How to build an emergency car kit that actually helps when you’re stuck

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These highly rated kits and supplies should have a place in your winter emergency car bag. Westend61 / Getty ImagesDepending on where you live, winter can bring severe cold weather and snowstorms that can leave you stranded on the road — a situation that can turn dangerous quickly. In fact, 70% of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in cars, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

If you are stranded, a winter emergency car kit can be a lifesaver, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) and Vision Zero North Dakota, an organization dedicated to traffic safety. To help you stay safe anywhere you drive, we collected guidance from government agencies like the 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.

Best winter car kitLifeline 4390 AAA Severe Weather Emergency Road Safety Kit$undefined$55.64Lowe'sLearn moreBest general car kitEverlit Road Guardian Car Emergency Kit$undefined$69.95AmazonLearn moreThe best winter emergency car kitsThe below picks have many of the supplies recommended by agencies like FEMA and the American Red Cross. You can supplement them with any items they’re missing and find additional recommended supplies below.

$55.64Lowe's$54.99$74.99AAA Corporate TravelNow 27% offWhat 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 warmers

This 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.

2,952 Amazon Reviews$69.95Amazon$69.95Everlit SurvivalWhat to knowIncludes: 108-piece first aid kit, glass breaker, seat belt cutter, reflective warning triangle, gloves, hand crank flashlight, poncho, jumper cable, digital air compressor, tow rope, cable ties, electrical tape, bungee cords

This car emergency kit isn’t specific to winter conditions, so you’ll want to supplement it with cold-weather supplies like gloves and an ice scraper. It includes a large first aid kit as well as many recommended car emergency items, like reflective warning triangles and jumper cables. It also comes with a digital air compressor that can inflate standard tires in a few seconds, according to the brand. You can read a full list of the included supplies on Everlit Survival’s website.

Almost all pre-made kits are missing a few items, so it’s important to supplement them with tools and supplies that match your needs. You may also prefer to build your own winter emergency car kit from scratch — you probably already have many of the items recommended by expert agencies. Below are highly rated winter emergency car supplies for you and your vehicle.

Any first aid kit should include a variety of supplies for treating wounds and injuries. It’s important to add items like medications and emergency contacts, according to the American Red Cross.

$18.57AmazonPacked with bandages, antiseptics, burn cream and wound-care essentials, this kit can treat cuts, scrapes, burns, pain and swelling. Clear pockets and two zippered layers keep supplies organized and easy to see. It is also compact enough to fit in a glove box and is HSA/FSA eligible.

$8.51AmazonThis kit includes antiseptic towelettes, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, bandages, a cold compress and a first aid guide. Supplies are organized in a compact, impact-resistant, wall-mountable case.

$34.49Amazon$34.50REI$34.49WalmartMade for you and a friend on a two-day trip, the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit weighs just 7.2 ounces, so it’s like enough to grab and go. Pockets sorted by injury type hold a trauma pad, bandages, moleskin, EMT shears, forceps and common medications. The water-resistant nylon bag has clear zippered pockets, a reflective logo and a wilderness first aid guide by Dr. Eric Weiss.

Water can be tricky to store in winter conditions — it may freeze if stored in the trunk or a flatbed, so try storing it in the backseat or somewhere else in your vehicle’s main cabin, if possible.

$18.99D&B SupplyStore emergency water in this strong, BPA-free plastic jug that is translucent enough to show you the water level at a glance. A hideaway spout attaches for easy pouring and tucks away for storage. It holds a total of 2.5 gallons and includes a five-year warranty.

$16.99$17.99AmazonNow 6% offIf you want something less bulky for the car, consider these 1-liter collapsible water bottles. Each leak-proof, BPA-free canteen holds 33 ounces, then rolls up small when empty. They also have built-in handles and sturdy carabiners that clip onto most backpacks.

A flashlight is a critical tool, especially if it’s dark out and you need to troubleshoot your vehicle. We included emergency flashlights and headlamps, which can keep your hands free.

$22.95Amazon$29.95ThruNiteThis compact flashlight runs on two AA batteries and with a light setting that reaches up to 93 meters in front of you. It has a IPX8 waterproof rating and is shatter-proof up to 1.5 meters, according to the brand.

$14.99$20.99AmazonNow 29% offThe GearLight S1000 is a slightly larger option that throws a powerful beam you can zoom from a wide floodlight to a focused spotlight for lighting up distant objects and paths. It has five modes and a tough water-resistant aluminum body, and three AAA batteries are included, so it’s ready to use straight out of the box.

$50.76$59.95AmazonNow 15% off$59.95Black DiamondThis headlamp lets you keep both hands free if you have an emergency on the road and there’s low visibility. The Black Diamond Spot 400 shines about 100 meters, so you can change a tire or check under the hood at night. Its red strobe can signal passing traffic, it’s water resistant for prolonged or deep submersion and it comes with three AAA batteries.

