You can make some minor repairs to your car on the side of the road yourself. This will allow you to drive your car to a maintenance facility to have it inspected further. Keep an air pump in your car. An electric one that plugs into your cigarette lighter can save you some physical effort, but a traditional hand pump should be included too in case your cigarette lighter malfunctions and does not supply electricity. Jumper cables can help you get a jump to start your car if another driver will stop to help you. Additional windshield wipers can help if yours break or wear out unexpectedly. Finally, fluids such as windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze may come in handy.
During the winter you might find yourself stuck in snow or ice. The first item you will need to keep in your kit is a small snow shovel. Some have collapsible handles that make them easier to store in your trunk. Salt, sand or kitty litter can help you with traction. The salt can help melt ice that is on the ground around your tires. The sand or kitty litter can give you additional traction if you spread it around the tires.
If you must wait for help, be prepared. Keep a thick blanket in your car to help keep you warm. A dry pair of gloves and extra pair of thick socks will keep your hands and feet warm if your other gloves and socks get wet. A sweater provides an additional layer of clothing to insulate you from the cold.
Some items are not necessities for a winter emergency kit, but they're convenient. Keep a pre-paid cell phone in your emergency kit in case your cell phone battery dies. A map book will help you locate the closest town where you can pull off to get help, if you're still able to drive a few miles. Snacks such as trail mix, cookies and beverages will quench hunger and thirst. Visibility during a snowstorm is limited, so surround your car with flares that help other drivers see you. A little extra cash in your kit can be used to thank a helpful passing motorist or to pay for a cab or tow truck.
