Emergency Kit for Your Car: What Every Winnipeg Driver Needs This Winter
You’re driving home from work on a frigid January evening. The temperature reads -35°C. Suddenly, your car dies on a lonely stretch of highway. No traffic. No houses nearby. Just you, the howling wind, and the growing realization that help might not arrive for hours. Do you have what you need to survive?
Winter emergencies happen fast in Winnipeg. According to CAA Manitoba, nearly 30% of all winter roadside assistance calls result from dead batteries—and that’s just one type of breakdown . When you factor in accidents, mechanical failures, and vehicles stuck in snow, the statistics become even more sobering. Having a properly stocked winter emergency kit isn’t just smart—it could save your life .
This comprehensive guide covers everything Winnipeg drivers need in their winter emergency kit, from basic essentials to survival gear that matters when temperatures plummet to dangerous levels.
Why Every Winnipeg Driver Needs a Winter Emergency Kit
Winnipeg winters are unpredictable and unforgiving. Even a short commute can turn into a survival situation when extreme cold, blizzards, or mechanical failures strike .
Help May Not Arrive Quickly
During major winter storms, roadside assistance wait times can exceed 3-4 hours due to high call volumes. Emergency services prioritize life-threatening situations, meaning a simple breakdown might leave you waiting even longer. Your emergency kit becomes your lifeline during this critical window .
Extreme Cold Is Dangerous
At -30°C with windchill, frostbite can develop in less than 10 minutes on exposed skin. Hypothermia becomes a real risk if your vehicle loses heat and you’re not properly prepared. The right gear keeps you warm and safe while waiting for help .
Winter Breakdowns Are Common
Battery failures increase by over 20% during extreme cold snaps in Canada . Add frozen fuel lines, tire failures, and accidents caused by icy roads, and it’s clear that winter emergencies aren’t rare—they’re predictable. Being prepared isn’t optional.
Essential Items for Your Winnipeg Winter Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should address four critical needs: warmth, visibility, communication, and basic survival. Here’s what to pack based on recommendations from CAA Manitoba and winter safety experts .
Warmth and Protection
Staying warm is your first priority when stranded in extreme cold .
High-Quality Wool Blanket or Emergency Sleeping Bag
Regular blankets lose effectiveness when wet. Wool retains heat even when damp, while emergency sleeping bags (rated for sub-zero temperatures) provide superior insulation . Pack one blanket per passenger, plus one extra.
Extra Winter Clothing
Store a complete set of spare winter gear in your vehicle :
- Insulated winter jacket or parka
- Warm hat that covers your ears
- Insulated gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)
- Extra socks (wool or thermal)
- Winter boots if you normally wear dress shoes
- Scarf or neck warmer
Even if you’re only driving a few blocks, having these items means you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Hand and Body Warmers
Disposable heat packs provide instant warmth and last 6-10 hours. Keep several pairs in your kit—they’re lightweight, inexpensive, and can prevent frostbite on fingers and toes .
Emergency Candles and Waterproof Matches
A single candle burning in a metal container can raise the interior temperature of your vehicle by several degrees . Tea light candles are ideal because they’re small, safe, and burn for hours. Always use proper ventilation and never leave candles unattended.
Visibility and Safety Equipment
Being visible to other drivers and emergency responders is critical, especially during snowstorms or at night .
LED Emergency Lights, Flares, or Road Triangles
Reflective warning triangles with weighted bases stay in place during wind. LED flares are reusable and visible from over a kilometer away. Place these at least 30 meters behind your vehicle to warn approaching traffic .
Reflective Safety Vest or Jacket
If you need to exit your vehicle for any reason, a reflective vest makes you visible to passing drivers. This is especially important if you’re changing a tire or walking to seek help .
Brightly Colored Flag or Cloth
Tie a bright orange or red flag to your antenna or door handle. This signals distress to passing vehicles and helps emergency responders locate you during blizzards .
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Your vehicle’s interior lights drain the battery quickly. A powerful LED flashlight with spare batteries lets you see without depleting your car’s power . Consider a hand-crank emergency flashlight that doesn’t require batteries at all.
Power and Communication Tools
Staying connected and maintaining power during a winter emergency can mean the difference between hours of waiting and getting help quickly .
Portable Jump Starter
Modern portable jump starters are compact, powerful, and don’t require another vehicle. Many models (like the NOCO Boost XL GB50) also function as flashlights and phone chargers . This tool can restart your vehicle in minutes instead of waiting hours for roadside assistance.
