Winter Car Kit and Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

In recent years, many areas of the country have been hit with some heavy snow and ice storms – sometimes unexpectedly. This article includes a winter vehicle maintenance checklist and a winter car kit checklist to help you prepare for cold weather travel.

Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

1. Take care of any necessary repairs before you find yourself stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Don’t be the guy driving around ignoring the warning lights lit up on their dash. Make sure the oil level is where it needs to be.
2. Make sure your tires are in good condition. Check inflation and rotate your best tires to the front (for front wheel drive). If you use winter chains, make sure they are ready as well. Consider well rated snow tires from Nokian or Michelin . Don’t forget to check your spare tire also.
3. Keep your gas tank full! Grandpa Neverman was a stickler about always keeping the gas tank above half full, and we do the same. If you get stranded, you want heat. Also, traveling may take much longer than anticipated because of road conditions or detours.
4. Check out weather conditionsin the area where you intend to travel. Between the news, the internet and cell phones, you can eailsy know if you’re getting snow, ice, wind or anything else that will be trouble.
5. Make sure your de-icing washer fluid is full.De-icing windshield washer fluid is a cheap safety measure, especially in an ice storm.
6. Get a cellphone, even if it’s only an emergency use smartphone. Consider keeping a USB car charger or emergency radio/cell phone charger for your phone in your winter car kit. If your battery is dead, you can’t call a tow truck. A spare could be critical if you lose your charger cable.

What should be in a Winter Emergency Car Kit?

Your winter car emergency kit should contain cold weather gear, basic survival supplies and tools for roadside repairs.

Use this list as a starting point, and select the items that best fit your winter driving needs. Store the supplies and kit in your back seat instead of the trunk in case you cant get to your trunk. For more info on our complete all season kit see our Roadside Emergency Kit post.

First Aid Kit

See our Best First Aid Kit article for more information and things you should add to ANY first aid kit.

If you have the training an advanced trauma kit or larger trauma kit is a critical addition.

Sleeping Gear

In case you are stuck in the car off the road or snowed in somewhere overnight, you’ll want sleeping gear.

• Small Pillow in case you have to sleep in the car
• Wool Blanket – 100% wool is best, but they are really pricey. This one is 80%. Wool still warms even when wet and can be used to put out a fire (it won’t burn easily)
• Warm Sleeping Bag – a below zero sleeping bag
• Throw in a couple tiny emergency blankets – they can be used in a lot of creative ways, even just as a moisture barrier or cover. Cover the windows to reflect the cold out and warm in.

Clothing for your Winter Car Kit

• Hats – If you are stuck in the snow you NEED a hat. Stash an extra hat or two in the trunk and inside the car, preferably more than one lighter (beanie) hat and heavier warmer hat.
• Layers – Long johns in your size and a full change of layered working clothes including underwear. If you get wet a set of dry clothes can make a huge difference.
• Outer jacket that stops the wind, and layers reduce heat loss.
• Gloves – Large Winter gloves or mittens can go over your existing gloves for extra warmth
• A regular pair of Heavy duty Work gloves and a pair of insulated work gloves in your size.
• Wool Socks – large sized (they should not be too tight) – wool socks will stay warm even if they get wet. If you really want to stay warm a good first layer is polypropylene socks . The large wool socks can be used as mittens also.
• Scarf – You’ll be glad to have it if you end up walking. A Merino Lambswool scarf is even better
• Boots – Have an extra pair in your car or truck (maybe even one in the back seat and one set in the trunk) so you could give a pair to a passenger. You could be “dressed up” or under-dressed going to the store for a quick trip, and end up needing to walk long distance in the snow. Also, consider getting them a bit larger so you can wear wool socks. Even waiting in a car is better with heavy boots to keep your feet warm.

