What to carry in your car for winter in Canada and the northern US, and how to stay safe if you are stuck in snow, including exhaust pipe safety.
- Keep a winter kit in the car and the fuel tank at least half full.
- If stuck, stay with the vehicle and clear the exhaust pipe before running the engine.
- Skip the candle-in-a-can idea; use blankets and layers.
A winter breakdown or storm delay can leave you waiting in a cold car for hours. In places with long, cold winters and long distances between towns, a small kit and a few habits make a big difference. This guide is written for drivers in Canada and the northern US.
What to carry
Pack a bin or bag in the trunk or cargo area, secured so it does not slide. Items to consider:
- Warmth: wool blankets or a sleeping bag, warm hats, mittens, extra socks and winter boots
- Visibility: flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries, reflective triangles or flares, and a bright cloth to mark your car
- Clearing and traction: snow brush with ice scraper, a small collapsible shovel, and sand, cat litter or traction mats
- Power: booster cables, a jump starter or a charged power bank, and a phone charging cable
- Food and water: ready-to-eat snacks such as bars and nuts, and water in a container that will not burst when it freezes (leave room for expansion)
- First aid kit and any personal medication
- Other: whistle, basic tools, tow strap, paper map, and windshield washer fluid rated for cold
For a printable list, see our 72-hour checklist and adapt it for your vehicle.
Keep the tank at least half full
In winter, keep your fuel tank at least half full. It gives you the ability to run the engine for warmth if stuck, and it helps prevent fuel line freezing. Winter tires, a good battery and a checked cooling system are worth doing before the cold hits. Ask a mechanic if you are unsure.
If you get stuck in snow
Official guidance is usually to stay with your vehicle. It shelters you and is easier for rescuers to spot than a person on foot, and it is easy to get lost or exhausted walking in a storm. Only leave if help is clearly visible and close.
- Turn on your hazard lights and call for help if you have signal. Tell them your location.
- Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or mirror.
- Run the engine only briefly, such as about 10 minutes each hour, to warm the car, with a window cracked slightly for fresh air.
- Keep moving your arms and legs, and stay dry.
- Stay awake and take turns resting if you are with others.
Do not use a flame inside the car
You may see advice online about a candle in a can for heat. We do not recommend it for a car. A candle gives little warmth, uses oxygen, adds fire risk and produces fumes in a small closed space. Rely on blankets, layers and brief engine use instead. Never run a camp stove, grill or heater with a flame inside your vehicle.
Save your phone battery
Lower screen brightness, close apps, use airplane mode between calls, and charge from the car while the engine is running. Keep a power bank in the kit, and see power station sizing if you want a larger backup. Text if voice calls will not connect. A battery or hand-crank radio can also help; see emergency radios.
Before you leave
Check road and weather conditions, tell someone your route and expected arrival, and leave extra time. Avoid travel during major storms. Learn more at our winter storm prep checklist and how to stay warm without power.
Dress for the car, not just the commute
Many drivers wear light clothing because the car warms up quickly. If you break down, that changes fast. Keep a warm coat, hat and boots in the vehicle in cold regions, especially on rural or highway trips. Pack a charged phone and a paper note with key numbers. If you travel with children or older adults, add extra blankets and snacks.
Quick answers
Should I leave my car and walk for help?
Usually no. Staying with the vehicle is generally safer unless help is clearly visible and close.
How often can I run the engine to stay warm?
Official guidance suggests running it for short periods, such as about 10 minutes each hour, with the exhaust pipe clear and a window slightly open.