What to Include In a Winter Roadside Emergency Kit

Before you head out on the road, make sure you're ready for whatever driving conditions you may face by keeping these key items in your car.

Elliot Rieth | 

Feb 10, 2026 | 4 min read

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Keeping a winter roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times can help you handle any situation, whether you're waiting for assistance or getting back on the road. Your preparedness is only as sound as the items you've added to your winter emergency kit. 

Picture this: you're driving on a snowy road late at night when disaster strikes. You hit a patch of black ice and lose control of your vehicle, skidding off the road. In this situation, are you prepared?

The following items are recommended by experts like the National Safety Council, the National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross. Consider adding these to your trunk before hitting the road in winter or anytime of year.

1. A First Aid Kit

Winter or not, a first aid kit should be in your car at all times. Having the tools to handle basic medical emergencies is crucial. Your kit should include:

• Gauze
• Tape
• Bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain reliever
• Latex-free gloves
• Scissors
• Hydrocortisone
• Thermometer
• Tweezers
• Instant cold packs

You can either build your own kit or purchase a pre-made kit that includes all of these essentials. 

2. Blankets or a Sleeping Bag

You don't know how long you could be stuck in your car in the event of a winter emergency. Blankets or a sleeping bag will keep you warm as you wait. Make sure to pack a sleeping bag with a quality temperature rating to stay safe during overnight or extended wait periods.

3. Non-Perishable Food and Water

Another contingency you need to consider is not having access to food or water for an extended period of time. Packing high-calorie, non-perishable food can help keep you energized. The American Red Cross recommends at least one gallon of water per person to keep you and your passengers hydrated for 24 hours.

4. Warm Clothing

It's unlikely that you'll be wearing a full snowsuit when driving in winter weather.. However, having spare clothes, like hats, gloves, and snowpants, on standby can safeguard your well-being as you navigate the situation or wait for help.

5. Cat Litter or Sand

Gaining traction you need to get out of a bind can get tricky in icy conditions. Pouring cat litter or sand under your tires can improve the grip your tires need to get into motion. Keeping a small bag of either in your trunk can help with traction and add weight to help reduce fishtailing.

6. Jumper Cables

If your car battery dies on the road, having jumper cables with you is the easiest way for a good Samaritan to help out. Jumper cables are an essential part of any emergency car kit, no matter the season. Make sure you know how to properly connect your jumper cables to help avoid damaging either vehicle.

7. A Snow Shovel

Piled-up snow can be your greatest adversary when trying to get out of a winter emergency situation. Keeping a foldable or small shovel in your vehicle allows you to remove excess snow that may be limiting visibility or traction.

8. A Tire Repair Kit and Inflator or Spare Tire

You don't want to be stranded with a flat tire during a winter storm. Tire repair and inflator kits can help you temporarily fix a flat until you can get to a repair shop. Or, if you have a full sparetire and know how to change a tire, you can get back on the road and safely to your destination.

9. An Ice Scraper with a Brush

Snow and ice accumulation on your windshield is dangerous once you get moving again. Packing a sturdy, reliable ice scraper with a brush will help you clear debris from your field of vision so you can get to your destination safely.

10. A Flashlight with Extra Batteries

If you get into trouble at night, you'll need a way to see without draining your phone battery. Carrying a powerful flashlight helps you perform many necessary  tasks to get back on the road. Keep extra batteries on hand, or invest in a hand-crank flashlight to ensure you always have power.

11. Road Flares or Reflective Triangles

As important as it is for you to see, it's equally important for other drivers to be able to see you. Road flares and reflective triangles can help drivers see you and avoid hitting you and your vehicle, and see you so they can stop to help. These are especially useful in low-visibility situations like a snowstorm.

12. A Cell Phone Charger or Power Bank

It’s hard to predict when an emergency could occur. Keeping your phone charged is essential for contacting help or routing to the nearest gas station. If you prefer a power bank, make sure it's fully charged before you hit the road.

Elliot Rieth

Born and raised in Michigan — the center of the American automotive industry — Elliot's fate of becoming a writer in the automotive space was seemingly predetermined. In addition to covering cars and personal finance for Capital One, he's worked directly with dealers and OEMs to create digital content meant to educate consumers. He's also passionate about music and has written for outlets like In Review Online. When he isn't writing about the latest financial, automotive, and insurance trends, he can be found enjoying a new book or record alongside his two greyhounds.