Here’s what to keep in your car this winter

Tire traction mats

Keep these durable mats in your trunk to get you out of snow, mud, sand or dirt.

First aid kit

Stock your car with everything you’d need in case of emergency (like bandages, rubbing alcohol, a cold compress, etc.). This waterproof, shockproof case is military-grade, so your important supplies stay dry and usable.

Snowbrush

This combination snowbrush and ice scraper extends for a longer reach.

Winter floor mats

It’s not likely these will help you out of a bind, but these heavy-duty mats are perfect for protecting your car floor from muddy, snowy, salty boots, shoes, and paws this winter.

LED flares

These waterproof LED flares should be kept in your car year-round. They allow passing cars to see you (up to one-and-a-half kilometres away at night) should you end up stuck on the side of the road.

Aluminum candle lantern

This lightweight, collapsible candle lantern provides heat and light for up to nine hours per candle.

Hand and body warmers

Each of these adhesive body warmers provides 12 hours of heat, to help keep your core temperature if you end up stuck on the side of the road (or just forget your winter gloves).

Emergency drinking water

Keep a stash of this purified drinking water in your trunk in case you get stranded.

Emergency blanket

This water-resistance emergency sleeping bag is made of material that reflects up to 70 per cent of radiated body heat and is resistant to tears. The bright orange colour is intentional—it makes you easier to spot.

Shovel

This lightweight, compact shovel easily stashes away in your trunk. It’s perfect for digging out a vehicle stuck in the snow, and the metal edge is sharp enough to dig through ice.

Car safety multitool

Keep this handy multitool in your glove compartment. It includes everything from an LED flashlight and digital tire pressure gauge to a glass hammer and seat belt cutter.

Automatic jump charger

This best-selling compact charger in your car means you don’t have to wait for a good samaritan to jump a drained battery.

Phone charger

This power bank is good for up to almost two full smartphone charges. Keep it in your glove compartment in case of emergency.

Packable jacket

It’s never a bad idea to keep an extra warm jacket in the car, especially since temperatures tend to drop at night—you may not be dressed warmly enough in an emergency.

Roadside emergency kit

When in doubt, get this kit of the essentials. It contains everything from a screwdriver to jumper cables and a reflective safety vest.