How Do You Stay Warm in a Vehicle During a Snowstorm. Essential Tips for Safety and Comfort
Stranded in Snow: Would You Know What to Do.
Picture this: You’re driving along a quiet road, snowflakes begin swirling, and before long, you’re engulfed in a blinding whiteout. Traffic crawls–then stops. Hours pass, and it becomes clear: you’re stuck until help arrives. Would you know how to stay safe and warm inside your car.
Every winter, more than 100,000 drivers across the U. and Canada find themselves unexpectedly stranded in their vehicles during snowstorms. For many, these situations are more than just inconvenient—they can turn dangerous fast. In fact, hypothermia can set in within just a few hours if temperatures inside your vehicle drop too low. Surviving isn’t just about waiting it out; it’s about making smart choices to keep yourself (and any passengers) safe and comfortable.
In this article series, I’ll walk you through practical tips for keeping warm in your car during a snowstorm, share vital safety stats, and answer your top questions about winter preparedness. Let’s get you ready for whatever winter throws your way. In Part 1, we’ll cover the risks of cold exposure in your vehicle and how to build a winter car survival kit that could literally save your life.
Understanding the Risks of Cold Exposure in Your Vehicle
You might think your car provides enough shelter to keep you warm, but the truth is that vehicles lose heat almost as fast as uninsulated houses. According to the National Weather Service, when the outside temperature falls to 20°F (-6°C), the inside of a car with the engine off can reach freezing in less than an hour. Without proper measures, your car can become a refrigerator on wheels.
Hypothermia: A Real Threat, Even in Your Car
When your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, hypothermia sets in. And no, you don’t have to be outside in a blizzard for this to happen—just sitting in a cold, non-running vehicle can be enough. Here’s a sobering stat: the CDC reports that over 1,300 people die from hypothermia each year in the U. , and many of those cases start in situations just like this.
Early warning signs include shivering, confusion, slowed speech, and clumsiness. Left unchecked, hypothermia can lead to unconsciousness, organ failure, and death. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about survival.
Why Running Your Engine Can Be Dangerous
It’s tempting to just keep the engine running and the heater blasting, but this comes with serious risks. Snow can block your exhaust pipe, causing deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your vehicle.
Each winter, dozens of people are hospitalized—and some don’t survive—due to carbon monoxide poisoning while stranded in snow.
You need a balance: running the engine for warmth in short intervals (about 10 minutes per hour), making sure the exhaust pipe is clear, and always keeping a window cracked for ventilation. We’ll dig into these best practices more in the next part of this series.
Preparation is Key—What to Pack in Your Winter Car Survival Kit
Now for some good news: With the right supplies, you can dramatically boost your odds of staying warm and safe until help arrives. Yet, surprisingly, a AAA survey found that only 40% of drivers carry any kind of emergency kit in their vehicle during winter—and fewer still have what they really need for a snowstorm.
The Essentials: What Should You Always Carry.
- Blankets & Sleeping Bags: Wool or thermal blankets trap body heat. If space is tight, a mylar “space blanket” reflects up to 90% of your body heat and takes up almost no room.
- Extra Clothing, Hats, and Gloves: Layering is your best friend. Pack extra socks (wool is best), gloves, a knit hat, and even a scarf—most heat loss happens through your head and extremities.
- Hand Warmers and Thermal Packs: These are small, inexpensive, and can provide hours of heat when you need it most.
- Non-Perishable Food & Water: High-energy snacks (think granola bars or trail mix) and a few bottles of water are a must. Remember, your body needs energy to stay warm.
- Flashlight and Spare Batteries: Darkness comes early in winter—don’t count on your car’s dome light or battery.
- Emergency Flares and Reflectors: Help rescuers spot your vehicle, especially in low visibility.
- First Aid Kit: Even a basic kit is better than nothing if you get a minor injury.
Tips for a Compact, Effective Kit
Don’t have a huge trunk. A small gym bag or even a sturdy tote works. Focus on multi-use items: a fleece blanket can double as a wrap or pillow, and a single flashlight can be used both inside and outside the car. Rotate food and water every season so nothing spoils or freezes solid.
Think of your kit as cheap insurance: you’ll probably never need it, but when you do, you’ll be grateful you thought ahead.
