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8 things you should always have in your car this winter

Don't get caught without 'em

A line of cars in traffic during a snowstorm. Credit: Getty Images / MarianVejcik

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Let’s face it: Winter driving isn’t fun. Whether you have to shovel your car out, or you’re marooned on a snowy highway, getting where you need to go may take some extra preparation.

Reviewed staff swears by the following winter safety essentials, which are great whether you're expecting a single foot of snow or several. These winter driving must-haves are also great gift ideas for those who need to be on the road, no matter the weather.

1. Snow tires keep your wheels on the road

A close-up of a car tie in snow
Credit: Getty Images / mariakraynova

This is why snow tires are so important—they have a deeper tread pattern that’s designed to improve traction on wet, slippery surfaces.

It doesn’t matter that your car has all-wheel drive if those wheels can’t maintain a grip. This is why snow tires are so important—they have a deeper tread pattern that’s designed to improve traction on wet, slippery surfaces.

But it isn’t just about driving through slop. The tires are also made of a slightly different rubber composition than the all-seasons you probably have on your car right now. This keeps them more pliable at lower temperatures so you can get better handling and grip on the road.

If you're in an area with very heavy snow, and you're in the market for snow chains for your tires, we recommend this popular set from Security Chain Company. They have high ratings with thousands of user reviews.

Snow tires and chains can be expensive, but they also help save wear and tear on your all-seasons. Plus, spending a bit on your winter tire set-up can prevent an accident that could cost you significantly more. If you're a nervous or newer driver, the additional traction just feels great, and it can provide you with ample peace of mind.

Product image of SCC SZ143 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain
SCC SZ143 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

Snow ties can help you keep on the road during adverse winter conditions.

$90.05 at Amazon

2. This emergency tool has everything you need

An emergency multi-tool against a blue background.
Credit: Reviewed / Luxon

This single Roadside Emergency Tool features a safety hammer, LED flashlight, a seatbelt cutter, and a hand-cranking USB charger.

There are a few essentials you should always carry in your car, no matter the season: a flashlight in case of a nighttime emergency, a hammer to break safety glass so you can escape if your car starts to submerge in water, and a pressure gauge to check your tires. It's important to note that tire pressure can really fluctuate in wintertime.

If you’re like us, though, you want to keep your car as clean and uncluttered as possible. This single Roadside Emergency Tool features a safety hammer, LED flashlight, a seatbelt cutter, and a hand-cranking USB charger. We especially like this tool's ability to cover the basics, as well as charge a dead phone.

However, if you're looking to build out a more comprehensive winter emergency car kit, read this round-up of all the emergency essentials.

Product image of Luxon emergency tool
Luxon emergency tool

Be prepared for any situation with this emergency tool.

$36.99 at Amazon

3. A snow brush and ice scraper keeps your vision clear

A snow brush wiping a window.
Credit: Subzero

When snow falls, a snow brush is crucial to safe driving.

The Mallory brush is an office favorite that can tackle everything from a smaller car to a gigantic SUV. Its foam grip is thick and easy to handle, the scraper is strong and won’t shatter, and the brush is wide enough to get snow off the roof, too. The combination of its low price, sturdy build, and easy-to-use design is probably why it's a bestseller on Amazon.

Product image of Mallory Snow Brush
Mallory Snow Brush

Easily clear snow off your windows with this brush from Mallory.

$12.95 at Amazon

If you do have a tall SUV and need something a bit longer, we like the popular Snow MOOver Extendable Snow Brush, which combines a foam grip with a telescoping handle to help you reach the snow that's piled high on top of your vehicle. Invest in this, keep your roof clear, and you'll never find yourself dealing with a windshield-covering avalanche the next time you stop at an intersection.

Product image of Snow Moover
Snow Moover

For taller cars, this brush and scraper from Snow Moover is a better pick.

$32.96 at Amazon

4. Windshield washer fluid cleans off the mess

A close-up of fluid getting sprayed onto a windshield.
Credit: 2010 Products

If you always seem to run out of fluid right around the time your windshield is crusted up with salt, then make sure you're topped-off before the snowfall starts.

Before the bad weather starts to hit, double-check to make sure your windshield fluid levels are full. You don't want to get stuck without fluid after your windshield is covered in salty, icy muck—not to mention refilling the tank while it's sleeting outside is less than ideal. That's why keeping a bottle on hand is crucial.

Make sure to find a formula that de-ices so the fluid can melt away ice.

Product image of Prestone Windshield Wiper Fluid
Prestone Windshield Wiper Fluid

Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off before heading out.

$16.10 at Amazon

5. A portable shovel saves you when you have to dig deep

A person shoveling snow against a brick building.
Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The Suncast SC3250 is the best snow shovel we've tested.

Nobody likes coming outside from a long series of errands to find their car buried under an unexpected snowfall. This is where a shovel can come in handy, either for digging yourself out or helping to create a pathway back to your front door once you've made it home.

Our pick for best snow shovel (yes, we've done some testing) is the Suncast SC3250 18-inch Snow Shovel, which excels at moving lots of snow.

Product image of Suncast SC3250 18 in. Snow Shovel & Pusher
Suncast SC3250 18 in. Snow Shovel & Pusher

A portable shovel can help dig you out and get you back on the road.

$62.16 at Walmart

6. A blanket keeps you warm

A mylar blanket against a blue background.
Credit: Reviewed / Getty Images / prill

If you're stuck on the road, a mylar blanket will keep you warm when stranded.

During blizzards, drivers are in danger of roads shutting down due to rapid accumulation of snow and ice. If you end up stranded, you'll want to be prepared to stay warm.

For these scenarios, although rare, you should stock a warm blanket in your car. Mylar blankets are insulating, inexpensive, and easy to store, making it a no-brainer inclusion in any emergency preparedness kit. They come in compact packages so they'll stay tucked out of the way, but you'll be grateful you have one when you need it.

Product image of Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets

Keep yourself warm during an emergency by having a few thermal blankets around.

$21.99 at Amazon

7. A car seat cover keeps babies warm

A baby in a car seat that has a cover on it.
Credit: JJ Cole

The littlest passengers need to stay warm in the car too.

In the same vein as Mylar blankets, parents want to be able to keep their children warm. In the event that you are stranded in your car, a car seat cover not only provides your baby with extra warmth in their car seat, it's also flexible enough to switch over to their stroller once you've arrived at your destination.

Product image of JJ Cole Winter Baby Car Seat Cover
JJ Cole Winter Baby Car Seat Cover

Keep your little ones warm during long trips with a car seat cover.

$31.99 at Amazon

8. Emergency recovery traction ramps get you on your way

A traction ramp against a blue background.
Credit: X-Bull

Traction ramps can get your car out of thick ice and snow when stuck.

Shovels can't always dig you out of a jam. If the snow is really deep or you're parked on a layer of ice, traction ramps are key for getting your car back on the road.

Just push the flat side as far under your stuck tire as it can go, and push the jagged edge into the snow and ice below. Now, when your wheel spins, it will make contact with the ramp’s hard metal surface instead of slippery ice. It'll be just enough traction to get your car moving in no time.

Product image of Discount Ramps Apex TP-7417 Heavy Duty Vehicle Recovery Traction Grip Track
Discount Ramps Apex TP-7417 Heavy Duty Vehicle Recovery Traction Grip Track

Stop spinning out on ice and slush with these traction grip tracks.

$107.90 at Amazon

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