At first glance, you may think you won't need any winter driving kits. However, such things are produced for a reason, and you should never underestimate the power of temperature. For one reason or another, it can have a profound effect on your motoring life, whether it be good or bad. Which is why a winter car check is key at the colder times of year.
It's even worse if you break down; inflating a tyre at the side of the road is never a fun task. Imagine doing it on a winter's day when the cold makes everything sting and there's limited lighting. Nightmare. This is where a winter driving kit could be invaluable, as they offer items that will undoubtedly help make your life easier and safer during the winter months.
Of course, there are other ways to cope with winter motoring. Such things include an amazing travel torch, investing in one of the best car windscreen covers. Or if you're really extreme, getting a block heater.
The best winter driving kits at a glance:
Dehumidifiers that sit on your dashboard are a great way to deal with the cold conditions too. But nothing is quite as complete as a full-on winter driving kit. We've scoured the internet and found the best winter driving kits so you'll always be prepared, no matter what nature throws at you.
Best winter driving kits
The best winter car kit
Via AAThe AA really has thought of everything with this kit, it even includes a pair of snow cleats so you aren't slipping around in the snow. It also includes a set of jump leads, a rain pouch, as well as more standard winter driving equipment. All in a good quality canvas bag.
Pros
- Everything you should ever need in an emergency
- Includes jump leads and emergency blankets
- Good value for money for the set
Cons
- A rather bulky option to store in your car
Editor's pick
Via AAIf you aren't routinely facing blizzard-like conditions and the AA kit above seems a bit like overkill, then this more basic option from the AA is perfect. Still offering a shovel, torch, high-vis jacket and foil blanket, this is a great basic kit and perfect for smaller cars with limited room.
Pros
- Great quality options in a more compact storage bag
- Great value for money with the items you get
- The snow shovel is always useful
Cons
- You'll need to buy some jump leads separately
- Not as comprehensive as the kit above
Best for clearing your windscreen
Via CarPlanYou won't be going very far with a frosty windscreen, and this winter kit from Car Plan includes an ice scraper, screen wash and de-icer. It's by no means the most versatile winter driving kit, but that doesn't mean you won't want one.
Pros
- Good value kit for your windows
- Ideal for removing ice on frosty mornings
- Very affordable kit
Cons
- Only useful for one thing
Most comprehensive winter driving kit
This kit may be the most comprehensive kit available to see you through, not just a breakdown, but times when you might find yourself stranded for longer periods of time. There's the everyday items like de-icer spray, ice scraper and a mini shovel, but also items that could potentially save you life - first aid kit, long-life food and water, and emergency light sticks.
It's one of those items that you hope you wont have to use but you'll feel a bit more secure knowing it's there, just in case.
Pros
- Comprehensive kit with all you could need
- A handy little rucksack which can be used for other things
- Good level of equipment for the price
Cons
- Perhaps overkill for those who only make short journeys
Best kit for icy mornings
Via SupaguardFor the event of stepping out of your house and seeing that your car's windscreen is covered in ice is never a nice feeling. It's a hinderance if you just need to get to work, but happily, Supaguard provide a bat belt for the issue.
Complete with a de-icer spray, ice scraper, and a bottle of screen wash to keep your windscreen clear thereafter, this is ideal for those who leave their car outside. Even if they're unsuspecting of a cold snap the next morning.
Pros
- Plenty of useful stuff to keep ice at bay
- It's nice to have an ice scraper with a mitt
Cons
- Isn't useful in breakdowns
What you need to know about winter driving kits
What kit do I need to tackle winter?
Obviously, what you'll need depends on what weather you typically get; someone from Tampa probably won't need a winter snow shovel. But there are essentials you should look to have whenever you're driving in the winter months.
You should aim to always have a torch in your car so that you have the gift of light when the sun sets before 5 pm. You should also look to have something warm in the car; this could be a warm jumper you throw in the boot or a foil blanket. Finally, a high-vis item of clothing will keep you safe if you do breakdown in the dark. If you live somewhere with snow and ice, add in a snow shovel and keep yourself topped up with screen wash to clear your car's windows of snow and ice.
What kit do you already have?
If you own a car, you'll probably own at least a few of the items that are included in these kits, or equipment that can do the job. You shouldn't need multiple of these things. If you own an ice scraper, then those included in a kit may not be needed. Likewise, if you own a good quality ice scraper then you won't need another. Look for things that you don't already own, and then look for quality.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.