Home Travel news Driving during winter How to prepare an emergency travel kit for winter months

How to prepare an emergency travel kit for winter months

It is always wise to have an emergency travel kit in your vehicle. Breakdowns can happen at any time, and you are always at the mercy of unforeseen issues on the road. 

Winter essentials to have in your emergency travel kit

During winter months, there is a higher chance of frost. It's dangerous to drive without full visibility through your vehicle's windows. Keep de-icer spray handy to clear your windows quickly. 

Always have a torch and spare batteries when you travel in the winter. A high visibility jacket is useful so other road users can see you when you are out of your vehicle. 

Having warm clothes and blankets in your vehicle will be useful if you break down as temperatures can drop quickly and you may be stranded for some time. 

Winter car emergency kit checklist

  • De-icer
  • Ice-scraper
  • Torch 
  • Spare batteries
  • High-visibility jacket
  • Spare-warm clothes
  • Blanket

There are also things you should always have in the car in case of emergencies. These include: 

  • First Aid kit 
  • Jump start cables
  • Empty fuel can
  • Water and food
  • Shovel 
  • Phone backup battery 

Prepare for your journey 

Always check the weather on the Met Office website and visit our traffic info map before you head off, especially in winter. You will find up-to-date weather information and other information pertinent to your journey.