Best Winter Car Emergency Kits & Cold Weather Survival Gear
Essential Emergency Preparedness for Your Vehicle
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and a well-equipped winter car emergency kit is essential for staying safe on the road. Whether you're driving through snowstorms, dealing with icy roads, or facing freezing temperatures, having the right emergency gear can prevent a minor inconvenience from turning into a dangerous situation.
This guide covers everything you need in a winter car emergency kit, how to prepare your vehicle for winter, and the best kits available to keep you safe in cold-weather emergencies.
Why You Need a Winter Car Emergency Kit
Driving in winter conditions presents unique challenges, from black ice and snow-covered roads to sudden vehicle breakdowns in freezing temperatures. A standard emergency kit may not have cold-weather-specific essentials, making it crucial to have a kit designed for winter conditions.
Top reasons to keep a winter car emergency kit:
- Icy Roads & Accidents: Slippery roads increase accident risks. Emergency supplies ensure you're prepared for delays.
- Stranded in Freezing Temperatures: If your car breaks down, staying warm is critical. Blankets and hand warmers help prevent hypothermia.
- Dead Battery Issues: Extreme cold can drain your battery. Jumper cables or a portable jump starter can get you back on the road.
- Reduced Visibility: Blizzards and fog can make roads hazardous. Emergency lighting, reflectors, and ice scrapers help increase safety.
Essential Items for a Winter Car Emergency Kit
A winter-specific emergency kit should include standard roadside essentials along with cold-weather survival gear. Here’s what every winter car emergency kit should contain:
Cold-Weather Survival Essentials:
✔ Thermal blankets & extra warm clothing
✔ Hand and foot warmers
✔ Ice scraper & snow brush
✔ Emergency shovel for digging out of snow
✔ Sand or cat litter for traction
Roadside Emergency Supplies:
✔ Jumper cables or portable jump starter
✔ LED road flares or reflective warning triangles
✔ Flashlight & extra batteries
✔ Multi-tool or utility knife
Medical & Food Supplies:
✔ First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medical essentials
✔ Non-perishable snacks (protein bars, nuts)
✔ Bottled water (insulated to prevent freezing)
Choosing the Best Winter Car Emergency Kit for Your Needs
Not all winter emergency kits are the same. Consider the following when selecting one:
- Climate & Driving Conditions – If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, a high-quality shovel and extra thermal gear are critical.
- Daily Commutes vs. Long Road Trips – Daily commuters may need a compact kit, while long-distance drivers should pack more extensive supplies.
- Number of Passengers – More people mean more food, water, and blankets are necessary.
- Fleet Vehicles & Company Cars – Businesses should invest in fleet emergency kits to ensure employee safety.
At Safety Kits Plus, we offer winter car survival kits for all types of drivers, from everyday commuters to emergency responders.
Top Winter Car Emergency Kits
When selecting the best winter emergency kits for your vehicle, we focused on the crucial factors that ensure safety, reliability, and readiness for any winter-related roadside emergency. The three kits we’ve highlighted—Deluxe Road Warrior Vehicle Emergency Kit, AAA Winter Roadside Emergency Kit, and Standard Road Warrior Vehicle Emergency Kit—are specially chosen to offer comprehensive supplies tailored to handle a variety of cold-weather situations.
The Deluxe Road Warrior Vehicle Emergency Kit is an exceptional choice for drivers seeking top-tier preparedness. It offers a full range of tools, first aid and survival items that can help during any winter emergency, from minor injuries to vehicle breakdowns. Equipped with a variety of winter-specific tools, this kit ensures that you have everything you need to stay safe and manage emergencies in even the harshest conditions.
The AAA Winter Roadside Emergency Kit stands out for its thoughtful inclusion of items specific to winter conditions, such as a shovel for digging out, cap, scarf and gloves and an emergency survival blanket. Trusted by the AAA brand, this kit’s focus on winter weather makes it a reliable choice for anyone who frequently drives in snow or icy conditions.
Finally, the Standard Road Warrior Vehicle Emergency Kit offers an affordable solution while still providing essential gear for winter survival. It’s perfect for those who want to ensure they’re ready for cold-weather emergencies. Featuring items like first aid supplies and survival tools this kit delivers solid preparedness without compromising quality.
Be ready for roadside emergencies with the Deluxe Road Warrior Vehicle Emergency Kit. Packed with essential safety gear for breakdowns, first aid, and survival. This vehicle emergency kits contents can be customized to meet your needs. You can also place your company brand or logo on this kit. This is a top seller!
The AAA Winter Roadside Emergency Kit has been recommended for many years by experts in the field. This compact unit is easy to store yet has enough room to add your personal items. This kit has everything we were looking for and more. Essential first aid supplies, fleece hat, scarf and gloves and multiple light sources make this unit a must have for any vehicle. This kit is economical and makes a terrific gift to protect your family and friends.
