Even with 2025 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showing a decline in road fatalities, driving is among the most dangerous activities anyone undertakes day-to-day. When you add snow and winter weather into the mix, road conditions can get even more dicey.
With the heightened possibility of an accident and other weather-related factors in mind, we've assembled a short list of some on-the-go essentials that you should keep in your car at all times. Having these in your vehicle can help to keep you safe and get you back on the road quicker if you're forced to pull over.
5 winter car essentials you need on hand
- Portable jump starter: Car Battery Jump Starter with Air Compressor
- Portable snow shovel: AstroAI Lightweight Extendable Snow Shovel
- First aid kit: First aid kit with 300 pieces
- Battery-powered lamp: Car hood light for emergencies
- Traction aid: Traction boards for your car
Portable jump starter
Jumper cables are great to have, but there's never a guarantee that your
next breakdown or battery failure will happen on a well-traveled road with plenty of people there to help you. This jump-starter and air compressor combo is a perfect addition to anyone's roadside emergency kit.
An easy-to-read screen, bright LED lights and wide range of operating temperatures — down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit — mean that you'll have power when you need it.
Shop this top-rated jump starter now.
Portable snow shovel
Having a compact shovel with you in your car is a must. No one ever plans to slide into a snow drift, but being able to dig yourself out of any situation is necessary if you live in a colder climate, like the Midwest or Northeast. Even if your needs are as mundane as shoveling your car out of an apartment parking space after a blizzard, this will be a huge help.
This portable shovel is perfect for your car's emergency kit
First aid kit
Accidents happen, and proper preparation is key to putting yourself in the best position when they do occur. You can never plan for a car accident, but this first aid kit is a relatively cheap insurance policy for you in case you're ever in a single-car accident in a more secluded area.
Help may not always be right around the corner, and this can cover most basic needs until assistance arrives. Be sure to pick up some space blankets and hand warmers to keep your body heat in as well.
Shop this 300-piece first aid kit now.
Battery-powered lamp
These LED lights serve multiple purposes, as they can either help you to safely view and work on your vehicle in the dark, flag down roadside assistance or simple let other motorists know that you're there. These are rechargeable via an included USB-C cable. These lamps provide four hours of light at the highest brightness setting on a single charge and can rotate 360 degrees to suit any need.
Shop these bright work lights now.
Traction aid
For my personal needs, I keep a small bag of sand in my trunk during the winter in case my tires are ever stuck and lose traction. Considering that I drive a sedan in primarily urban and suburban environments, this is more than enough. However, if you have a larger vehicle and live in the country, a set of traction boards can help if you're spinning your wheels in a muddy or icy patch.
Shop these traction boards before winter.
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How we assemble our lists
Along with being writers, most of us at USA TODAY are vigilant motorists who are concerned with roadside safety. Using this personal experience, we put ourselves in the readers' shoes to determine what the most pressing needs may be. And, after reading hundreds of customer reviews, we put together the list you see here. It is by no means a comprehensive storm prep list, but we think these items should be an excellent starting point for anyone on the road.
The author and editor of this story grew up in states that experience heavy winter snow, so we can both speak to how important it is to have these car essentials in your car.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 winter essentials every driver should keep in their car
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