What to Keep in Your Car This Winter, According to Roadside Safety Experts

A dead battery, a flat tire, or a sudden snowstorm can leave even the most seasoned driver stranded for hours. Experts say a little planning now could make all the difference when trouble strikes.

As winter approaches, many are gearing up for long-distance travel amid freezing temperatures and snowy conditions. But even if you're not venturing far this holiday season, every driver should have an emergency car kit in their trunk.

Roadside emergencies are hard to predict, but preparing for them is easy once you put together an emergency car kit.

"Becoming stranded on the roadway not only puts a damper on your travel plans but can create a hazard for yourself and others on the road," said Aldo Vazquez, AAA NCNU spokesperson. "Stay ready and safe by anticipating the unexpected."

No matter what kind of roadside trouble you run into, from a flat tire on a busy city street to a breakdown on a quiet country road, AAA's emergency roadside assistance is just a phone call away.

That said, stocking your vehicle with a few key supplies can keep you safe, comfortable, and at ease while you wait for help. When putting together your emergency car kit, focus first on four essentials: safety, warmth, food and water, and communication.

AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean recommends packing your car ahead of time in case you break down. That means stocking necessary emergency items like bottles of water, a first aid kit, and warm layers such as blankets, scarves, socks, and gloves.

A few more items worth adding include:

• Phone charger
• Rain poncho
• Sturdy shoes (in case you need to walk over rough terrain)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Nonperishable food items, like protein bars (switch those out every few months)
• Extra pet food, if applicable
• Seasonal gear (such as snow chains, an ice scraper, and/or a small shovel, in case you have to dig a tire out of the mud or snow)
• Cloth or a roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
• Window washer solvent
• Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow

"You really want to be dressed for the weather, not dressed for what temperature you hope it's going to be in the car," Dean added, noting that the AAA recorded 108,000 rescues in 2022.

He explained, "In that situation, no one wanted to be caught in it but it's a perfect example of why it's so important to prepare before the winter season starts and have all those things in your vehicle that can be your go-to peace of mind in case there is a problem on the road."

Another key tip is to consider the conditions you'll be driving in by staying up-to-date with the weather, then check whether your car is ready for the journey.

"If you're seeing corrosion on your battery, or if you're seeing your windshield wipers and you start to see that separation in the rubber you start to see some cracks in some of the hoses other things," Dean said.

He continued, "Those are the things you can see but going to a trusted mechanic who can see what's going on under the hood and behind the scenes can really help make sure that your car is in tip-top shape."

Finally, before hitting the road, experts advise making sure your gas tank is topped off. That precaution certainly paid off for Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine when he was among the drivers stuck on I-95 during an early January 2022 storm.

A full tank helped him stay warm as others around him ran out of fuel during a trip that normally takes two hours but stretched to more than 26.

"I would run the engine, with the heater on full-blast to warm the car, then I would turn the engine off," Kaine told NPR. "Then I had to turn it back on and I could, usually, with 10 minutes of engine, get about an hour of chilling in the car until I had to turn the engine back on."

Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or simply running errands around town, a well-stocked emergency kit and a quick vehicle checkup can turn a stressful breakdown into a manageable delay. A few minutes of preparation now may be all it takes to keep you safe, warm, and connected until help arrives.