Winter is hard on cars and on the people driving them. Batteries struggle in the cold, tires lose pressure, and a short delay at the roadside can feel a lot longer when it's below freezing. A small kit in the trunk can make a bad day easier to handle.
Here's a practical checklist of what to keep in your car this winter. We've linked products from our store where they fit.
1. A way to start a weak battery
Cold weather makes it harder for a car battery to deliver power, so a battery that was fine in the fall can let you down on the first cold morning. A portable jump starter lets you start a car with a flat battery without waiting for another driver to help.
- Jump Starter & Tire Inflator, 150PSI: jump-starts 12V vehicles with engines up to 9.0L gas or 6.5L diesel, and has a built-in tire inflator.
- Jump Starter with Air Compressor: a jump starter, tire inflator, power bank and flashlight in one pack.
- 5000A Car Jump Starter: for 12V vehicles with engines up to 8L gas or 7L diesel, with a power bank and LED light.
Cold-weather tips: Check your jump starter's manual for its storage and charging temperature range. In general, lithium packs should be charged at room temperature, not in a freezing car. Recharge it every few months so it's ready when you need it. Never try to jump a battery that is frozen, cracked, swollen or leaking. Call for roadside help instead.
Not sure how healthy your battery is? A simple tester like our Car Battery Checker can help you spot a weak battery before winter.
2. Something to top up your tires
Tire pressure drops as the temperature falls, so it's common to see a low-pressure warning on the first cold morning. Underinflated tires affect handling and braking.
- Check your pressure once a month and after a big temperature drop. The correct pressure is on the sticker inside the driver's door, not on the tire itself.
Our Digital Tire Inflator plugs into your car's 12V socket and shows the reading on a digital display. Keep the engine running while you inflate so the battery doesn't drain. If you'd like to keep an eye on all four tires as you drive, the Solar TPMS Tire Pressure Monitor shows pressure and temperature for each tire on a display, with alarms for low pressure and leaks.
3. Lights and visibility at the roadside
Winter days are short and visibility is often poor. If you have to stop, you want other drivers to see you early.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Stay in a safe place, off the road and away from traffic, whenever you can.
- Keep a flashlight in the glove box.
Our LED Roadside Emergency Lights are red flashing warning lights, small enough for the glove box or trunk. Place them behind your car, facing traffic, and stay well away from passing cars while you do it. More in Safety.
4. Clear windows and a clean windshield
Road salt, grime and fog on the glass make it hard to see, especially with low sun.
- Keep an ice scraper and a snow brush in the car. Clear all the windows, lights and the roof before you drive.
- Top up your washer fluid with a winter blend that won't freeze.
- Check your wiper blades. Replace them if they streak or skip.
For the inside of the glass, the Windshield Cleaning Tool helps you reach the corners of the windshield that are hard to get to with a cloth. Keep a few Microfiber Cleaning Cloths in the door pocket to wipe away fog and smudges. Our Car Oil Film Cleaning Brush removes the oily film from car windows and leaves a water-repellent layer behind. See more in Car Cleaning.
5. Warmth and comfort if you're stuck
If you're delayed by a breakdown or a closed road, staying warm matters. Pack these from home:
- A warm blanket for each regular passenger
- Hats, gloves and an extra pair of dry socks
- Water and a few snacks that won't spoil
- A phone charging cable and a car charger
If you do run the engine for heat while you wait, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, and open a window slightly. A blocked exhaust can let carbon monoxide into the car.
For longer trips, a Plush Car Neck Pillow or a Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow makes a rest stop more comfortable for passengers.
6. Basics for getting unstuck
- A small folding shovel
- A bag of sand or cat litter for grip on ice
- A spare tire, jack and wrench in good shape
7. Keep it all together
A kit only helps if you can find it fast. A trunk organizer keeps everything in one place. Our Foldable Car Trunk Organizer is one option. You'll find more in Car Organizers and Travel Essentials.
Before you head out
Check road conditions before longer drives, keep your tank at least half full, and let someone know your route in bad weather. Always follow your vehicle owner's manual and the instructions that come with each product.
Our orders ship free within the U.S., and most arrive in 2 to 3 weeks, so it's worth putting your kit together before the first big storm. Questions? Email support@carreadyshop.com or use our Contact page.