What to keep in your car for a Canadian winter
Short answer: Keep a scraper and brush, a shovel, traction aid, booster cables, a light, blankets, warm clothes, water, snacks and hand warmers in your car all winter, and know what to do if you get stuck: stay in the car, keep the tailpipe clear and let in a little fresh air.
Keep these in the car all winter
- Snow brush and ice scraper. A magnetic windshield snow cover means less scraping on snowy mornings.
- Small shovel with a long handle to dig out wheels and clear the tailpipe.
- Traction aid: sand, non-clumping kitty litter or traction mats.
- Booster cables and extra windshield washer fluid rated for winter.
- Light: a flashlight or headlamp. Batteries drain fast in the cold, so a rechargeable or crank light is a good choice. Our Winter Car Emergency Kit includes a rechargeable motion-sensor headlamp.
- Warning triangles or flares so other drivers see you.
- Warmth: a blanket, extra socks, gloves, a tuque and boots. Mylar thermal blankets fold small enough for the glovebox.
- Hand and foot warmers. Transport Canada suggests using them instead of running the heater. A rechargeable hand warmer can also top up your phone.
- Water and snacks such as granola bars, and a phone charger or power bank.
- First-aid kit, a small tool kit, spare fuses and a seat belt cutter and window hammer.
Winter car checks
- Check tire pressure once a month when the tires are cold. A backlit digital tire gauge makes it easy in the dark.
- Install winter tires. They are required in Quebec from December 1 to March 15, and in Ontario they can earn an insurance discount.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in winter.
- Wear ice cleats over your boots on icy driveways and parking lots.
If you get stuck in snow or a storm
- Stay calm and, if you are not at risk of being hit, stay in the car.
- Keep the tailpipe clear of snow to stop carbon monoxide from building up, and open a window slightly on the side away from the wind.
- Run the engine as little as possible, and use the dome light, not the headlights, to save the battery.
- Don't shovel or push hard in bitter cold. Move your arms and legs to stay warm, and stay awake.
- Put out warning triangles and watch for traffic or rescuers.
Quick answers
What should be in a winter car emergency kit in Canada?
Transport Canada and CAA suggest a small shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, sand or kitty litter, booster cables, a flashlight, warning triangles, a first-aid kit, blankets, extra socks, gloves and a tuque, water, snacks and hand and foot warmers.
Should I stay in my car if I get stuck in a snowstorm?
Usually yes. If you are not at risk of being hit by other traffic, stay inside for shelter, keep the tailpipe clear of snow, open a window slightly for fresh air, run the engine as little as possible and use the dome light rather than the headlights.
Why does my tire pressure light come on in winter?
Cold air takes up less space, so tire pressure drops when the temperature falls. Check and top up your tires when they are cold, using the pressure on the driver's door sticker.
Sources
This guide is general information, not professional safety advice. Always follow official alerts and instructions from local authorities.