Multiple agencies recommend keeping spare road maps as part of your emergency car kit — this way if you lose cell service, you aren’t lost.

$9.31$9.99AmazonNow 7% off$9.99Rand McNally PublishingThis map from Rand McNally is specifically for the Western part of the United States and it covers 11 states, from Washington and Montana down to California and New Mexico. The same series also has Central United States and Eastern United States maps. These maps unfold to 40 by 28 inches and show clearly labeled highways, detailed maps of major cities, a mileage and driving-time chart, and parks and points of interest.

Most flashlights are powered by disposable AA or AAA batteries. A portable power bank is also good to have for keeping your phone charged.

$6.49AmazonKeep your flashlights and headlamps ready with this pack of batteries. They have a 10-year leak-free shelf life, which means you can store them in an emergency kit without needing to replace them for a while. They also come in a pack of eight AAA.

$49.99Amazon$49.99Anker Innovations LimitedIf you’re stranded, a charged phone is your lifeline for calling for help, sharing your location and checking maps. This power bank has a built-in USB-C cable, so you’ll never hunt for a cord. It charges a phone to 50% in about 30 minutes and has three ports and a screen that shows charging status.

A blanket can keep you warm if you need to stay put during a roadside winter emergency.

$18.99$34.99AmazonNow 46% off$27.99$109.97WayfairNow 75% offA warm blanket can make waiting for help in a cold car far more bearable. This one pairs a smooth flannel side with a thick fleece side for insulation without too much bulk. It’s reversible and comes in various sizes, including a throw and California king, so you can pick one that easily fits in your trunk.

$29.22$38.96AmazonNow 25% offThis sleeping bag, one of the picks from our best sleeping bags story, is filled with synthetic fibers and has a water-resistant nylon shell, which helps keep it from soaking up moisture and getting damp if it’s lying directly on the ground. If you’re traveling with another person you can unzip the bag fully and use it as a blanket to keep you both warm.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recommends adding high-calorie, non-perishable foods like dried fruits and nuts and canned foods, to your winter emergency car kit. This way, if you are stranded, you have sustenance.

$18.98Amazon$21.49TargetThese protein bars are shelf-stable, so they’re ready wherever you get stuck. Each chewy, gluten-free bar has 20 grams of protein with just 2 grams of sugar, giving you steady energy until your next balanced meal.

$15.98AmazonA meat stick is a savory alternative to a protein bar. These are made with 100% beef and hickory-smoked. Each individually wrapped stick has 6 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar. They’re shelf-stable and individually wrapped with no refrigeration needed, so a box can wait in your car for quite some time.

Being able to jump-start your vehicle on your own or with the help of another vehicle is a critical part of any car kit.

$99.95Amazon$99.95NOCOThe Noco Boost Plus GB40 is a compact 1,000-amp lithium jump starter that handles gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesels up to 3.0 liters, with up to 20 jumps per charge. Spark-proof design and reverse-polarity protection keep it safe, and a built-in 100-lumen flashlight with SOS mode helps at night.

$29.99$31.99AmazonNow 6% off$29.99WalmartKeep these in your trunk and it’ll be easier to get a jump from another car. Goodyear’s heavy-duty jumper cables use 4-gauge wire that delivers up to 450 amps and resists overheating in any weather. At 16 feet long, they reach between cars, vans, SUVs and trucks with room to spare. A tangle-free design, picture instructions and a protective carrying case make them easy to use.

Tire chains can give you more traction, especially on unpaved roads with snowy or icy conditions.

$84.99Amazon$84.99WalmartAn icy road can trap you quickly. These tire chains are for trucks and SUVs and they install in minutes without you needing to move your vehicle. A patented ratchet system tightens and centers them as you drive, while alloy steel with a diamond-pattern design grips snow and ice while reducing vibration.

$120.95Amazon$120.95AutosockA lighter, simpler alternative to metal chains, these snow socks slip over your driving wheels to add grip on snow and ice, and they’re approved where U.S. chain laws apply. They work with cars and SUVs and pack up small to take up minimal space in your trunk.

Having everything you need to repair a flat tire on the road can help prevent a winter roadside emergency before it happens.

$128.22$179.00AmazonNow 28% off$149.00$169.00Lowe'sNow 12% offA slow leak or low tire doesn’t have to strand you. The DeWalt 20V Max Air Inflator runs on a DeWalt battery or your car’s 12V outlet. Set your target pressure on the digital gauge and it shuts off automatically. There is also a built-in LED light that helps with roadside fixes at night.

