The Winter Car Emergency Kit: What to Keep in Your Trunk Before the First Storm

The first real cold snap of the year always brings the same calls: a battery that won't turn over, a tire that went soft overnight, a car that slid into the ditch at the end of a gravel road. Most of these aren't emergencies if you have a few things in the trunk. A few of them can become emergencies if you don't.

Here's a practical winter car kit, built around the problems drivers actually run into, plus the safety rules from Ready.gov and the National Weather Service for when you're stuck.

1. Starting and running

NOCO Boost GB40 jump starter

Cold weather is hard on car batteries. A portable lithium jump starter lets you start your own car without flagging down a stranger for cables. The NOCO GB40 is one of the best-known compact models; it also charges a phone over USB and has a built-in flashlight.

What to know: read the manual before you need it, follow the clamp order it gives you, and recharge the jump starter every few months. A dead jump starter is just a heavy brick.

AstroAI dual-power tire inflator

Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall, so your low-pressure light is more likely to come on in winter. A portable inflator lets you top up a soft tire in the driveway or at the side of the road. This AstroAI model plugs into the car's 12V outlet or a wall outlet at home, and you set the pressure you want.

What to know: the right pressure is on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number on the tire. An inflator won't fix a puncture, so get a leaking tire checked.

2. Snow and ice

SubZero 60-inch snowbroom with ice scraper

A long snow brush lets you clear the roof and windshield of a truck or SUV without leaning against a dirty car. The SubZero 80037 extends to 60 inches, has a pivoting head and an ice scraper. Clear the whole car, roof included. Snow sliding off your roof onto your windshield or the car behind you is a real hazard.

Lifeline aluminum utility shovel

If you slide off the road or get plowed in, a shovel is the difference between digging out and waiting for help. The Lifeline shovel breaks down into three pieces and fits in a trunk. Clear snow from around the tires and the exhaust pipe first.

Traction tip: a bag of sand or cat litter in the trunk gives your tires something to grip on ice.

3. Staying warm

If you're stuck, the engine can't run all the time. Pack layers in the car so you can stay warm with it off.

• Wool blanket or sleeping bag for each regular passenger
• Hats, gloves and dry socks in a bag
• Hand warmers that don't need charging
• Mylar emergency blankets for extra warmth

HotHands hand warmers (40 pairs)

Air-activated hand warmers don't need batteries or charging, so they're ready when you need them. A bulk pack fills every car, backpack and emergency kit in the house. For rechargeable options, see our winter power-outage kit.

Swiss Safe emergency blankets (4-pack)

Mylar blankets fold small and trap body heat. They're not as comfortable as a real blanket, but they take up almost no room. Keep them with the first aid kit.

4. First aid and light

First Aid Only 298-piece family first aid kit

Bandages, gauze, wipes, gloves and the basics in a case that fits under a seat. Add any medications your family needs, and check the kit twice a year.

LHKNL rechargeable headlamps

Changing a tire, using a jump starter or digging out in the dark goes better with both hands free. Keep one headlamp in the car and charge it when you change the clocks.

5. Getting pulled out

Rhino USA recovery tow strap

If a friend with a truck can pull you out, a recovery strap does the job safely. Rhino USA's strap has sewn loops and no metal hooks, which can become dangerous projectiles if something fails.

What to know: attach a strap only to a rated recovery point or tow hook listed in your owner's manual, never to a bumper, axle or trailer ball. Keep everyone well clear while pulling. If you're not sure, call for a tow.

6. The rest of the kit

These cheap basics round out the trunk:

• A phone charging cable and a car charger
• Water bottles and high-calorie snacks (granola bars, nuts, jerky)
• A bag of sand or cat litter for traction
• A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna if you're stuck
• Jumper cables as a backup
• A paper map of your area

What to do if you're stuck

Ready.gov and the National Weather Service recommend:

• Stay in the car. It's easy to get lost in a blizzard, and a car is easier for rescuers to find.
• Call for help and tell them where you are.
• Keep the tailpipe clear of snow, and run the engine only about 10 minutes each hour for heat, with a window cracked.
• Turn on the dome light when the engine is running so you're easier to see.
• Move your arms and legs to keep blood flowing and stay warm.

The checklist

• Jump starter, charged
• Tire inflator
• Long snow brush and ice scraper
• Collapsible shovel
• Hand warmers, blankets and spare winter clothes
• First aid kit and headlamp
• Recovery strap (used only on rated points)
• Water, snacks, charger and a bag of sand or litter

Check the kit when you change the clocks, keep your gas tank at least half full in winter, and look at the forecast before long drives. For the home side of winter storms, see our winter power-outage kit.