What to pack in your emergency car kit this winter
You’re stuck in a ditch. Your phone battery’s low, and the snowfall is picking up. What you’ve packed in your vehicle—or haven’t—suddenly matters. Don’t wait for the first frosty morning or icy surprise to start thinking about your car emergency kit.
Cold temperatures can bring unpredictable road conditions, especially for drivers with longer commutes, older vehicles, or rural routes. Snow and ice affect road surfaces, while fog and blowing snow reduce visibility. Cold weather can also lead to mechanical issues like dead batteries and low tire pressure.
A well-stocked emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable until you can get back on the road. To make packing easier, we’ve grouped essential supplies into four categories so you can build a kit that’s practical, thorough, and easy to store in your vehicle.
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Essential supplies
These are the supplies you may need to stay warm and nourished if you get stuck and have to wait for help.
Staying warm
Blankets or a sleeping bag
Additional warm clothing (jacket, hat, gloves, socks)
Hand warmers
Food and water
Drinking water (the Red Cross recommends at least a gallon per person per 24-hour period)
Non-perishable, high-energy snacks (granola bars, jerky, trail mix)
Stocked first-aid kit
Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and cotton swabs for cuts and scrapes
Elastic bandage, hydrocortisone cream, and instant cold pack for swelling or irritation.
Latex or nitrile gloves, tweezers, and scissors for delivering treatment
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild pain.
Roadside repair and traction tools
Winter weather can make it easy to get stuck—but with the right tools, you may be able to get moving again. These supplies help you regain traction or make quick fixes on the spot.
Traction and snow removal
Small snow shovel
Sand, salt, or cat litter (for traction under tires)
Ice scraper and snow brush
Roadside recovery and quick fixes
Tow strap (if another driver can safely assist)
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter (cold weather affects batteries)
Duct tape (useful for quick, temporary repairs)
Visibility and lighting
In low visibility conditions—like snow, fog, or nighttime—these items can help others see you and help you see your surroundings.
Flashlight with extra batteries
LED flares or reflective hazard triangles
Bright cloth or reflective vest to make yourself more visible
Communication and navigation
If your phone battery runs out or you’re outside of service range, these tools can help you stay connected and find your way:
Phone charger or portable power bank
Printed maps or downloaded offline maps
Crank or battery-powered radio (especially useful in remote areas)
Emergency whistle
Customize your emergency kit for your car and passengers
The essentials are a great place to start, but no two drivers are the same. It’s a good idea to adjust your supplies based on your vehicle and who usually rides with you.
Here are a few things to consider:
Driving an older vehicle? Consider packing extra oil or coolant.
Traveling with kids? Pack for their needs—think diapers or formula for little ones, and kid-friendly snacks or small activities for older children.
Bringing pets? Include pet food, a leash, and a collapsible water bowl.
Take prescription medications? If you're heading out on a longer or multi-day drive, consider keeping a small supply in your emergency kit—for yourself or regular passengers. Just note: Some medications can lose effectiveness if exposed to freezing temperatures, so bring them inside when you're not on the road.
Important documents: Store printed copies of your insurance, registration, and emergency contacts in a waterproof folder.
Add roadside assistance to your emergency plan
Even the best emergency kit can’t fix every roadside issue. That’s where roadside assistance coverage comes in. It’s a simple way to add peace of mind to your winter prep especially if you drive an older vehicle, commute long distances, or travel in challenging winter conditions.
Dairyland®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, offers optional 24-hour emergency roadside assistance that can help with:
Flat tires, battery failure, or mechanical breakdowns
Delivery of emergency fuel, oil, or other fluids
Towing
Lock-out assistance
Pulling your vehicle out of a ditch (within 50 feet of a paved road)
Have questions about roadside assistance or other auto coverage options? Give us a call at 800-334-0090.
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