Food

• Snacks. Weather durable snacks such as granola bars, jerky, dried fruit, or the SOS Food Bar (coast guard 5yr food bar). Buy the pack and put one in each car. Hard candy will last a long time.
• Water. Make sure you empty a little water out of a water bottle. The plastic wont burst as easy when they they freeze. Or use flexible water pouches or if you have a long way to go add a LifeStraw. If you are really cold areas have a way to start a fire and a metal cup – for melting snow & drinking.
• Dry drink mix for the water, freeze dried coffee tea, hard candy or juice mix are a great addition. Just make sure it is shelf and temperature stable.

Winter Emergency Car Kit Tools

• Car shovel – These are small collapsible shovels that make decent emergency shovels. Alternately, consider a small fixed handle shovel.
• Sharp Rescue Knife. Consider a rescue knife. It can break a car window and cut a seatbelt. Keep it within reach of the driver.
• Flashlights. Having a couple in the car is a good idea. A few cheap AA Kootek flashlights or the AAA Lumintop EDC 01. Having one of the 18650 Thrunite TN12 is good in case you are stuck a while or have to walk in the dark. Remember to have at least one waterproof flashlight (look for IPX rating). For more info see or “Best Cheap Flashlight” and “Brightest Flashlights” articles. Swap batteries each SPRING and FALL.
• Depending on which flashlight(s) you choose you will need extra batteries (keep at least 2 extra sets – they are small and if the car battery is dead extra lights will allow you to see in the dark. Change the batteries out when the time changes each fall and spring.
  • Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA and Panasonic Eneloop Pro AAA rechargeable batteries and the Lacrosse BC-1000 Charger
  • 18650 Rechargeable batteries and an 18650 charger.

  Other Supplies

  • Heavy Tow Strap if you have ever towed someone, a strap is a LOT safer than just rope or chain.
  • Duct Tape has an insane number of uses. It can seal a crack in a window, hold on a broken mirror, tape a trunk shut or in first aid situations: immobilize a limb, create temporary splints and as a bandage. We keep a couple of rolls in each vehicle. We have been happy to have duct tape in the car or van numerous times. There are small “individual” packs or Mini Duct Tape available also.
  • Fuse kit various types.
  • Paracord to make makeshift tent, tie a door closed, or hood. This version is very versatile. Tie something to the top of the vehicle.
  • De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Sharpie pens can be used to write on pretty much anything, which is useful in an emergency.
  • Emergency Phone Numbers – keep a paper list in your car. Your cellphone might be dead but the police or a good Samaritan may have a phone.
  • Get an extra Android or Apple cell phone charger cable.
  • Empty Gas Can – In case you run out, normally you would only need this if you travel more than 1 hour per day in the vehicle. An extra gas can lets you keep the engine running more to keep you warm. Just make sure the exhaust is kept clear.

  Personal Items

  • Keep an extra pair of prescription glasses, sunglasses and/or contacts in your car. Remember, the sunglasses are as important in the winter snow as in the summer glare.
  • Medications, and other items also, like aspirin, and Advil. These should be in your first aid kit.
  • Kleenex, some wipes
  • Toothbrush, floss and toothpaste
  • Lip balm
  • Feminine hygiene items as needed
  • Baby/toddler items if needed
  • Deck of cards and/or other travel games. These are great if you are stuck in the snow or a hotel.
  • A notepad to leave notes or doodle.
  • A towel wrapped around a few cloth diapers, wash cloth or wash cloths is a great add on. You can use the wipes to clean up and towel to dry off. Moist wipes are a good option also, a small package can help clean up a mess.
  • Couple rolls of toilet paper (in zip lock bags) and a couple of garbage bags just in case. The garbage bags are multi-function. If you had a window blown out you can use the bag with Duct Tape to “seal” the hole to keep you warm

  Warmth

  • Hand Warmers – These can be used to warm more than hands
  • Clipper Lighters (we like clipper more than BIC) or waterproof matches
  • Candle in a metal container or Sterno – You can use this for heat or melting snow for water.
  • If there are multiple people in the area and you trust them, consider getting into the same vehicle. Body heat works.

