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A peaceful winter drive can become a risky adventure if your family encounters a storm, accident or road closure.
Preparing for the unexpected helps improve your family’s comfort and ability to weather the unforeseen challenges this time of year.
All drivers should stock their vehicles with winter essentials to stay warm, remain visible and connect with emergency responders when needed.
More than 70% of U.S. roads are located in snow-prone areas and nearly one in four weather-related crashes occur during the winter season, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The statistics highlight why having the right essentials on hand makes the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a critical emergency.
What are the most important accessories for winter driving?
Utah’s long winters and heavy mountain snowfall underscore the importance of always being prepared before heading out on the road.
Keep a winter preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes items to keep you warm in freezing temperatures, lighting accessories for staying visible during shorter daylight hours and multipurpose tools for handling unexpected emergencies.
Communication devices are also important and ensure you stay connected to emergency responders when your vehicle breaks down or road assistance is far away.
Winter car care tools help drivers clear snow from windshields, break ice off windows and restart a dead battery in frigid temperatures.
Here are winter comfort essentials for drivers and passengers recommended by experts:
1. Heated car blanket (12V Plug-In)
This blanket uses the USB port and heats up within minutes to provide warmth for drivers and passengers.
Choose a blanket with adjustable heat settings and a long cord that allows backseat passengers to also use the blanket comfortably.
If your vehicle battery dies, charge with an external power bank or a portable 12V jump starter with a built-in outlet. No engine power is needed because both devices have internal batteries that work independently.
Pair the heated blanket with an emergency sleeping bag for better heat retention. This keeps your body temperature stable for longer periods in frigid conditions.
2. Heated seat cushions
These plug-in accessories also use the USB port and provide warmth to the lower back, hips and thighs.
Place the cushion on your seat to target core body areas where the heat helps circulation and comfort. Choose a seat cushion with an auto-shutoff feature to prevent draining your battery in case you forgot to unplug it when the engine is off.
3.Hand warmers (reusable or disposable)
Disposable chemical packs, reusable gel or electric warmers can easily fit inside your glove compartment or coat pocket.
Reusable gel warmers are activated with a metal disc snap that provides heat for 30 to 60 minutes.
Winter sports enthusiasts have been inserting disposable hand warmers into their gloves for years. They generate heat up to 12 hours depending on use and brand. Keep some on hand for emergencies whenever driving in inclement weather.
As an alternative, use electric hand warmers. They are rechargeable and double as power banks, letting you warm your hands and charge your phone during emergencies.
4. Smart travel mugs
The ubiquitous travel mug has changed quite a bit since the basic plastic cup with a snap-on lid.
Insulated mugs can stay warm for up to 12 hours and offer cozy comfort in freezing temperatures.
Or choose a smart mug with a temperature display and USB rechargeable battery. Some e-mugs also include a mixing blade to create your favorite drinks on the go.
No matter which mug you choose, make sure it has a secure a mug with a spill-proof lid and double-wall vacuum insulation. Check base size to make sure it fits readily into your car’s cup holder. Wide-mouth thermal mugs are convenient for soups and other liquids with vegetable or meat ingredients.
Traveler tip: For traditional insulated mugs, preheat your mug by letting it sit inside hot water for a few minutes before adding your hot drink. This helps retain heat for longer periods especially on sub-zero days.
5. Windshield ice scraper and snow brush
This dual purpose tool comes in handy when your windshield is buried under a thick layer of snow.
Use the brush to clear snow from the roof, windows, hood, lights and mirrors. Then use the ice scraper end to carefully chip away at hardened ice on the windshield and rear glass.
Pro tips: Spray the windshield with a de-icer 1 to 2 minutes before using the scraper to soften frost and hardened snow. Hold the scraper at a slight angle and use firm strokes to avoid scratching the glass.
6. Frost Windshield Cover
Tired of scraping ice off your windshield every morning?
A frost guard windshield cover acts as a protective barrier against snow, frost and ice buildup. No more hassle scraping off ice in your work clothes.
