How to Make a Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car

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Winter weather can turn a routine drive into a long wait on the side of the road. A car emergency kit that stays in your vehicle helps you handle common winter problems, from breakdowns to road closures. A few well-chosen supplies can reduce stress and improve safety when conditions change quickly.

When it comes to building a safety kit on your own, Janelle Cohen has plenty of practical advice. As an expert organizer and author of “The Folding Book,” she recently partnered with Kelley Blue Book to highlight their Best Buy Awards.

Cohen suggests starting with common items like a first aid kit, jumper cables, a portable charger, and a flashlight. She adds, "Create your kit to contain exactly what you need. A lot of times pre-made kits come with additional items that you will never need or use. This is taking up extra space that you could be utilizing. If creating your own feels too overwhelming, look at the premade kits and remove and replace any items that don’t feel practical to your needs."

Why a Winter Emergency Kit Belongs in Your Car

If you live in a cold climate or plan to travel during winter, preparation matters. Vehicles can slide off the road, break down, or get stuck for hours during storms. The supplies you pack can help keep you warm, visible, and safe while you wait for help.

It’s also worth learning your car’s built-in safety features. Tools like an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), roadside assistance, and collision alerts can help during emergencies; however, they work best when paired with basic supplies you can use right away.

Woman places an emergency supply kit in a vehicle before bad winter weather strikes. — Place your winter emergency kit within reach, either in your center console or behind the passenger seat. Credit: Janelle Cohen for Kelley Blue Book

Supplies for your DIY emergency car kit

A winter emergency kit can be thought of as a short-term survival setup. Needs vary, but these items cover common winter driving problems:

Antifreeze – Helps regulate engine temperature in extreme cold.
Camping blankets or sleeping bags – Provides warmth if the heating system fails.
Duct tape – Useful for temporary fixes.
Warm clothing – Extra layers, boots, and a reflective vest can help if you need to exit the vehicle.
First-aid supplies – Bandages, gauze, wipes, and ointments.
LED flashlights, reflective triangles, and LED emergency flares – Improves visibility during storms or at night. Pack extra batteries.
Gloves or hand warmers – Protects hands during cold repairs or digging out.
Ice scraper – Clears ice and snow from windows.
Microfiber cloths – Helpful for cleanup and moisture.
Spare phone charger – A portable battery keeps devices powered.
Collapsible shovel or small shovel – Clears snow and helps free tires.
Cat litter – Adds traction under tires when stuck.
Snacks – Non-perishable foods like granola or protein bars.
Snow brush – Clears snow from windows, roof, and lights.
Tire gauge – Cold weather can lower tire pressure.
Tool kit and/or tire repair kit – Covers basic roadside fixes.
Water – Bottled or carton water for drinking and basic needs.

Janelle Cohen fits an emergency supply kit in the back seat of a vehicle. — Pack essential items before unexpected winter weather strikes. Credit: Janelle Cohen for Kelley Blue Book

Keep emergency supplies within reach

Where you place your kit affects how useful it is during stressful moments. If supplies are buried under cargo or frozen into the trunk, they’re harder to reach when conditions are poor.

Keep core items within arm’s reach of the front seats
Store bulky or less-used gear in the trunk or cargo area
Use soft containers that won’t slide during sharp turns
Avoid stacking heavy items on top of emergency supplies

What to do if you’re stranded in winter weather

Having the right items helps, but knowing how to respond matters just as much. Cold, low visibility, and traffic can turn small problems into dangerous ones.

Stay inside the vehicle unless help is clearly nearby
Run the engine in short intervals and keep the exhaust pipe clear
Turn on hazard lights or set out reflective markers
Limit phone use to conserve battery power
Eat small snacks and sip water to maintain energy

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How often should I check or update my winter emergency kit?

Review your kit at least once a year before winter begins. Replace expired food, water, and first-aid items, and test batteries and chargers. A quick check helps keep everything usable.

Should I keep a winter emergency kit in my car year-round?

Most items can stay in your vehicle all year. Some supplies may need seasonal swaps, since water can freeze and snacks can spoil in extreme heat. Small adjustments help keep the kit safe.

Do I really need a kit if my car has roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is useful, but response times can be long during severe weather. A winter emergency kit provides warmth, light, food, and tools while you wait. It can also help you assist others safely.