  ** Note: Be careful with open flame inside a vehicle. Nearly everything inside a car is flammable. ALSO flame can use up your oxygen if the car is too tight. Keep your exhaust pipe clear and crack a window if you feel light headed.

  A good backpack

  If at all possible try wearing the backpack before you purchase it

  We recommend the ARMYCAMOUSA Day Tactical Backpack which holds 40L and expands to 64L. We have this one and like it. It is just big enough for two people or for bulky winter items for one. It has multiple compartments and a belt strap in case you need to hike home in an emergency.

  If you are really serious the 5.11 Rush72 is a great car kit and get home bag.

  Traction

  Store kitty litter, ashes or even better sand (gritty boring sand). Put some under your tires for traction when stuck. Note – clay litter will make the road more slippery, not less. Use a different type, such as ground walnut hull kitty litter.

  Tire chains – especially if you don’t have snow tires. You will need to research the right chain type for your vehicle. Thule and Security Chain both have decent reviews for their tire snow chains. If you don’t have any chains or snow tires and are stuck, worst case you can try putting the floor mats under the tires for extra traction on ice.

  Snow tires. Nokian or Michelin are good snow tires. You will need to research the specific tires you will need.

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  Get a Car Shovel That Won’t Break

  Our old car shovel was made of lightweight plastic, and broke the first time I tried to use it with heavy snow (see pic)

  We got an all metal snow shovel one that is holding up much better. The shovel was just fine and did the job. The boys like them for digging snow tunnels because of the short handles and their toughness.

  How to Store Your Emergency Car Kit

  We keep our main winter car kit in an old military backpack. Inexpensive and durable, but any backpack will work to store your winter items. The all year emergency car kit went into a better backpack (tools, change of clothes, first aid kit etc). Some people use totes.

  

  I keep the shovel and scraper separate from the rest of the pack, and food items separate from combustibles. If you pack nothing else, you should have hats and blankets enough for all regular passengers and a good ice scraper. The snow shovel and jumper cables are the next most important.

  Buy a Winter Emergency Car Kit

  You can buy a pre-packed winter car survival kit, but most of them are pretty skimpy, or just have car related items.

  The “Always Prepared 125-Piece Roadside Assistance Auto Emergency Kit with Jumper Cables” on Amazon looks to be better than most. But even this fairly good one needs extras (listed at the end).

  Contents: a Heavy-Duty 3-Ton Tow Rope, Window Breaker / Seatbelt Cutter, an Adjustable Wrench, Accident Report Form.

  Emergency Items: Battery Booster Cables, Reflective Safety Vest, Self-Powered Flashlight, 2 Light Sticks, Emergency Rain Poncho, Emergency Mylar Blanker, High Quality Reflective Warning Triangle, Whistle.

  Car Assistance Items: Tire Pressure Gauge, Multi-Function Tool (Strong Pliers, Emergency Screwdriver, 2 Bottle Openers, Mini Knife Blade, Regular Knife Blade, Saw Blade), Gloves with Extreme Grippers, 3 Bungee Cords (18″, 24″ & 32″), 15 Cable Ties, 1 PVC Tape.

  First Aid Kit with First-Aid Tape, 25 Adhesive Bandages, 6 Antiseptic, 10 Alcohol, and 3 Iodine pads, 2 Gauze Pads, 1 Bandage Roll, 10 Q-Tips, 1 Pair Disposable Gloves.

  We suggest you at least add: flashlights, duct tape, Quik Clot, Sharpie pens, wool blanket, fire extinguisher, ice scraper and a shovel.

  Don’t Forget Contact Information

  A friend of mine reminded me about another consideration – emergency phone numbers. Paper and electronic.

  “As an EMT, I was trained to look at victims cell phones (if they were unconscious) and I would look in their contacts list for a number listed as “ICE”. Ice stands for “In Case of Emergency”. Everyone should have a number for US to contact in case of an accident or medical emergency.”

