are also preparing and finalizing our Winter Car Kit List. Snow and ice tend to strike without warning here in the midwest.  Well not entirely without warning with today’s technology. But you’ll be walking barefoot one day and on ice the next. Weather Whiplash is the result.

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Why We Need a Winter Car Kit

Aside from comfort, you can probably imagine a few other reasons we need to pack a Winter Car Kit. The items would come in handy or save your life if you:

• Broke down or got a flat tire
• Skidded across the ice and off the road
• Found yourself in an accident

Let’s take a few minutes to jot down a quick list or print the free download at the end, and pack the necessary items for cold-weather car emergencies. 

Winter Car Kit Checklist

Items to keep inside your car

Blankets

Mylar heat-reflecting blankets help keep your body heat contained and are waterproof but need a layer of insulation like wool or fleece. Wool is heavy, fleece is easy to roll and tuck away, and some people even keep a full sleeping bag on hand. Put the mylar blanket over any of these to trap any body heat you already have. My winter coat and boot are lined with heat-reflecting material and get quite toasty!

Extra set of clothes for everyone

If you get wet when trying to change a tire or dig yourself out of the snow, it’s important to put dry clothes on and reduce the chances of hypothermia. Extra layers will naturally help maintain body heat.

Boots

Even though you’re encouraged to stay in your vehicle until help comes, you may need to try and fix the situation yourself. You’ll want waterproof boots that can keep your feet warm in low temperatures. If you can walk to your destination, boots will make it that much easier and safer.

Gloves, hat, and scarf

Similar to extra boots, you’ll be more comfortable and safe from frostbite if you’re properly covered. 

We were driving during a snow storm once, it wasn’t the worst. But I was alerted by my tire pressure sensor to check my tire pressure. Even with gloves, my daughter and I took turns checking and filling the tires because our hands were numbing up and in short, we couldn’t hold the tiny tools.

Coat

This is an easy one to forget when you can preheat your car these days. Additionally, some people prefer to travel without a coat under the seatbelt. Toss it into the seat next to you or behind you and be on your way.

Scraper or snow brush

You may not always be able to depend on your defroster melting all the snow and ice for you. If it stops working or your car dies, you’ll want to be able to clean the windshield off to see if help is coming.

Nutrient-dense snacks and kids’ food/formula

Keep foods that won’t freeze and foods that will sustain you for possibly up to 72 hours. Granola or meal bars, coconut or nut butters, fruit strips, trail mix, etc.

Hand and foot warmers

They last for hours and you can easily share them with passengers. They take up little space and don’t release any fumes into the air. You can try a homemade version (yay chemistry!) or buy in bulk.

Battery-charged cell phone charger

Hopefully, you’re charging up before leaving but just in case, keeping a fully charged battery charger to recharge your phone could be a lifesaver.

Diapers and (dry) wipes

You’ll likely keep your diaper bag stocked, but have you ever forgotten the diaper bag right next to the door or at the babysitter’s house?! Just in case, keep a few in the car too.

Water

See FAQ below.

Flashlight or headlamp (hands-free!)

If your cell phone battery dies, you’ll want a backup. You can wave it to help signal for help, use morse code if you know it, and keep the kids calm too.

Tire gauge 

Tires often lose air overnight, so check them before leaving in the morning.

Alternative heat source

Or a metal coffee can with toilet paper, rubbing alcohol, and matches (lighters won’t work once they get too cold). Put the toilet paper roll inside the coffee can, soak it with rubbing alcohol, and light it with matches. It burns clean and can actually heat up a whole room. We did this during a snowstorm with a power outage. 

First-Aid Kit

Helpful to keep in case someone falls on the ice or needs medical attention after an accident.

Items to keep in your trunk

Shovel

A small shovel like this can come in handy even when just driving through the neighborhood or while camping. It only weighs 2 lbs and takes up little space. 

Portable air compressor and/or FixAFlat

See Tire Gauge ^^^. It may mean the difference between waiting for roadside assistance and moving right along to a tire store.

Small tool kit

A wrench, pair of pliers, or even a hammer can come in handy. 

Cat litter, salt or de-icer

Anything that you can sprinkle or spread in front of your tires to give them some grip

Windshield cleaner

Our area gets soooo sloppy with slush and muck! Given that, we go through gallons of windshield wiper fluid. Always best to keep an extra gallon handy.

Jumper cables

Jump you or someone else! A helpful explanation here.

Sandbags if you need the weight

Especially rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Snow tires, tire chains, or tow strap

I just got towed over a steep embankment last week! I was so lucky a bystander offered help. He just hooked us both up and gave a tug. I was free in minutes!

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Organize Your Winter Car Kit

After you’ve gathered your necessary items you can neatly organize them all in a nifty car organizer like this, and feel confident that you’re prepared for any winter emergency.

As shown above, keep certain items close by in this organizer below in case you’re unable to get to your trunk. Imagine if you’re pinned in your car or hit from behind. Ultimately, better to be safe than sorry.

Of course, simple totes will do as well.

FAQ

Why wouldn’t you just call the tow truck? 

You most definitely can call the tow truck. Indeed, include their number on your speed dial. But then consider how busy they might be, how long it will take them to get to you, or anyone else for that matter, and how you’ll wait it out until they arrive.

What if my battery dies or I run out of gas and the car no longer has heat? 

Unless you can see an open building across the way, do not leave your car. Your car provides shelter from the elements. Remember Rules of 3’s: We can survive 3 hours without shelter, however, unless you’re elderly, injured, etc.; then it’s less. So we want to stay protected AND your car has all your gear. It’s easier for rescue workers to spot. You can help them by using a flare and/or placing reflective triangles near your car or near the side of the road where you slid off. Then return to your vehicle.

What else can I do to prepare for driving in winter weather?

In addition to packing your car with your Winter Car Kit, you can track the weather, make sure you have a full tank of gas and tires full of air, make sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid for spray from other vehicles, make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, increase distance between yourself and vehicles ahead, drop your speed, learn how to break on the ice, avoid cruise control, avoid stopping in the middle of hills, and check the tread on your tires or have them rotated.

How do you keep water bottles from freezing?

If you’re not in the habit of bringing your gallon of water with you everywhere (which can be very handy when counting ounces), then you can keep a small cooler in your vehicle with water bottles to keep them from freezing in the winter. It does need to be well insulated, not a soft cooler.

Share your Winter Car Kit tips with us!

What else do you include in your kit? Tell us your winter weather tips for traveling as well. 

Be well-prepared and safe!