Pro tips: Look for covers that have elastic straps that hook to side mirrors. The covers are easy to stow, but consider placing it in a plastic bag to keep moisture from dripping onto carpeted areas.
7. Portable Car Jump Starter
The feeling of remorse can become a heavy burden if your vehicle battery dies while you are traveling far from home.
A portable battery charger can give you confidence in your travels, and it also is useful when coming to the aid of other stranded drivers. Choose a lithium-ion model rated at least 1,000 peak amps–they have enough power to jump-start vehicles with larger engines such as SUVs and trucks.
Pro tip: Cold temperatures sap battery life, even in your jump starter. Store it inside your garage when not traveling. Check the charge capacity in the jump starter monthly to make sure it’s ready for your next excursion.
8. Thermal Blanket
Thermal blankets are a low tech solution but effective way to retain body heat in extreme temperatures. They pack into a small size and stow easily. Their reflective surfaces trap and reflect 90% of your body heat back toward you.
Pair your thermal blanket with a wool blanket or down jacket. This makes the thermal blanket more effective with the extra insulation in place.
Keep multiple blankets if you regularly travel with passengers. One space blanket per person is ideal in case of an emergency when stranded in cold conditions.
9. Roadside emergency kit
A winter bundle of tools and supplies keeps you safe, helps you signal for help and allows you to handle basic repairs without asking for roadside assistance.
The kit should include:
- jumper cables
- reflective warning triangles
- a tire pressure gauge
- duct tape, gloves
- first aid supplies
- tire traction aids
- LED flashlight
Inspect and stock up your kit before the start of each winter season. Food expires, batteries weaken and supplies dwindle. Always personalize your kits with extra essentials or items specific to your family needs.
Pro tip: Add a laminated emergency info card with contact numbers, medical information and insurance details if someone else needs to assist you.
10. Collapsible snow shovel
Planning to drive through or stay overnight in snowy regions? Your family and friends will be impressed you remembered to bring a collapsible snow shovel.
This shovel lets you dig your vehicle out of snow banks or icy parking spots. Use it to clear snow around your tires to allow your vehicle space to roll forward or back.
Break up the snow with the corner of your shovel blade before scooping away. This makes it easier on your back.
After use, clean the shovel to prevent rust or an ice buildup inside your trunk.
Keep a pair of waterproof gloves and a kneeling pad with your shovel. Label it with reflective tape or paint to make it easy to find if you drop it in deep snow or lose it in the dark.
Other Safety and Preparedness Recommendations
11.Tire Traction Mats or Sand/Salt Pack
Question: How do you help tires gain control when stuck in snow?
Answer: Tire traction mats.
The type of mat you need depends on where you expect to drive.
Occasional use for passenger vehicles? Roll up or foldable mats are easy to stow. Look for flexible rubber or reinforced plastic material.
Off-roading; A more expensive option includes bays made with reinforced nylon or metal-reinforced plastic.
When using snow mats, clear accumulated snow around your tires and position the mats in front of the drive tires angled upward.
Gently press the accelerator to avoid spinning wheels and keep the tires aligned to prevent the mats from sliding away. Retrieve them after use, shake off the snow and store inside your trunk.
To use sand or salt, sprinkle in front and behind the tires. Sand improves traction and the salt melts away the ice.
When using salt, wash your wheel wells and undercarriage afterwards. A salt buildup can damage your brake lines and suspension components if not properly cleaned.
12. LED flashlight and lanterns
Whether you're checking under the hood or signaling for help, a high-lumen flashlight with backup power can help you see better and be more visible to oncoming drivers.
Opt for a flashlight with strobe or SOS flash settings that lets you signal for help instead of waving or honking.
Store batteries outside the flashlight to avoid corrosion. Keep another flashlight in your glove box or emergency kit with a sealed pack of spare batteries.
Rechargeable lanterns illuminate your surroundings and allow you to keep both hands free—especially useful if you are installing a spare tire.
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