  Since you SHOULD lock your phone, consider leaving a ICE paper note or emergency contact list in your glove compartment, with names numbers and relations. Alternately leave it in your wallet or purse.

  In the ditch or in an accident?

  Call 911 give and give your location, share the condition of everyone in the vehicle and describe your problem. Follow the 911 operators instructions.

  If your smartphone has a poor signal, try SMS (text). Text your location information and status to multiple people. A text might get through when a call cannot.

  If you can safely exit the vehicle, use the electronic road flare, or flag, to mark the side of the road where your vehicle is located for rescue personnel. If you can avoid it, don’t move on foot during a storm – you are likely to get hit in heavy snow.

  If you must leave your car or truck, carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing if possible and avoid roads – also leave a note with your name(s), address phone, and where you plan to go and place it on the inside of the windshield.

  

  Stay Safe this Winter!

  Let us know if you pack anything we missed, and please pass this post along to friends if you find it useful.

  You may also find these articles useful:

  • 4 Layers of Cold Weather Clothing Everyone Should Know
  • Emergency Heat During a Power Outage and other Winter Storm Preps
  • How to Put Up a Snow Fence
  • Roadside Emergency Kit Recommendations and Checklist

  Don’t forget to check out our other Cold Weather Preparedness posts.

  Originally posted in 2011, last updated Nov 2022.

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  65 Comments

  Kevin Lilly says:

  Love to read this article. I am totally inspired by your work and got some great ideas. Thanks and keep sharing 🙂

  JL E says:

  There’s more than one reason to keep your fuel tank topped up in the winter. In the cooler months condensation occurs in fuel tanks that are less than full. If you get enough water in your fuel tank from condensation, it will foul your carburetor or fuel injector system causing your vehicle to stop running. Many people blame that on the gas stations where they buy fuel but it’s more often just condensation. I use a large plastic tub with a lid for my vehicle emergency kit. I keep a light weight & a heavy weight blanket along with a couple of fleece throws. Some spare seasonal clothing, a full change including a hat. A spare pair of walking shoes. Some umbrellas & cheap plastic ponchos in colors not found in nature. (in other words, highly visible) Flashlights, (with emergency flashers built in) essential tools, a homemade BSA Buddy Burner, a 1 quart enameled coffee cup, some coffee & tea bags, individual sugar & honey packets, bottled water, a six pack of ramen noodles, (cooks in 3 minutes) a first aid kit, a small USB solar battery charger & some reading materials. And my cell phone goes with me wherever I go. In the days before the prevalence of cell phones I have been stuck on the roadside for several hours on more than one occasion, in all types of weather. So I eventually learned what I needed to keep with me at all times. Experience is the best teacher… =/

  August Neverman says:

  You are right! Tell your friends, family and neighbors. Everyone should take your example and make it fit their area. Laurie and I lived near Duluth Minnesota and the freezing weather was VERY HARD on cars (and people). When we switch from summer to winter we swap walking shoes for snow boots and leave the work gloves but ADD gloves, mittens and hats (stuffing the gloves/mittens inside the hat). We also throw in wool socks which can double as gloves. We suggest you keep a wool blanket in the car also, it wont burn easily so it can be used to put out a fire or just wrap up in the back seat to keep warm on a long trip. Wool will also keep you warm even if its wet. A kneeler pad can be a godsend when its -20F and your are kneeling to change a tire or clear the car. The quick way to make sure the gas doesn’t get water/moisture is to add HEET to the car gas tank every other time you add fuel. Chocolate bars and other hard candy are good for a quick pick me up and last nearly forever. All the best!

