Every winter, stranded drivers make the same dangerous mistake — assuming help will arrive before the cold becomes life-threatening. A dead battery, a blown tire, sliding off an icy road, or simply getting stuck in a storm can leave you trapped for hours… or overnight.
Most people aren’t prepared for that. But you can be.
Here’s what to do — and what to avoid — if you ever have to survive the night in a cold car.
1. Prepare Before It Happens
Your best chance of surviving a cold night in your car starts before you ever get stranded.
A small winter survival kit can literally save your life. Keep these items in your vehicle all winter:
- Emergency Bivvy or heat-reflective blankets
- Ice scraper and compact shovel
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Hat, gloves, and extra socks
- Hand warmers
- A pair of sturdy shoes or boots (in case you’re commuting in dress shoes)
- Water and shelf stable snacks (energy bars, nuts, jerky)
- Jump starter battery and cables
- Tire inflator / air compressor
- Multi-tool
- Phone charging cable and power bank
- Signaling devices
You don’t need a huge kit — just the essentials that keep you warm, hydrated, and able to signal for help.
2. Stay With Your Vehicle
Unless help is clearly visible and nearby, do not leave your car.
Your vehicle offers:
- Shelter from wind
- Visibility to rescuers
- Protection from exposure
Walking in snow or darkness can lead to injury, exhaustion, or hypothermia.
Only leave the car if it’s in immediate danger (fire, thin ice, rising water, etc.).
3. Heat the Car Safely
Run the engine periodically for heat — but do it safely.
- Start the car for 10–15 minutes every hour
- Keep the tailpipe completely clear of snow, ice, brush, or mud
- Crack one window slightly for ventilation
- If snow is falling, periodically clear the headlights and taillights so rescuers can see your vehicle
If the tailpipe gets blocked, carbon monoxide can fill the cabin silently — even if you crack a window. Check it regularly, especially during drifting snow or windy conditions.
4. Retain Heat and Conserve Energy
You lose body heat quickly in a cold car, so insulation makes all the difference.
- Wrap up in blankets, bivvy, or use extra clothing
- Use floor mats or jackets as insulation between you and the seat
- Avoid sweating — it accelerates heat loss
- If there’s more than one person, huddle together under the same blanket to share body heat
Focus on staying dry, calm, and insulated.
5. Signal for Help
Once you’re safe and warm, make yourself visible.
- Try calling for help; in many areas you can also text 911
- Turn on your hazard lights while the engine is running
- Raise the hood — a classic distress signal
- Attach a bright cloth or emergency flag to your door or antenna
-
Honk the horn every hour to draw attention
- In daylight, create contrast: dark object on snow or bright object on asphalt
If you don’t have cell service at first, keep checking periodically. If your phone battery is low or dead, warm the phone against your body — cold batteries might revive once they heat back up.
6. Prevent Getting Stranded in the First Place
A few habits dramatically reduce your risk:
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in winter
- Check tires, battery, and fluids before long drives
- Slow down during storms — black ice forms without warning
- Always tell someone your route and expected arrival time
- Use 4WD or traction control, but don’t rely on them — they help you move, not stop
Winter driving is unpredictable. Prevention is always stronger than rescue.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t play fair, but preparedness puts the odds back in your favor. A stranded car can be life-threatening — or it can be a temporary refuge — depending on the gear and knowledge you bring with you. Every self-reliant American should keep a winter kit in their vehicle and know exactly what to do when temperatures drop and help is delayed.
Stay warm. Stay calm. Stay ready.