What to Put in a Car Emergency Kit for Winter (UK Checklist)

Most winter journeys in the UK pass without any trouble, but snow, ice, fog and flooding can turn a routine drive into a long wait at the roadside. If you break down on a cold evening or get held up in stationary traffic, a few well-chosen items in the boot can make that time safer and far more comfortable. This guide explains what to pack in a winter car emergency kit, what to check before you set off and what to do if you get stuck, with a printable checklist at the end.

Check the forecast before you travel

The simplest preparation is knowing what the weather is likely to do. The Met Office issues UK weather warnings for snow, ice, wind, rain and fog. If an amber or red warning covers your route, think about whether the journey is necessary or whether it can wait. For motorways and major A roads in England, National Highways travel updates show incidents and closures. The Highway Code also has a section on driving in adverse weather conditions, covering stopping distances, lights and clearing your windows before you drive.

Prepare the car itself

A kit helps if things go wrong, but a well-maintained car makes problems less likely in the first place. Breakdown organisations such as the RAC and the AA publish winter driving advice, and the common themes are:

• Battery. Cold weather puts extra strain on batteries. If yours is struggling to start the car, have it tested.
• Tyres. Check tread depth and pressures regularly. Good tread matters even more on wet and icy roads.
• Screenwash and wipers. Use a screenwash suitable for low temperatures and replace worn wiper blades.
• Lights. Make sure all lights work and are clean, as you will be using them more in the darker months.
• Fuel or charge. Keep a reasonable amount in the tank, or charge in the battery, in case you are delayed or diverted.

What to put in a winter car emergency kit

You do not need a huge amount of kit. A sturdy bag or box in the boot with the following items covers most situations. Our storm and winter essentials collection brings many of these together.

Warmth

• Blankets or a sleeping bag. If the engine is off, a car cools down quickly. Foil blankets are compact and light, so they are easy to keep in the boot all year. See the emergency foil blankets (10 pack). For longer waits, a proper sleeping bag such as the 3-4 season envelope sleeping bag is far more comfortable.
• Extra warm layers. A hat, gloves and a spare fleece or coat. The waterproof Thinsulate beanie and waterproof thermal touchscreen gloves pack down small.
• Hand warmers. Rechargeable hand warmers keep fingers working while you deal with a problem, and some double as a phone charger. See the rechargeable hand warmers (2 pack).

Light and power

• A torch, ideally a head torch. Breakdowns often happen in the dark, and a head torch keeps both hands free. The rechargeable 450 lumen head torch is a good fit for the glovebox. Browse more in torches and lanterns.
• A charged power bank and cable. Your phone is how you call for help. Keep a power bank charged and check it every few weeks. See the slim 20,000mAh power bank.

Food, water and first aid

• Water and snacks. Bottled water and food that keeps, such as cereal bars or emergency ration biscuits, are useful if you are delayed for hours.
• A first aid kit. Keep a kit in the car and check it now and then. The 90-piece first aid kit for home, car and travel is sized for a car. See all first aid kits.

Practical extras

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• A shovel for clearing snow from around the wheels
• Something to give tyres grip, such as an old piece of carpet or a bag of grit
• Jump leads or a portable jump starter
• A reflective warning triangle and a high-visibility vest
• Sturdy boots and a waterproof, such as a reusable hooded waterproof poncho
• A paper map, in case your phone loses signal or battery

If you get stuck or break down

Stay calm and think about safety first. On a motorway, the Highway Code advises leaving the vehicle by the left-hand door if it is safe to do so and waiting behind the barrier, well away from traffic. If you are stuck in snow with no immediate danger around you:

• Call your breakdown provider, or 999 if anyone is in danger or injured.
• Put on warm layers early, before you get cold.
• If you run the engine for warmth, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, as a blocked exhaust can let fumes into the car. Run it for short periods only.
• Keep your phone charged and use it sparingly.
• Switch on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you.

Printable winter car kit checklist

Before you travel

• ☐ Checked Met Office warnings and travel updates
• ☐ Battery, tyres, lights, wipers and screenwash checked
• ☐ Enough fuel or charge for delays
• ☐ Phone charged and someone knows your route

In the boot

• ☐ Blankets, foil blankets or a sleeping bag
• ☐ Hat, gloves and spare warm layer
• ☐ Hand warmers
• ☐ Head torch or torch with spare batteries
• ☐ Charged power bank and cable
• ☐ Water and snacks that keep
• ☐ First aid kit
• ☐ Ice scraper, de-icer and shovel
• ☐ Jump leads, warning triangle and hi-vis vest
• ☐ Boots, waterproof and a paper map

Frequently asked questions

Should I keep my winter car kit in the car all year?

Many of the items, such as a first aid kit, torch, foil blankets and power bank, are worth keeping in the car all year. You can add the bulkier winter items, like a shovel and sleeping bag, from autumn onwards.

How often should I check my car kit?

Checking it every few months is sensible. Recharge power banks and torches, replace any food or water past its date and restock anything you have used.

Is it safe to run the engine to keep warm?

Only for short periods and only if the exhaust is completely clear of snow. A blocked exhaust can cause fumes to build up inside the car.

Can you help me choose the right kit?

Of course. Please contact us through our contact page with any questions.

Related: browse our winter car emergency kit collection.