  Dan Sullivan says:

  Good post. A few more things that weren’t said in the article. – Keep as much of the food and meds in a wide-mouth thermos. It’s not just high temperatures that affect shelf life and potency, temperature variations as well. When it’ll be freezing outside and inside the trunk, the thermos should keep the temperature inside more or less constant. – A shovel that’s not telescopic is less likely to break. Mine is from Fiskars, a reputable Swedish company, and it’s pretty solid. It wasn’t expensive either. – Get one of those flashlights that are hand-crank. That way, you won’t have any surprises. Keep in mind batteries discharge quicker in cold temperatures. Dan “Survival” Sullivan

  Larry says:

  This is a very good list of item to store in your car. I would like to add that just in case things get wet, put your TP in a ziplock bag to keep it dry. I’ve had things break and get stuff soaked in the bin I car in my car, but the TP has always remained dry.

  Laurie Neverman says: Thanks, Larry. I’ll add a note about that. Audrey says:

  Thanks for a very comprehensive list and great ideas from all. Did I miss a flashlight? I also have a NOAA emergency radio (crank up style). And a tarp might be useful if you have to change a tire in the snow (or for shelter). I would add for 2nd or 3rd tier of emergency readiness for car … I have a tool that has a covered razor for cutting off a seat belt if it gets stuck in an accident situation and another tool on it is that piece you can use if you spin into water and the windows short circuit to break them and escape plus it has a flashlight with it. Granted you may never need it but doesn’t hurt to have it on hand.
  I never thought to carry a fire extinguisher in the car I may add that. And I also like the idea of using a tote container to keep all the e-items in the trunk. I would keep the wool or fleece blankets in the car ( if rolled up good pillows). And I have 2 seat back organizers for hand warmers, small first aid items, tissues, wipes, cheap rain ponchos, extra gloves, maps etc. and sm. food snacks. Extra sm. umbrella in glove compartment (can help with snow). Thanks again. Time to make sure everything is there for 4 riders.

  Laurie Neverman says:

  Flashlight is on the list right after water. 🙂 Thanks for your input. (That reminds me – I need to stick the umbrella back in the van.)

  Dee says:

  O I forgot to add, for those who have allergies to wool, there are fabrics which wick moisture away from the body. Sometimes manmade can be a good thing. I’ve used these for other uses so I know they work.

  Dee says:

  I bought several of those one way valve type plastic bags. I keep a change of clothing for each person which rides in the car. They are reusable and since they are one-way they work for keeping those old/wet clothes in and can be rolled up to get the air out. Much better than using food saver bags. I will be using many of these ideas this year with the new used car. Thanks. 🙂

  Ray Carlson says:

  What the hell do u need an empty gas can for if ur stuck and run out of gas, your not going to walk anywhere in snow like ur having throughout the country today. Its a little unsafe but so is gas in the car tank… I would want a little emergency gas available for those few extra hours of warmth before u run out of gas to put in the tank. just wondering

  Laurie Neverman says:

  If you’re carrying around a gas can with just a little gas, the motion of the vehicle will cause it to aerosolize, effectively creating a bomb, since the fumes burn much more readily than liquid gas. I really wouldn’t recommend this. No, you’re not likely to be hiking with 3-5 feet of snow on the ground, but if you have any sense or warning, you’re not likely to be out driving in it, either. The gas can would honestly be pretty low on my list – BUT – say you are stuck for a while and drain your tank, then can get out, but you have no gas to do so. Catch a lift to the service station, get your gas, get a ride back, put it in your tank and get out instead of calling a tow truck.

  Todd Richardson says:

  Don’t forget medications, pain pills, asthma inhalers, etc. A small backpacker stove and some ground coffee or tea can do wonders to lift the spirits.

  RYRO says:

  I saw on a TV talk show that a bag of kitty little is good to have in truck in winter months. It will help get out of slick road condition if you get stuck and need some traction.

  RYRO says: correction:
  ” kitty litter in trunk.. sorry :>) G says:

  Industrial Trash Bags (3 or 4) (bought at Lowe’s or Home Depot) can be used to keep you dry and warm if used over clothes or can be used to make a temporary shelter if need be.

  James says:

  Plastic grocery sacks or small drawstring bags to cover exterior mirrors. Anytime I think it might ice over I bag my mirrors so I don’t need to risk damaging them.