The Standard Road Warrior Car Emergency Kit is a great alternative to the deluxe version. It contains all of the same essential supplies that keep you prepared for the unexpected emergency while out on the road. With only a few minor content adjustments this unit is affordable and will be greatly appreciated if ever needed. This vehicle emergency kits contents can be customized to meet your needs. You can also place your company brand or logo on this kit.
How To Prepare Your Car for Winter
Along with keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, taking preventative steps can reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and ensure you're ready for any winter conditions.
✔ Check Your Battery: Cold weather can weaken car batteries. Test your battery and replace it if needed.
✔ Monitor Tire Pressure: Tire pressure drops in colder temperatures, affecting traction on icy roads.
✔ Keep Fluids Topped Off: Ensure your car has winter-grade windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.
✔ Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full: Prevents fuel line freezing and ensures you're prepared for unexpected delays.
✔ Test Your Heater & Defroster: A working heater is critical for staying warm if stranded.
Customizing Your Winter Car Kit
Depending on where you live and your driving habits, you may need to personalize your winter car emergency kit.
For Rural Drivers: Add food & water, sleeping bags, and a portable stove may be necessary.
For City Commuters: A compact kit with just the essentials like a flashlight, scraper, and jumper cables is ideal.
For Families: Add extra blankets, medications, baby supplies, items for older family members and entertainment for kids in case of delays.
The Road Warrior Vehicle Emergency Kit contents can be customized if you are needing more than 25 kits just let us know what your needs are. These kits can also be branded with your company brand or logo.
click to download the checklist
Be Seen With LED Road Flares
One of the most dangerous aspects of being broken down or stuck on the side of the road is the traffic driving by you. It is extremely important that you be seen and that you alert other motorist that you and your car are there. This is even more true in harsh winter conditions where visibility can be limited. Having a kit of LED safety rod flares are the answer to helping you stay safe. They come kits of 3 flares, 6 flares, or 12 flares. Each flare has 15 LED lights with 9 different flashing modes, and up to 60 hours max of run time. They can be laid out near your car or have magnets so you can attach them to your vehicle. They are visible up to 1 mile at night. Hands-down the best way to alert cars of your presence on the road. Add these to one of the car emergency kits above and you will be prepared for the winter roads.
Complete Winter Car Survival Kit List
Top 15 Items To Keep In Your Vehicle During The Winter Months
- First Aid Kit - It is always important to have a basic first aid kit in your vehicle no matter what time of year it is. These kits can come in handy for minor injuries such as cuts and scrapes.
- Snow Shovel - This is a very versatile tool to have in your car during winter, you can dig your car out of the snow or even help out someone else in need
- Ice Scraper - One of the most important elements to staying safe in the harsh winter conditions is being able to see clearly out of your vehicle’s windows. An ice scraper can help you clear the windows and see easier by quickly removing built-up ice
- Warm Clothes and Blankets - Staying warm in case of a breakdown, accident, or even when you are just stuck on the side of the road due to bad weather is crucial. Extra clothing and blankets can save the day. Make sure you have enough for everyone in your vehicle
- Hand Warmers - Speaking of staying warm, hand warmers are the essential item you may have not known you needed but will be very happy you have in your kit. In case you do have to get out of your car, your hands will be very thankful that you have these.
- Emergency Blanket - In an emergency situation having an emergency or space blanket can truly be lifesaving, and that is why it makes the list of essential items to have in your kit
- Reflective Safety Triangles- Deploy safety triangles as an advanced warning to other motorist that you are stopped on the road or side of the road.
- LED Road Flares - In addition to having a reflective safety triangle, deploying LED Road Flares can help you be seen up to 1 mile away and can even help you signal for help and rescue
- Flashlight - With limited daylight during the winter months and in case you are traveling during lowlight or dark conditions, having a flashlight is crucial. Be able to see better in the dark and even signal for help.
- Multi-tool - Having a versatile multi-tool can help you make repairs to your vehicle and get you back on the road quicker
- Jumper Cables - In the colder winter months your battery is more prone to dying, so having a way to jump to it can get you back on the road and to your destination safer. If your vehicle is newer then you may want to consider also getting a Portable Jump Starter that can also jump your car battery.
- Tow Rope - A strong and capable tow rope is very helpful to have on hand. Can be used to get your vehicle unstuck or out of the snow and to help other motorists who may be in need of assistance.
- Duct Tape - The unsung hero of every safety kit. There are endless uses for duct tape and it can really help you out of a lot of jams.
- Extra Batteries - Always keep extra batteries on hand for items like your flashlight
- Emergency Food and Water - Most kits do not come with emergency food or water or enough of it for a car full of people. That is why it is so important to customize any kit you invest in. We recommend keeping water and snacks in your kit in case you have to spend an extended period of time in your vehicle waiting for help or waiting for weather to pass. You will be very thankful that you have it on hand in these situations.
Stay Safe This Winter!
A winter car emergency kit is a must-have for safe travels in snow and ice. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a long road trip, having the right supplies can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation.
Make sure your car is winter-ready and equip yourself with a reliable emergency kit to stay safe no matter what winter brings.