Hands up if you actually like driving in winter. Chances are, unless you're Tommi Mäkinen, the idea of driving when there's black ice out and the temperature drops isn't something you'd volunteer to do.
It's even worse if you breakdown; inflating a tyre at the side of the road is never a fun task. Imagine doing it on a winter's day where 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.
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
1. AA Emergency Winter Car Kit
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The 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 Cons:A rather bulky option to store in your car
2. AA Winter Car Kit
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If 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 bagCons:You'll need to buy some jump leads separately
3. Car Plan Winter Essentials
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You 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 Cons:Only useful for one thing
4. Bramble 8 Piece Large Winter Car Kit
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This eight-piece kit from Bramble may be the most complete winter driving kit on the market. Offering breakdown equipment, snow equipment and an ice scraper, it combines elements from all the packs here into one ultimate kit.Pros:Includes a good variety of equipmentCons:Snow shovel is rather small
5. Halfords Winter Kit
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Another excellent way to remove ice from your windscreen, this kit from Halfords includes a screen wash, de-icer, 2in1 pre-icer and de-icer as well as an ice scraper. It also features a chamois pad for demisting your windscreen. Pros:Get rid of ice and dirt Cons:Not helpful if you break down
6. SafeTravel Winter Motoring Emergency Breakdown Kit
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Another fairly basic winter driving kit, this option has a few interesting items. The steel shovel is excellent quality, even if it is a bit small. The wind-up torch is a very clever idea, and the gloves are a nice touch. It is missing some of the more useful features (like jump leads) but it's still a good offering. Pros:Good quality feel to the equipmentCons:Not the most complete offering
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 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 something 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 multiples of these things. If you own a battery booster already, then jump leads 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.