Always keep your portable jump starter charged and bring it inside during extreme cold to prevent battery drain.
Jumper Cables (Backup)
Even if you have a portable jump starter, traditional jumper cables provide a backup option if your jump starter fails or if you need to help another stranded driver .
Fully Charged Power Bank
Your smartphone is your lifeline, but batteries drain twice as fast in sub-zero temperatures . A high-capacity power bank with cables compatible with your phone ensures you can make calls, access GPS, and stay connected even if your car battery dies.
Keep the power bank inside your jacket to prevent it from freezing.
Car Phone Charger
A car USB adapter or dedicated phone charger lets you recharge while your vehicle is running. Always keep your phone charged to at least 50% during winter driving .
Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Radio
When cell service fails or your phone dies, an emergency radio provides access to weather updates, road condition reports, and emergency broadcasts . Hand-crank models never run out of power.
Tools and Traction Aids
Getting unstuck or performing basic roadside tasks requires the right tools .
Collapsible Snow Shovel
A sturdy, compact shovel helps you dig out from snow, clear your tailpipe (preventing carbon monoxide poisoning), and create paths around your vehicle . Choose a metal-edged shovel that can cut through hard-packed snow and ice.
Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
Visibility is critical for safe winter driving. Keep a heavy-duty ice scraper and long-handled snow brush to clear windows, mirrors, and lights . If you’re stranded for hours, ice and snow will accumulate quickly.
Sand, Salt, or Non-Clumping Cat Litter
When your tires lose traction in snow or ice, spreading sand or kitty litter under your drive wheels provides grip . Keep a small bag or bucket in your trunk—it’s one of the most effective (and cheapest) ways to get unstuck.
Traction Mats or Tire Chains
Portable traction mats (like MAXTRAX or similar) provide instant grip under spinning tires. Tire chains offer superior traction on ice and are essential if you frequently drive rural or unplowed roads .
Tow Rope or Strap
If another vehicle stops to help, a heavy-duty tow strap allows them to pull you free safely . Make sure your tow strap is rated for your vehicle’s weight.
Multi-Tool or Basic Tool Kit
A multi-tool with pliers, screwdrivers, and a knife can handle minor roadside repairs or cut seatbelts in an emergency . Add duct tape for quick fixes to hoses, plastic parts, or torn clothing.
Food and Hydration
Your body needs calories to generate heat in cold conditions .
High-Energy Non-Perishable Snacks
Pack calorie-dense foods that won’t freeze solid :
- Energy bars or protein bars
- Nuts, trail mix, or dried fruit
- Chocolate (provides quick energy)
- Crackers or cookies
- MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for extended emergencies
Rotate your food supply every few months to ensure freshness.
Drinking Water
Water bottles can freeze solid in winter. Juice boxes and pouches resist freezing better than pure water due to their sugar content . Store several in your kit and replace them regularly.
Thermos with Hot Liquid
If you’re embarking on a longer winter trip, bring a thermos filled with hot coffee, tea, or soup. Warm liquids help maintain body temperature and provide psychological comfort during stressful situations.
First Aid and Safety Items
Medical emergencies can happen anytime, but they’re especially dangerous when you’re stranded in extreme cold .
Comprehensive First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit should include :
- Bandages, gauze, and medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Cold and allergy medications
- Prescription medications (carry at least a day’s worth)
- Tourniquet for serious injuries
- Instant cold packs
- Tweezers and scissors
Small Fire Extinguisher (Class B/C)
Vehicle fires can occur and spread rapidly in cold weather when mechanical parts are stressed. A small fire extinguisher provides a first line of defense and can contain fires 80% faster than waiting for emergency responders .
Whistle
A whistle carries much farther than your voice and requires less energy. Use it to signal for help if you’re stranded in a remote area .
Documents and Information
Keep important information accessible in case of emergencies .
Emergency Contact List
Write down phone numbers for:
- Emergency services (911)
- Roadside assistance ((204) 505-4621 for Winnipeg Towing)
- Insurance company
- Family members
- Workplace
If your phone dies, you’ll still have these numbers written down.
Paper Maps
GPS and smartphones fail when batteries die or signals drop. Keep a paper map of Manitoba in your glove box .
Pencil and Notebook
Document accident details, take notes, or leave messages for emergency responders if you must leave your vehicle .
Additional Winter Essentials
These extra items increase your safety and comfort during winter emergencies.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Keep an extra jug of winter-rated washer fluid in your trunk. Reduced visibility from road salt and spray is dangerous, and running out of washer fluid can leave you unable to see .
