The winter survival kit the state tells you to carry

Jumper cables or portable jump starter

Cold kills batteries; it's the first failure the state's winter driving guidance plans for. A lithium jump pack starts the car without flagging down a second vehicle.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Ice scraper + snow brush

On the state's stock-your-vehicle list. Full visibility out of every window is the cheap half of winter crash prevention.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Folding snow shovel

For digging out around tires and keeping the exhaust pipe clear if you're stuck; the state guidance specifically warns about carbon monoxide backing into a snowed-in car.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Traction aid (non-clumping litter, sand, or mats)

“Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck” is verbatim from the state list. Traction mats are the reusable version.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Flashlight + extra batteries

On the state list. Cold drains batteries faster, so pack spares (or a hand-crank light that needs none).

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Wool blanket or sleeping bag

If you're stranded, the state's advice is to stay with the car and stay warm while you wait. Wool insulates even damp.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Hand and toe warmers

On the Minnesota DPS winter kit list. Cheap insurance against frostbite while you shovel or wait.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Road flares or reflective triangles

“Warning devices such as flares and emergency markers” is verbatim from the state list. LED flare pucks skip the fire and the expiration date.

Look for: LED flare pucks or DOT-style reflective triangles

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Phone power bank

The state list ends with “a cell phone with charger.” A charged power bank works even when the car won't start, which is exactly when you need the phone.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Car first aid kit

On the DPS winter kit list. Keep one in every vehicle; check it each fall when the kit goes back in the trunk.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Survival candle + matches tin

A single multi-wick candle can keep a car's cabin above freezing. On the DPS kit list; keep the flame away from upholstery and crack a window.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Tow strap

On the state's keep-in-the-car list. A rated recovery strap lets a passing pickup pull you out of the ditch without waiting an hour for a truck (or a predatory tow).

Look for: Rated recovery strap with loop ends (not hooks) sized for your vehicle

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit

Emergency ration bars

The state list includes food and water for longer trips and lightly traveled roads. Ration bars survive years of trunk summers and winters.

Basis: MN DPS/MnDOT, Winter Driving & Survival Kit