The AAA responds to 32 million roadside assistance calls annually. The top causes of vehicle breakdowns in winter are:
Engine overheating
Dead battery
Radiator failure
Bald or under-inflated tires with no ability to dig a stuck vehicle out of the snow
It’s one thing to sit on the side of the road on a warm, balmy day but quite another when it’s freezing with rain, sleet, or snow pelting down. If you’re in a snowstorm, you may have to wait a long time for a rescue crew to reach you.
That's why we suggest keeping a winter emergency kit in your car. It can help you stay safe and comfortable while you wait for help to arrive.
Find out what the ultimate winter emergency kit should stock.
Why a Winter Emergency Kit Is Essential
A vehicle breakdown can be a dangerous situation, with drivers and roadside assistance providers (RAPs) at risk of being struck by an oncoming vehicle. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 123 RAPs were killed on the job between 2015 and 2021. The majority of incidents occurred on interstate highways and at night or in the dark.
Driving rain, snow, and blizzards up the danger risk, and so does being stranded in a remote area. With the effects of climate change resulting in more frequent and severe weather events, winter vehicle preparedness is vital.
If your car is older than 10 years, the risk of breaking down is higher. Learn how to prepare your car for winter travel to minimize problems on the road. For instance, switch to low-viscosity engine oil and winter windshield washer fluids that won’t freeze.
What to Keep in Your Car For Winter Emergencies
If your car does break down, here are the basics you should have in an emergency kit. These will help keep you comfortable and safe.
1. Food and Water
You never know how long you’ll have to wait for help to arrive. Snacks and water can keep your energy up. You want non-perishable foods, such as calorie-dense energy bars and vacuum-packed snacks, that won’t easily ruin during extreme heat or cold.
If you’re stuck in a remote area for a prolonged period, water purification tablets can make water from a nearby water source, like a river or stream, drinkable.
2. Items For Warmth
Keep warm clothing like jackets, gloves, beanies, and ski masks in the trunk. A pair of insulated, waterproof footwear can keep your feet dry should you need to get out of the vehicle to change a tire.
Lightweight thermal blankets take up less space in the trunk and may provide more warmth than regular blankets. Hand or body warmer packs are another way to keep cozy.
3. Communication Devices
Staying connected is crucial to keep family members informed and get updates from emergency or roadside services.
Portable power banks and solar-powered and hand-crank chargers can keep devices charged.
If you travel in remote regions often, consider getting a personal locator beacon (PLB). A PLB is a compact, portable device that can send out an emergency distress signal in an area without cell phone reception.
4. Visibility and Signaling Tools
Many drivers still have reflective triangles in the car. While these are useful for warning other drivers that you’re on the side of the road, there are more effective signaling equipment. LED flares emit a bright flashing orange light that is visible up to a mile.
Other useful lighting equipment include LED headlamps and high-lumen flashlights that you can use to send an SOS signal.
5. Tools for Vehicle Safety and Repairs
Keep the following items in your car to help you fix minor problems on the spot.
Portable tire inflators
Lithium-powered jump starters
Cat litter or snow traction tracks
Ice scrapers and de-icing sprays
Also, if you own an electric vehicle (EV), carry a portable EV charger and charging cable cover to prevent moisture from seeping into the charging port.
Resources For Drivers
For additional winter driving safety tips, read our guide on how to drive in snow and follow this checklist of 33 items to include in an emergency car kit. You can also find a list of resources related to driving in emergency situations here.
If you’re taking a driver’s ed or defensive driving course with Aceable, you can sign up for roadside assistance with Allstate on a monthly or yearly basis.
Updated 02/14/2025