$8.49AmazonThis spray seals small punctures in seconds and adds enough air to lift your rim off the ground. Just connect it to the valve, inflate and go. The eco-friendly formula works on all highway vehicle wheels and the compact can fits in a glovebox or trunk.

Spare gas can mean the difference between being stranded and getting to your destination without incident.

$71.61Amazon$72.98Lowe's$71.61Home DepotRunning out of gas is a lot less stressful when you have a reliable gas can on hand. Eagle’s 5-gallon safety can is built from seamless 24-gauge galvanized steel and has a brass pour spout. A patented comfort-grip trigger makes pouring easy and controlled.

Having tools to combat snow and ice is essential for winter emergencies — both can get your car stuck and block visibility in your windshield.

$43.99$65.99AmazonNow 33% off$59.99AstroAIAstroAI’s folding snow shovel packs down small enough for any trunk, then extends to nearly 39 inches, so you always have aid if you ever get snowed in at the curb or stuck in a deep drift. The lightweight aluminum shovel weighs about 2.6 pounds (that’s daily light), and has a non-slip grip and rugged head for clearing snow around tires or breaking up ice.

$13.99$14.99AmazonNow 7% off$16.99$29.99WalmartNow 43% offClear your windshield fast with this 2-in-1 snow brush and ice scraper. Assembled, it measures 27 inches long, so it reaches across the glass easily. The plastic scraper detaches from the brush for tight spots, and the non-slip grip keeps your hand steady while you work.

Repairing potential issues with your car is a lot safer the more visible you are to other vehicles. Tools like LED beacons and reflective triangles can help.

$21.99AmazonMake sure other drivers see you before they reach you with this StonePoint kit that includes three red LED emergency beacons visible up to 2 miles away. Stick them to your car with the magnetic base and choose flashing or steady mode. A storage bag keeps them all together in your trunk until you need them.

$29.99AmazonWarn oncoming traffic, day or night, with this three-pack of safety triangles. Each 17-inch triangle combines a reflective panel with a fluorescent plate for visibility in any weather. They fold flat for easy trunk storage, snap open without tools, and sit on a sand-filled base that resists strong winds and gusts from passing cars.

A tow rope can help get your car unstuck from snowy or icy conditions, with the assistance of another vehicle, of course.

$39.90Amazon$39.90Rhino USAIf you slide into a ditch or get buried in snow, this tow strap lets another vehicle pull you free. It has a 10,000-pound working load limit and 30,000-pound break strength, with reinforced triple-loop ends, padded eyelets and no metal hooks. In other words, it can pull a big car without damaging anything on it. Choose 20 or 30 feet, and store it in the included drawstring bag.

Road salt and (surprisingly) kitty litter can give your tires added traction if you are trying to get a stuck vehicle out of its current spot.

$27.95Home Depot$27.97$62.99TargetNow 56% offSprinkle these crystals around your tires to melt down snow and ice instead of spinning your wheels in place trying to get out of a parking spot. Its anti-corrosion CMA formula is gentler on your car and driveway than rock salt. Green-coated crystals show where you’ve spread it, so you use just enough.

$17.29$21.62AmazonNow 20% off$17.29$21.62ChewyNow 20% offFeline Pine isn’t just for cats. Keep this 17-pound bag of non-clumping litter in your trunk for winter emergencies. If your tires are spinning on snow or ice, sprinkle a few handfuls in front of and around each wheel for extra grip, then ease forward slowly.

Using guidance from reputable agencies like the National Weather Service, FEMA, the American Red Cross and state and local departments of transportation, we selected pre-made kits and items with at least a four-star average rating from hundreds (and in many cases, thousands) of shoppers at major retailers like Amazon. All of the organizations mentioned suggest some variation of a winter car emergency kit that includes the following items:

The National Weather Service, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Vision Zero North Dakota and the CDC all recommend similar items for a winter emergency car kit. We combined their recommendations to create the list above, which includes items like a first aid kit, car starting tools, emergency signal tools, tire tools and things to keep you warm.

It can be, depending on your needs. A lot of the items recommended for a winter emergency car kit are things you probably already own: a first aid kit, flashlight, road maps, batteries, warm clothes or a jump starter. Take stock of what you already have, then shop for anything you’re missing to create your own kit.

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Harry Rabinowitz is a former reporter at NBC Selected who covered technology, fitness and the outdoors. Bethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers home and lifestyle, among other topics. She has recently reported on the best snow boots with arch support and the best travel pill cases.

For this story, they researched winter emergency car preparation guidelines from reputable government and local agencies to put together a list of recommended items.

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Harry RabinowitzHarry Rabinowitz is a former reporter for NBC Selected, where he is constantly trying and reviewing the latest and greatest tech gadgets.

Bethany HeitmanBethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Selected.