Car winter kit: what to keep in the boot
Most winter breakdowns are flat batteries and frozen screens. A few pounds of kit in the boot saves a late start, a scratched windscreen or a long wait for recovery.
Quick picks
Must-haves: an ice scraper, de-icer and a windscreen cover. Worth it: a NOCO jump starter. For snowy areas: snow socks and the AA winter kit.
Clear the whole car, not a peephole
The Highway Code says windows must be clear and you should remove snow from the roof before setting off. A windscreen cover the night before is the fastest fix; de-icer and a scraper handle the rest. Don't pour hot water on a frozen screen, as the temperature shock can crack the glass.
GADLANE magnetic windscreen cover
Goes on the night before and comes off frost-free in the morning. Magnetic edges and door flaps stop it blowing away.
£17.49
Prestone de-icer spray
Fast-acting windscreen de-icer. Spray, wait a moment, then wipe. Much kinder to wiper blades than hacking at thick ice.
£3.39
AA ice scraper
A sturdy scraper with a wide blade, from the AA's car essentials range. Keep one in every car.
£6.49
Amazon Basics 2-in-1 snow brush & scraper
A 66cm brush and scraper for clearing snow off the roof as well as ice off the glass, which is a legal requirement in the Highway Code.
£8.15
NOCO Boost GB40 jump starter
A 1000A lithium jump starter that restarts a flat battery without another car. Cold mornings are the most common time batteries fail. It also charges a phone.
£92.38
Autix snow socks
Textile snow socks that fit over the tyres for grip on snow and ice. Easier to fit than chains, but only for short distances on snow.
£34.50
AA emergency winter car kit
A folding snow shovel, LED torch, blanket, ice scraper and more in one bag, for the boot all winter.
£27.95
CarPlan Blue Star de-icer (4 × 500ml)
A four-pack of trigger de-icer: one for each car and one spare for the house.
£5.99Prices update hourly from Amazon UK.
Frequently asked questions
What should I keep in my car in winter?
An ice scraper, de-icer, a windscreen cover, a torch, a blanket, a phone charger and ideally a jump starter. In snowy areas, add a shovel and snow socks.
Can I pour hot water on my windscreen?
No. The temperature shock can crack the glass. Use de-icer and a scraper, or run the engine with the blowers on the screen.
Do I legally have to clear snow off my car roof?
The Highway Code says you must be able to see and should remove snow that could fall onto the windscreen or other road users. You can be fined for driving with an obscured view.
Are snow socks legal in the UK?
Yes. They're for use on snow and ice only, at low speeds and for short distances. Take them off on clear roads.
Why do car batteries die in winter?
Cold slows the battery's chemistry while the engine needs more power to start. Short trips in the dark with lights and heaters on don't recharge it fully.
More winter guides
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, wattage and running-cost maths, brand track record and UK availability. Running costs use the Ofgem price cap for October–December 2026 (26.3p/kWh, electricity VAT removed). Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Winter Ready.