A winter emergency car kit can be a lifesaver to travelers of all ages.
Winter is a magical season but its beauty can include harsh weather conditions that make driving a challenge. Snow, ice and frigid temperatures increase the risk of accidents and car breakdowns.
Each year, thousands of drivers are stranded on roads due to winter storms. Some don’t survive; others suffer dire consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to have a winter car emergency kit in your vehicle, especially when traveling long distances or on remote roads.
Winter car accessories and auto safety kits with your logo are incredibly smart gifts for employees who spend a lot of time on the road. They are also a thoughtful giveaway for car dealerships and insurance companies to give clients. I also think car survival kits make wonderful holiday gifts for young drivers!
Let’s explore what should be in a car winter emergency kit and learn a few tips for driving in the coldest season.
What to keep in your car for winter driving
Whether you want all-in-one car winter kits, such as our Road Rescue Kit, or are happy to create your own, you’ll need essentials. Let’s start with the basics for winter traveling:
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Blankets
- Touch Screen Compatible Gloves
- Warm socks
- Hat/beanie
- Scarf
- 24-in. Foam Handle Snowbrush
- Ice scraper
- Auto Safety Kit (jumper cables)
- First aid kit
- Multi-tools
- Windshield cleaner
- Hand warmers
- Rags/cleaning wipes
- Duct tape
- Knife
- Pen and paper
You might want to add these items to your winter car kit, depending on how harsh your winters are or the types of roads you travel:
- Emergency whistle
- Auto Safety Tool
- Small or folding snow shovel
- Safety vest
- Winter boots
- Bottled water and juice boxes
- High-energy foods and other snacks
- Tire Pressure Gauges
- Auto Emergency Kit
- Tire chains
- Sleeping bag
- Bungee cord/tow rope
- Small tarp
- Compass
- Long-burning candles
These are big lists but I want to be inclusive! Your employees, long-haul drivers, students or family members might not need everything listed here. But it’s usually better to be safe than sorry.
Totally Promotional has many of these individual accessories. Each can be ordered in bulk and printed with your business or organization’s logo. This can save you lots of time and money, especially if you’re creating your own winter emergency car kits for others.
Creating your own winter car kits? Browse our most popular, customized auto accessories for winter travel:
- Rechargeable LED Flashlight
- On the Go Blanket
- Two-Tone Acrylic Pom Beanie With Cuff
- Fleece Scarf With Pockets
- Tire Gauge With Clip
- Visor Ice Scraper
- Safe Care™ First Aid Kit
- Megapro 8-in-1 Multi-Bit Driver
- Antiseptic Wipes in Carrying Case
- Budget Tire Gauge
- 2 oz. Handfuls-Raisin Nut Trail Mix
These items can help you survive an emergency situation and attract attention if you’re stranded.
Best all-in-one winter car emergency kits
Totally Promotional has plenty of options if you’re short on time but still want high-quality car survival kits for your group. Our budget-friendly car emergency kits come in many sizes. Each includes important items such as ice scrapers, flashlights and jumper cables.
Picture your company logo on one of these essential winter survival kits for cars. You’ll certainly make lots of positive impressions when handing these out to clients or potential customers.
Browse our most popular emergency kits for cars:
Auto Safety Kit, includes:
- 10 1/2″ by 10 1/2″ case
- Travel-size first aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Tire gauge
- Flashlight
- Ice scraper
- Gloves
- SOS banner
- Emergency cone
- Poncho
- Screwdrivers
Road Rescue Kit, includes:
- 11″ by 7 1/2″ by 11″ case
- Jumper cables
- Tire gauge
- First aid kit
- 10-ft. tow rope
- Electrical tape
- Screwdrivers
- Pocket raincoat
- Easy-see headlamp
- Work gloves
- Siphon pump
- Safety vest
Auto Emergency Kit, includes:
- 11 3/4″ by 10 1/2″ case
- Jumper cables
- Tire gauge
- Flashlight
- Poncho
- Gloves
- Ice scraper
- First aid kit
15 great tips for driving in winter weather conditions
It doesn’t hurt to review important tips for winter driving, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned driver. Read through these before getting behind the wheel this winter season:
- Let someone know where you’re going, when you’re leaving and what time you expect to return.
- Rub shaving cream on your car mirrors to make them fog-proof. Wipe it off with paper towels.
- Never use cruise control when driving on snow- or ice-covered roads.
- Do not drive with frosted windows. You need to have a clear view from every angle.
- Ensure your tires are properly inflated before leaving. Keep a spare in your vehicle at all times.
- Keep your gas tank more than half filled. This can prevent fuel-line freeze-up.
- Make sure you have adequate engine fluids before starting out.
- Beware of black ice on the roadway, especially near woods.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Allow more stopping time than normal.
- If you get stuck, use cat litter or road salt to give your vehicle traction. If that doesn’t work, try your car mats.
- Steer your vehicle in the direction you want to go if you start sliding.
- If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna if you are in distress.
- If your car becomes stuck, be sure your exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.
These tips can reduce the risk of getting into a winter accident. They can also help you remain safe in bad weather if a dangerous situation arises.
Now’s the time to prepare for winter travel
Winter driving can be challenging but with the right preparation you can stay safe. A winter emergency car kit is a must-have for anyone who drives in cold weather, especially on remote roads or long distances.
Make sure your kit has all the necessary items, from warm clothes and food to safety equipment and tools. Follow the tips outlined in this blog post and you’ll be ready to face any winter driving challenge.
Safe travels!
