Here's what to put in a winter car emergency kit for 2026

• A well-stocked winter car emergency kit should address potential loss of heat, traction, and power.
• Essential items include blankets, a shovel, a portable jump starter, and a first-aid kit.
• Other recommended supplies are traction aids, flashlights, reflective triangles, and shelf-stable snacks.

When winter weather hits, minor hiccups—like a dead battery, a flat tire or sliding into a snowbank—can become dangerous fast. A smart winter car emergency kit prepares you for the biggest problems most drivers face in cold weather:

• Loss of heat
• Loss of traction
• Loss of power
• Delayed help

Cold temperatures can reduce battery output, drop tire pressure and increase crash risk, and getting stuck on an icy shoulder without warmth, light or power is the last place to realize you’re unprepared. Paste BN’s winter car tips covers all the basics like, what items to never leave in freezing cars, how to warm up your car responsibly (or not), why drivers lift wipers before snow and how snow tires factor into cost and safety.

Below, we break down what to put in a winter car emergency kit for warmth, traction, power and visibility to help turn a breakdown into a safe wait for help.

What to put in a winter car emergency kit: Your 2026 essentials checklist

1. Thermal Blanket + Mylar Space Blanket

QIO CHUANG Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets

Snuggle up with a space blanket that might not offer quite the same coziness as a plush option, but will surely help to regulate your body temperature, insulate heat and keep you warm. Buy now at Amazon

2. Portable Car Battery Jump Starter

Noco Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter

This jump starter helps eliminate having to wait for a second vehicle and doubles as a power bank. Buy now at Amazon

3. Collapsible Metal‑Blade Shovel

Dartmoor Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel

This foldable mini shovel is perfect to keep in your car in case you need to shovel yourself out of snow or dirt. Buy now at Amazon

4. 143-Piece Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

143-Piece Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

This top-selling emergency car safety kit is the ultimate purchase for a new driver. Includes tools, cables and more. Buy now at Amazon

5. Snow Brush and Ice Scraper for Car Windshield

AstroAI 27-Inch Snow Brush and Ice Scraper for Car Windshield

A sturdy scraper is non‑negotiable in winter. This model’s detachable, ergonomic design makes clearing ice easier. The brush side sweeps away snow without scratching your glass, and the scraper edge effortlessly cuts through thick ice. Buy now at Amazon

6. Traction Aids

Foldable Emergency Tire Traction Pad

When your tires spin on ice, snow, or mud, these foldable, heavy‑duty traction pads provide immediate grip so you can drive out safely. Buy now at Amazon

7. Bestsun LED Flashlight 2-Pack

Bestsun LED Flashlight 2-Pack

Keep one of these flashlights in your car just in case. Designed for powerful brightness, durable aluminum construction and easy everyday portability. Buy now at Amazon

8. Headlamp Flashlight (Hands‑Free)

LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight

No power, no problem! These stretchy headlamps slide on smooth and emit bright light, so you'll be able to move about your space easily in the event of a power outage. Shop at Amazon

9. Raynic Emergency Weather Radio (5000mAh Solar + Hand‑Crank Power)

Raynic Emergency Weather Radio (5000mAh Solar + Hand‑Crank Power)

Stay prepared during winter storms and power outages with the Raynic Emergency Radio, a multi‑power weather radio equipped with solar, hand‑crank, USB and replaceable batteries Buy now at Amazon

10. Portable Tire Inflator

AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Tire Air Pump

Keep this top-rated portable tire inflator in your car just in case of emergencies. Buy now at Amazon

11. HotHands Toe, Hand and Body Warmer

HotHands Toe, Hand and Body Warmer

These air‑activated warmers last hours and slip easily into gloves, boots or pockets. They’re ideal for unexpected roadside waits, changing a tire in the cold or staying warm if the vehicle can’t run for heat. Buy now at Amazon

12. First‑Aid Kit

All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit

Severe weather should be treated like any emergency situation, where you'll want to have all the essentials in case of an accident; this handy First Aid Kit will do just the trick. Shop at Amazon

13. Reflective Triangles / LED Road Flares

Rechargeable LED Road Flares Emergency Lights

These bright, rechargeable LED lights attach magnetically to your car and deliver multiple flashing patterns to alert other drivers. They’re safer than traditional flares, work in snow, and pack small enough for your trunk’s top layer. Buy now at Amazon

14. Hotdot Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Hotdot Rechargeable Hand Warmers

A pocket‑size heat boost you can recharge and reuse. Great for dog walks, commuting or shoveling when temps plunge. Buy now at Amazon

15. A Solar-Powered Portable Charger

Blavor Solar Power Bank

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness, this solar-powered portable charger offers 20,000mAh capacity, dual USB ports and a built-in LED flashlight.

The splash-proof design makes it ideal for camping, hiking or any off-grid adventure. Buy now at Amazon

16. Shelf‑Stable Snacks

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply - 120 Servings

Stock up on shelf stable food in case of emergency and keep a stash in your car just in case. Buy now at Amazon

17. Bestek Power Inverter DC 12V to AC 110V

Bestek Power Inverter DC 12V to AC 110V | 300W Car Plug Adapter Outlet with 4.8A Dual USB Fast Charging Port

This 300‑watt inverter plugs into your 12V car socket and gives you two AC outlets plus USB ports—essentially turning your car into a backup generator. Buy now at Amazon

18. 3-in-1 Tool with Window Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter

ThinkWork 3-in-1 Tool with Window Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter

This viral gadget is an excellent tool to keep in your car in case of emergencies. It is super compact and easy to use. Buy now at Amazon

What are the must‑have winter car items?

For the ultimate winter car emergency kit, we suggest the following must-have items: Blankets/warm layers, shovel, traction aid, scraper/brush, flashlight/headlamp, triangles/flares, first‑aid kit, water/snacks, jump starter/cables, tire inflator/gauge, phone charger, multi‑tool, tow strap.

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