Winter car kit: what to pack, and the 10-minutes-an-hour engine rule if you get stuck

If you get stuck: stay with the car

Every source here says the same thing first: stay in the vehicle. The NWS says that if you leave it, you’ll become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold. CDC says staying in the car is often the safest choice when visibility is poor or the roads are icy. [S1] [S2] [S5] [S7]

OSHA gives a clear limit: don’t leave to look for help unless you can see help within 100 yards. It also says to call for emergency help if you need it, and to expect a slow response in a bad storm. [S6]

Don’t wear yourself out digging or pushing. NHTSA says not to overexert yourself, and the NWS and OSHA warn that shoveling snow or pushing a car in the cold can bring on a heart attack. [S1] [S2] [S6]

Weather on the road is a real risk. NHTSA counts 320 fatal crashes and an estimated 22,293 injury crashes in 2023 that happened in snow or sleet. [S1]

The engine rule: about 10 minutes an hour

The engine is your heater, and its exhaust is the danger. The NWS, CDC and OSHA all say to run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour. NHTSA says to run it only now and then, just long enough to stay warm, and not for long periods with the windows up. [S1] [S2] [S5] [S6]

• Clear the exhaust pipe first. All four say snow must not block the tailpipe. CDC says that reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Check it again before each run, since snow keeps falling. [S1] [S2] [S5] [S6]
• Open a window a little. The NWS and CDC say to open a window slightly while the engine runs, for fresh air. OSHA says to open a downwind window. [S2] [S5] [S6]
• Run it about 10 minutes. Turn the heater on while the engine runs. [S2] [S5] [S6]
• Dome light on. The NWS and OSHA say to turn on the dome light while the engine runs, so rescuers can spot you at night. [S2] [S6]
• Then shut it off. Stay wrapped up for the rest of the hour. [S5]

Engine-time check

Enter how many hours you might be waiting to see what about 10 minutes an hour adds up to.

It’s simple arithmetic: one run of about 10 minutes each hour. A six-hour wait is about six runs, roughly an hour of engine time in all. The runs are short on purpose. [S2] [S5] [S6]

Help rescuers find you

• Bright cloth. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or a door. The NWS says red if you have it. NHTSA says bright markers on the antenna or windows. [S1] [S2] [S5] [S6]
• Dome light. NHTSA says to keep it on; the NWS and OSHA say to use it when the engine is running. [S1] [S2] [S6]
• Hood up, once the snow stops. The NWS says to raise the hood after the snow stops falling, and CDC says if it isn’t snowing. [S2] [S5] [S6]

Stay warm between runs

• Bring the kit inside. CDC says to move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area. [S5]
• Wrap your whole body. CDC says include your head, in extra clothing, blankets or newspapers. OSHA adds maps and the removable car mats as insulation. [S5] [S6]
• Keep moving. CDC and OSHA say to keep moving your arms and legs, and OSHA says clap your hands too. [S5] [S6]
• Stay awake. CDC and OSHA say you’re less vulnerable to cold-related health problems awake. Huddle with others for warmth, CDC says. [S5] [S6]
• Don’t eat snow. CDC and the NWS say it lowers your body temperature. Melt it first; that’s what the can and waterproof matches in the kit are for. [S2] [S3] [S4] [S5]
• Know the signs of hypothermia. CDC and Ready.gov list shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. A body temperature below 95°F is an emergency. [S5] [S7]

What to pack

NHTSA, the NWS, CDC, OSHA and Ready.gov each publish a car kit list. They overlap a lot. The items near the top of this table appear on all five. [S1] [S3] [S4] [S6] [S7]

Some items are on only one list. CDC adds tire chains, a battery-powered radio and canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair. The NWS adds a tool kit, a compass, a large empty can and tissues for an emergency toilet, and a candle with matches for light and heat. [S3] [S4]

Before you drive

• Fuel or charge. NHTSA says to keep the tank close to full. The NWS and CDC say near full, to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines; Ready.gov says a full tank. For electric and hybrid cars, NHTSA says to keep the battery charged and plug in at night in winter. [S1] [S3] [S4] [S7]
• Tell someone your route. Share where you’re going, your route and when you expect to arrive. CDC says to ask them to notify the authorities if you’re late. [S1] [S2] [S3] [S5]
• Check the roads. NHTSA says to check weather and traffic reports before you leave. The NWS says to call 511 for road conditions. [S1] [S3]
• Clear the whole car. The NWS says the vehicle should be completely clear of ice and snow before you start. CDC says never pour water on the windshield to remove ice, since it can shatter. [S2] [S5]
• Restock the kit. CDC says to check and restock winter supplies before you leave, and to carry warm clothes and blankets instead of relying on the car for heat, since the car could break down. [S5]
• Kids in car seats. NHTSA says heavy coats can interfere with the harness fit. Dress children in thin, warm layers, and put blankets or coats around them after the harness is snug. [S1]

Fall car checks

CDC says to do a few checks every fall, and NHTSA’s winter list covers the same ground. [S1] [S4]

• Battery. NHTSA says battery power drops in the cold, gas and diesel engines need more of it to start, and electric and hybrid cars can lose driving range. It suggests having a mechanic check the battery, charging system and belts. [S1]
• Fluids. Winter washer fluid with de-icer, and enough coolant that meets the manufacturer’s spec. [S1] [S4]
• Wipers and defrosters. Make sure they work, and replace worn blades. [S1] [S4]
• Tires. Use the pressure on the driver’s door-frame label, not the number on the tire, and look for at least 2/32 inch of tread. Our tire pressure guide and tread depth guide cover both. [S1]
• Recalls. NHTSA’s recall lookup takes your vehicle identification number (VIN). [S1]

Your situation

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