Coolant
Carry extra coolant/antifreeze in case of leaks or overheating .
Tire Pressure Gauge
Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop. A simple gauge lets you check and maintain proper inflation .
Umbrella
An umbrella protects you from snow and freezing rain while working outside your vehicle or waiting for help .
Plastic Bags
Large garbage bags serve multiple purposes: waterproofing gear, collecting snow to melt for water, or even as emergency windbreakers.
Organizing Your Emergency Kit
Having the right items doesn’t help if you can’t find them in an emergency.
Use a Dedicated Container
Store your kit in a durable bag, plastic bin, or backpack. Keep it in your trunk where it’s easily accessible .
Check Your Kit Seasonally
Before winter arrives, review your kit and:
- Replace expired items (food, medications, batteries)
- Test your flashlight and portable jump starter
- Restock any items you’ve used
- Update emergency contact numbers
Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full
A half-full tank prevents fuel line freeze-ups and ensures you can run your engine periodically to stay warm while stranded .
What To Do If You’re Stranded in Winter
Even with a complete emergency kit, knowing what to do during a breakdown is critical.
Stay With Your Vehicle
Your car provides shelter from wind and cold. Don’t walk for help unless you can see a building nearby—disorientation and hypothermia happen quickly in blizzards.
Call for Help Immediately
Contact 24-hour roadside assistance as soon as you’re safely stopped. The sooner you call, the sooner help arrives.
Make Yourself Visible
Turn on hazard lights, set up warning triangles, and tie a bright flag to your antenna.
Run Your Engine Sparingly
Run your engine for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm, but always ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay Warm and Hydrated
Put on extra layers, wrap yourself in blankets, and eat high-energy snacks to maintain body heat.
When To Call Professional Roadside Assistance
Your emergency kit keeps you safe while waiting, but professional help gets you moving again. Call for assistance if:
- Your vehicle won’t start after using your jump starter
- You’re stuck in deep snow or ice
- You’ve had an accident and your vehicle can’t be driven
- You’re in an unsafe location (busy highway, isolated area)
- Weather conditions are deteriorating
- You have passengers with medical conditions or young children
Winnipeg Towing provides fast, reliable roadside assistance across all Winnipeg neighborhoods including St. Vital, River Heights, St. Boniface, and surrounding areas—24/7, even during the worst winter storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a winter emergency kit cost?
A basic DIY kit costs $100-200 if you buy items individually. Pre-assembled commercial kits range from $150-400 depending on contents . Either option is worth the investment compared to the risk of being unprepared in -30°C weather.
Where should I store my emergency kit in my car?
Keep your kit in the trunk or cargo area where it’s easily accessible but doesn’t take up passenger space. Avoid the passenger cabin where items can become projectiles during accidents .
Do I need different emergency kits for different seasons?
Yes. Winter kits focus on warmth and snow removal, while summer kits emphasize hydration, sun protection, and heat management. Swap seasonal items twice per year .
How long can I survive in my car during a winter emergency?
With proper preparation (emergency kit, full gas tank, warm clothing), you can safely wait many hours for help. The key is staying warm, hydrated, and conserving vehicle fuel by running the engine sparingly .
Should I keep my emergency kit inside the car or in the trunk?
Store most items in the trunk, but keep a small “grab bag” with essentials (flashlight, phone charger, snacks, blanket) in the passenger area for immediate access .
Can I buy pre-made winter emergency kits in Winnipeg?
Yes. Canadian Tire, Costco, and local automotive stores sell pre-assembled winter emergency kits. You can also customize your own based on your specific needs and vehicle type .
Fast Roadside Assistance Across Winnipeg
Your emergency kit keeps you safe while you wait—but you shouldn’t have to wait long. Winnipeg Towing provides fast, professional roadside assistance 24/7 throughout Winnipeg, including:
- Battery boost service for dead batteries
- Tire change service for flats
- Winch-out recovery when you’re stuck in snow
- Car unlocking service for lockouts
- Emergency towing when your vehicle can’t be driven
Our dispatch team responds quickly across all Winnipeg neighborhoods, ensuring you’re never left waiting in dangerous cold longer than necessary.
Stranded in a winter emergency right now? Call us immediately: (204) 505-4621
We’re here 24/7—day or night, weekends or holidays—to help Winnipeg drivers stay safe on winter roads. Don’t face winter emergencies alone.