Seventy percent of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in cars, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.Depending on where you live, wintertime can bring severe cold weather and snowstorms that can leave you stranded on the road.
If that happens, a winter emergency car kit can be a lifesaver, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) and Vision Zero North Dakota.That’s why I collected guidance from government agencies like NWS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about what to put in a winter emergency car kit, and recommend some top-rated kits and supplies below.
Selected.Our top picksBest winter car kitLifeline 4390 AAA Severe Weather Emergency Road Safety Kit$undefined$55.64Lowe'sLearn moreBest general car kitEverlit Survival Car Emergency Kit$undefined$69.95AmazonLearn moreRelatedselectedselectedThe best supplies for an emergency kit, according to FEMA and the CDCWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best winter emergency car kits of 2026Our top picks have many of the supplies recommended by agencies like FEMA and the American Red Cross.You can supplement them with supplies of your own and find additional supplies in the kit supplies section.Best winter kitLifeline 4390 AAA Severe Weather Emergency Road Safety Kit$55.64Lowe's$54.99AAA Corporate TravelWhat to knowIncludes: 45-piece first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, fleece hat, gloves and scarf, folding shovel, ice scraper, clip-on LED safety strobe, whistle, candle, survival blanket, fire starter, hand warmersThis is a great starter kit to supplement with your own supplies: it includes many of the items recommended by the agencies we mentioned above, including a first aid kit, ice scraper, and a few winter clothing items.
It is light on car equipment, however, so you’ll want to add items like a jump starter or jumper cables, a tow rope and a tire inflator ASAP.Best general car kitEverlit Survival Car ...