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The fall and winter months bring colder temperatures and more wintry storms, so it’s time to start preparing your winter emergency car kit. 

Accidents are far more likely on roads that are covered in ice and snow, and cold weather can cause issues to your vehicle in ways that might not be obvious at first glance. These items will help you be prepared in case you ever get stuck on the side of the road. 

But before we get into that, these are the items that you should have in your car all the time, no matter the season: jumper cables, a first aid kit, a spare tire and a small tool kit.

With colder temperatures and the chances of wintry precipitation during the coming months, these are the things you’ll want to keep on hand in your car:

Portable phone charger

If your car breaks down in the winter, you’ll want to make sure to get help as soon as you can, so your phone will need to stay charged as long as possible in order to call for help. Cold weather can also drain your phone’s battery faster, so a portable phone charger is a must. Just make sure it’s charged ahead of time, otherwise it’s not useful. You can make a habit of charging it along with your phone at night. 

INIU 10,000mAH 45W Fast Charging Portable Charger

Price: $21.99, was $23.99 at Amazon

Battery-powered road flare

Road flares that you light won’t last as long, but battery-powered ones can stay on for hours. They are also easy to store and they’re reusable. In case you’re in a pinch, stuck on the side of the road with falling snow, these can be a life saver to bring attention to yourself. 

MARCALA LED Road Flares (3-pack)

Price: $33.99, was $35.99 at Amazon

Flashlight and extra batteries

With winter months getting dark so early, you’ll definitely want to keep a flashlight on hand. Keeping extra batteries in the car is a good idea as well, because a flashlight with dead batteries won’t do much good. 

GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight

Price: $29.99 at Amazon

AA & AAA batteries set

Price: $12.49 at Amazon

Shovel and ice scraper

A shovel could be a lifesaver if you slide into a snow ditch and need to dig yourself out, and an ice scraper is a must all season, as snow and ice can accumulate on your car. It can be especially helpful if your car breaks down in a snowstorm, and lots of snow and ice accumulate while you wait for help. 

Ice scraper and snow brush with emergency snow shovel

Price: $35.99, was $49.99 at Amazon

Snow socks (for your tires)

If you don’t have snow chains or snow tires installed in time, snow socks for your tires are an inexpensive and quick way to get more traction, especially if you suddenly find yourself in snowy or icy conditions. 

AutoSock Snow Socks for Tires (2-pack)

Price: $120.95 at Amazon

Warm blanket 

If you end up stuck on the side of the road for a long time waiting for assistance, you’ll start to get chilly fast. Keeping a warm blanket and maybe even extra warm clothes will help keep your body temperature up while you wait. 

Stalwart Heated Car Blanket

Price: $39.88 at Amazon

Non-perishable snacks and water

On the same vein, being stuck on the side of the road during a winter storm can sometimes last for hours, as conditions may be too poor for help to arrive quickly. It’s always a good idea to have some non-perishable snacks. High-calorie snacks can even help your body stay warm, because they take less energy to digest. Keeping extra water bottles on hand is also important so you can stay hydrated.  

Polarized sunglasses

Even in the winter, you will still want to make sure you drive with sunglasses on. Snow and ice reflect a light of light, so polarized sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes from glare and see the road ahead of you, helping you not get in an accident. 

goodr OG Polarized Sunglasses

Price: $30 at Amazon

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.