Winter. Bitter cold, the blowing wind, lots of snow. People from Wisconsin know what it is like to face winter head-on. In fact, many parts of the country are already feeling the wintry blast and seeing snowflakes. Now is the time to create a winter auto emergency kit that will help you through some chilly situations. It doesn’t involve a lot of money, but you do need to plan ahead.

winter auto emergency kit

Winter Auto Emergency Kit – Simple Steps

Create a Container

Anything that goes in your emergency kit needs to have a home in your trunk or back of your van. You may want to buy a Rubbermaid tote with a top or you can use an extra zip up duffel bag right from your closet. Whatever you choose, make sure it is self-contained and can be closed so you don’t lose all your emergency gear.

Plan your Supplies

There are some basic things you need to include in your winter emergency kit. Here are a few of the main essentials:

    • Flashlight/Batteries
    • Blanket(s), gloves, hats, etc.
    • Water Bottles
    • Snack Bars/Trail Mix
    • Flares or Glow Sticks – not only will these help someone find you if you are stranded, but they can also keep the kids occupied and entertained
    • Whistle
    • Cat Litter – we don’t have cats but I always have cat litter in my kit just in case I get stuck. It helps give traction to get out of a slippery situation
    • First-Aid kit – hopefully you won’t need it, but if someone is injured you’ll be glad you have it
    • Booster Cables and/or Cordless Jump Starter – If your battery dies or you can’t get your car to start, you’ll be in a tight spot without one of these


This BEST SELLING Roadside Emergency Kit has everything you need to get started, including the duffel. Add a few of the items listed above and you will be completely set!

 Personalized Needs

Depending on the ages of your children, you may have specific supplies you need as well. You don’t want to be stuck in an emergency situation with no diapers or wipes. Stash some of these in your vehicle emergency kit.

If you have family members with specific health concerns, think about what they would need if you were stranded in a vehicle in the winter months. Do they need an extra inhaler? Specific medicines? Think about how those medicines or supplies would handle a cold vehicle and plan accordingly.

Check Your Supplies Mid-Winter

Schedule a reminder on your calendar to check your vehicle emergency kit the first week of January. You may notice that you need to replace batteries or add other items to your bag.

The time to get prepared for a winter emergency is now – before the situation is actually a reality. By spending a few minutes today getting prepared with a winter auto emergency kit will allow you to rest easy later on.


 

More Winter Auto Tips

See how to prep your car for winter and see when it is safe to wash your car in winter. 

Another common problem is yellow fluid leaking in winter? You may want to check this first before heading to an auto shop.

 

 

 

Thanks to our friends at Kayser Chrysler Center of Sauk City for sponsoring this post. This winter auto emergency kit contains affiliate links that help support this site and my family.