Winter Car Emergency Kit: What to Pack (Ready.gov)
A packing list and pre-winter checklist built on Ready.gov guidance.
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Winter is when a dead battery or a slide off the road turns serious. Ready.gov keeps a short list that fits in any trunk.
What to pack
Ready.gov lists:
- Jumper cables (or a portable jump starter)
- Flares or a reflective triangle
- Ice scraper
- Car phone charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Cat litter or sand for traction
Before winter, have a mechanic check
Antifreeze, battery and ignition, brakes, exhaust, filters, heater and defroster, lights, oil, thermostat, and wipers and washer fluid. Ready.gov also suggests winter tires with enough tread. Check yours with our tire guide.
On the road
- Keep the tank full so the fuel line does not freeze.
- Turn off cruise control on slippery roads.
- If the car gets hard to control, pull over and set the parking brake.
- If a power line falls on the car, stay inside.
- Do not drive through floodwater. Six inches can stall a car, and a foot floats many.
Kit and checks at a glance
| Item or check | Why Ready.gov lists it |
|---|---|
| Jumper cables or jump starter | Cold weather is hard on batteries |
| Flares or reflective triangle | Makes a stopped car visible |
| Ice scraper | Clear glass before you drive |
| Phone charger | Call for help |
| Blanket | Stay warm if you are stuck |
| Cat litter or sand | Traction on ice |
| Full fuel tank | Keeps the fuel line from freezing |
Related
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a car emergency kit?
Ready.gov lists jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car phone charger, a blanket, a map and cat litter or sand for traction.
How much water can stall a car?
Ready.gov says six inches of water can cause loss of control or stalling, and a foot of water floats many vehicles.
