13 Things Wisconsinites Keep in the Car From November to April

Nobody plans to get stuck on a snowy road.

But a Wisconsin winter can turn a short drive into a long wait, and a little gear can make that wait a lot easier.

Here’s what to keep in the car once the cold sets in.

1. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

A windshield scraper and brush are on the winter kit list WisDOT gives drivers.

Before you pull out, clear snow and ice from your windows, front and rear lights, roof and hood.

AAA adds that an emergency may leave you no time to wait for your windows to defrost.

2. Sand or Cat Litter

Sand or cat litter for traction is on WisDOT’s winter kit list.

ReadyWisconsin lists cat litter or sand to provide traction too.

If your tires won’t grab, AAA says you can spread rock salt, sand or kitty litter around them to increase traction.

3. Snow Shovel

ReadyWisconsin lists a snow shovel among the cold-weather additions for your car.

Between late October and early May, measurable snow falls in Wisconsin on nearly 70 days in an average year, according to the Wisconsin State Climatology Office.

AAA recommends a collapsible shovel because it won’t use much room in your trunk.

If you’re stranded, WisDOT’s stranded guidance says to resist the urge to get out and shovel or push your vehicle free.

Overexertion can greatly complicate your situation.

4. Blankets or Sleeping Bags

Blankets or sleeping bags lead WisDOT’s winter kit list.

AAA says that when your car shuts off and won’t start, it takes the heat with it, so you’ll want warm clothing and blankets on hand.

The auto club also recommends heat-reflective emergency blankets, which keep you warmer than a standard household blanket.

5. Hats, Gloves and Socks

Extra stocking caps, warm socks and gloves or mittens are on WisDOT’s winter kit list.

The National Weather Service lists extra clothing to keep you dry.

If you need heat while you wait, you can run your vehicle’s engine for brief periods, as long as the exhaust system works and snow isn’t blocking it.

6. Winter Boots

Winter boots are on ReadyWisconsin’s list of items to add to your car for the colder months.

They appear again on its winter weather page, next to extra hats, socks and mittens.

WisDOT’s kit list stops at caps, socks and gloves.

7. Trail Mix and Energy Bars

You’ll find trail mix and energy or protein bars on WisDOT’s list of high-calorie, non-perishable food.

ReadyWisconsin’s winter weather page gives raisins and candy bars as examples, while AAA lists jerky, nuts, granola and dried fruit.

8. Booster Cables

Booster cables are on the winter kit lists from WisDOT, ReadyWisconsin and the National Weather Service.

AAA calls a dead battery a leading cause of roadside trouble.

Make sure your battery, anti-freeze and cooling system are in good condition.

9. Tow Strap or Rope

A tow strap or rope is on ReadyWisconsin’s vehicle list, among the items it says to keep in your car year-round.

The National Weather Service’s winter kit lists a tow rope too.

10. Flashlight and Extra Batteries

If you have a nighttime breakdown, AAA says an additional source of light could make a huge difference.

A flashlight with extra batteries is on the winter kit lists from WisDOT and ReadyWisconsin.

Keeping your dome light on in low light can make it easier for rescue crews to find you.

11. Tire Pressure Gauge

ReadyWisconsin lists a tire pressure gauge, a portable electric air pump and foam tire sealant for your vehicle.

AAA says tire pressure falls about 1 pound per square inch (psi) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.

So a 30-degree drop leaves a tire about 3 psi low.

WisDOT’s winter vehicle advice says to make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated.

12. Multi-Tool

A multi-tool is on ReadyWisconsin’s winter weather page, in the kit it says belongs in your back seat.

ReadyWisconsin’s vehicle list adds a multipurpose utility tool and duct tape, while the National Weather Service lists a knife and a tool kit for your car.

13. Half-Full Tank of Gas

Your tank of gas should stay at least half full, according to WisDOT.

That helps prevent fuel lines from freezing and gives you fuel if you become stranded.

Wisconsin Emergency Management repeats the half-full advice on its 2025 winter weather page.

The National Weather Service goes further, saying to keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

The Winter Window

WisDOT tracked winter-road crashes from October 2024 to May 2025, a window wider than November to April.

Its preliminary count tied winter roads to more than 13,000 crashes, 32 deaths and more than 2,500 injuries.

Where you live matters: In Milwaukee, the first measurable snow of the season arrives on average around Nov. 14, according to National Weather Service records.

The last measurable snow arrives around April 11, on average.

Before you head out, WisDOT tells you to check road conditions at 511wi.gov and to fully charge your cell phone.

Items to Avoid Leaving in Your Car

AAA's winter kit guide also lists items that shouldn't stay in your car in the cold.