In a Minnesota winter, a dead battery or a flat tire isn't just an inconvenience. Waiting in a cold car can get uncomfortable fast. A small winter kit in your trunk is one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself and your family. Here's what to pack and why.
The basics: stay warm
- Blanket or sleeping bag (wool or a warm emergency blanket)
- Hat, gloves and warm socks for everyone who usually rides with you
- Hand and foot warmers
- An extra warm layer (old jacket or sweatshirt)
If your car won't start, it won't make heat. These items are what keep you comfortable while help is on the way.
Get seen, stay safe
- Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries (or a hand-crank one)
- Reflective triangles or flares
- A bright cloth or flag to tie to the antenna or door if you're stuck in snow
Power and communication
- Phone charger cable and a charged power bank. Your phone is how you call for help and share your location.
- A list of important numbers on paper, including UK Roadside: (855) 799-4711.
Get unstuck
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small folding shovel
- Sand, salt or cat litter for traction under the tires
- Jumper cables or a charged jump pack
Food and water
- Bottled water (keep it in an insulated bag so it's less likely to freeze solid)
- High-energy snacks like granola bars or nuts
Nice to have
- Small first-aid kit
- Extra washer fluid rated for winter
- Tire pressure gauge
- Paper towels and a trash bag
- Any medications you or your family need
If you get stuck in the cold
- Stay with your vehicle. It's shelter, and it's easier for help to find than a person walking.
- Call for help and share your exact location.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow before running the engine. A blocked tailpipe can push carbon monoxide into the car.
- Run the engine only for short periods (about 10 minutes an hour) to warm up, with a window cracked slightly.
- Keep moving a little. Clap, stretch and move your arms and legs to stay warm.
- Turn on the dome light at night so you're visible, but don't drain the battery.
Check your kit twice a year
Pack it in the fall (around when the clocks change) and check it again mid-winter. Replace used warmers, recharge the power bank and the jump pack, and swap snacks and water.
When you need more than a kit
A kit keeps you safe while you wait. Getting you back on the road is our job. UK Roadside handles jump starts, flat tire changes, lockouts, tire repairs and battery replacement across the Twin Cities north metro, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 10:30 PM. Call (855) 799-4711.
