Car winter emergency kit checklist

What you need

Keep these in your car through the colder months. A sturdy bag or box in the boot keeps them together.

Clear and see

• Ice scraper.
• De-icer.
• Screenwash suitable for low temperatures.
• A cloth to wipe lights and number plates.

Be seen

• A torch and spare batteries.
• A high-visibility vest for each adult.
• A warning triangle, for roads other than motorways.

Stay warm

• A warm coat, hat and gloves.
• A blanket or sleeping bag.
• Sturdy boots or wellies.
• Spare socks.

Stay in touch

• A phone charger that works in the car, or a charged power bank.
• Your breakdown cover number on paper.
• Emergency contacts on paper.

Food, water and health

• Bottled water.
• Snacks that keep, such as cereal bars or nuts.
• A small first aid kit.
• Any medicines you or your passengers need.

Getting moving again

• A small shovel.
• An old mat or bag of grit to help tyres grip.
• Jump leads.

What you probably already own

You likely have most of this already. Look for:

• Ice scraper and de-icer in the shed or garage.
• Old coats, hats and gloves you no longer wear every day.
• A spare blanket or an old sleeping bag.
• Walking boots or wellies.
• A torch from a kitchen drawer.
• A power bank from a work bag or holiday.
• A car phone charger.
• Bottled water and snacks from the cupboard.
• A first aid kit, if one came with the car.

Before you set off in winter weather

• Check the weather. The Met Office weather warnings show if there is a warning for your area.
• Check travel news for your route.
• The Highway Code says you must be able to see out of all your windows. Clear all snow and ice first. Make sure lights and number plates are clean.
• Keep your fuel tank or battery well topped up.
• Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.

If you get stuck

• Stay calm. Put your hazard lights on.
• Call your breakdown provider. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• On a fast road, follow the Highway Code advice. If it is safe, leave the car by a left-hand door and wait well away from traffic, behind a barrier if there is one.
• Put on warm layers and wrap up in the blanket.
• If you run the engine for warmth, do it in short spells. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, to keep carbon monoxide out of the car.
• Save phone battery. Turn the screen down and close apps.

What to buy, if anything

You may not need to buy much. Common gaps are:

• A high-visibility vest. These cost little and help others see you.
• A small shovel that fits in the boot.
• Jump leads, if you know how to use them safely.
• A power bank, if you do not have one. See our guide to power banks for power cuts.
• A bright torch. See our guide to torches and lanterns.

For your home supplies, read what to put in an emergency kit.