For starters, keep an automotive emergency kit in your trunk or hatch. This is a good idea no matter what time of year it is. It should include basic first aid supplies, some simple tools, a poncho and other items that could come in handy if you happen to stall out. Another great thing about this kind of kit is that it usually comes in a relatively small, convenient pouch that can be stowed easily.
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Car Emergency Kit
Ice Scraper/Brush
If you live in a climate that’s consistently cold through winter, keep an ice scraper or scraper/brush combo stashed somewhere. Even if you park in a garage overnight, you never know when some winter precipitation might blow in and cover your vehicle with snow or ice while you’re parked during the day.
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Shop Snow Brushes & Ice Scrapers
Windshield Cover
A frost cover for your windshield can be a simple, effective time-saver if you need to park outside in winter precipitation or overnight when frost can accumulate—by keeping your windshield clear altogether.
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Shop Windshield Covers
De-Icer
An alternative to a windshield cover is to keep some de-icer handy—de-icer can make the work of scraping easier for you by partially melting a thin layer of frost, snow or ice so that clearing your windows is quicker and easier.
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Shop De-Icers
Ice Melt
It’s possible to find yourself in a situation where your tires have lost traction because of ice or snow, and having some ice melt can be really helpful. Not only does it begin the melting process, it can allow your tires to grab a little better so they can pull you out of a rut. In a pinch, you can try kitty litter, sand or carpet swatches to give your tires some grip.
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Shop Ice Melts
Tire Chains
In some states, you’re actually required to keep tire chains in your vehicle. Having tire chains on hand will allow you to get around in even the most extreme winter conditions.
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Shop Tire Chains
Small Snow Shovel
If you’ve ever had car problems that forced you to pull over where snow was more than a few inches deep, you know it can be challenging to get back on the road. A small snow shovel can be handy if you’re needing to clear some snow so you can drive or give yourself a little space to work while you’re parked on a shoulder.
Coat/Blanket/Spare Clothes
Whether you’ve gotta walk somewhere from a stranded vehicle or do a simple repair in the cold, having an extra coat and blanket on hand will help you—and any passengers you might have with you—stay warm until you can get your vehicle running again. And spare clothes can give you an extra layer for added warmth if you need it OR just clothes to work in to keep your others from getting dirty if you have to change a tire or do some other roadside repair.
Fix-a-Flat
Keeping a spare tire and tools in your vehicle to change a flat is never a bad idea, but if you find yourself with a flat in the bitter cold, having some Fix-a-Flat can make a temporary repair a lot quicker and easier, especially if you don’t happen to have an extra coat or clothing to keep you warm while you change the tire. Fix-a-Flat will get you back on the road quickly so you can get to a tire shop for a permanent repair or replacement.
Shop Fix-A-Flat 12 Ounce Tire Inflator
Shop Fix-A-Flat 12 Ounce Tire Inflator
Gloves/Hand Warmers
Some emergency kits will include gloves—and maybe even hand warmers—but if yours doesn’t, you’ll be glad you put some in your glove box if you ever happen to get stranded. Whether you’re having to walk or work in the cold, gloves and hand warmers are worth the small amount of space they take up to keep around… just in case.
Shop Winter Gloves
Shop Winter Gloves
Jumper Cables/Jump Starter
It’s always a good idea to keep jumper cables in your vehicle, but in addition to cables—especially in the winter months—it’s not a bad idea to keep a jump starter in your vehicle. Jumper cables are great if there are other people around to help out, but a jump starter can be used even if you get stranded by yourself.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.