Stuck in your car during a snowstorm is nobody’s idea of fun, but with a clear understanding of the risks and a well-stocked emergency kit, you’ve already stacked the odds in your favor. Next, we’ll cover the best practices for staying warm while waiting for rescue—including how to use your body heat, safe engine use, and more. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we get practical about what to do if you’re truly stranded.
Best Practices for Staying Warm When Stranded
So, you’ve got your winter survival kit ready and you understand the risks of cold exposure in your car (if you missed that, hop back to Part 1. Now let’s get practical: what exactly should you do if you’re stranded in a snowstorm. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to keep your body heat where it belongs—on you.
Layer Up and Insulate
First things first: add layers, and then add some more. Start with a base layer that wicks moisture, add an insulating layer like wool or fleece, and top it off with something windproof if you have it.
Don’t forget your extremities: hats, gloves, and extra socks are crucial (your head and feet lose heat fastest).
If you’re not alone, huddle up. Sharing body heat can make a noticeable difference. Next, use blankets or your sleeping bag from your survival kit. Even a coat draped over your legs can help. If you have extra clothing, stuff it into gaps around your seat to block drafts.
To create an “insulated cocoon” inside your vehicle, hang a blanket, towel, or even a floor mat between the front and back seats. The smaller the space you’re heating, the easier it is to keep warm. If you have kids or pets with you, keep them close—group warmth is real.
Run Your Engine (But Do It Safely)
It’s tempting to keep the car running nonstop, but as we touched on earlier, this can be deadly if snow blocks your exhaust pipe or if you run out of fuel. Here’s what experts recommend:
- Clear snow from around your vehicle, especially the tailpipe. Even a little snow can block airflow and cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
- Run the engine and heater just 10 minutes every hour. This conserves gas and reduces risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Crack a window slightly on the leeward (downwind) side to let in fresh air.
- Never fall asleep with the engine running.
Remember, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. If you feel any of these while the engine is on, turn it off immediately and get fresh air.
Stay Nourished and Hydrated
Cold burns calories. Eat high-energy snacks like nuts, trail mix, or energy bars to help your body produce warmth. Drinking water is just as important—dehydration can increase your risk of hypothermia. If your water bottles are frozen, thaw them by keeping them inside your jacket.
What NOT to Do—Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s not just what you do, but also what you don’t do that keeps you safe. Here are a few common mistakes that can quickly turn dangerous:
Don’t Leave Your Vehicle (Unless Help Is in Sight)
Your car is your shelter and is much easier for rescuers to spot than a person on foot, especially in whiteout conditions. Unless you can literally see help nearby, stay put and make yourself visible using flares or reflective materials.
No Candles or Propane Heaters
It might be tempting to light a candle or bring a small camping heater—but don’t. Open flames in a closed vehicle are a major fire and carbon monoxide hazard. Stick to chemical hand warmers, or layer up with your clothing and blankets.
Don’t Drain Your Battery
Your car’s battery is your lifeline for phone charging, lights, and sometimes even warmth if you run the engine.
Avoid listening to the radio, keeping the dome light on, or charging lots of devices at once. Save the battery for true emergencies.
Watch for Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia
If you notice numbness, tingling, or pale skin (especially on fingers, toes, nose, and ears), you could be getting frostbite. Shivering, confusion, or clumsiness. Those are early signs of hypothermia. Take action immediately—add more layers, eat something, and try to warm up.
By the Numbers: Winter Survival Statistics
To drive home just how serious—and surprisingly common—these situations can be, let’s look at some real-world data:
- Over 100,000 drivers are stranded in their vehicles during snowstorms each year in the U.
- Hypothermia can set in as quickly as 30 minutes at temperatures below 20°F (-6°C) if you aren’t properly insulated.
- The average time to survival in a freezing car without proper preparation is 6-12 hours, but with the right gear, people have survived for days.
- 80% of stranded drivers who stay with their vehicle survive, compared to just 30% of those who set out on foot.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning sends roughly 400 people to the hospital every winter in North America, most commonly because snow blocked the exhaust while the car was running.
- According to AAA, only 40% of drivers carry any form of winter emergency kit, and just 18% have all the recommended gear.
These numbers tell a clear story: preparation and smart choices dramatically increase your odds of staying safe and warm until help arrives.
Staying warm while stranded in your car during a snowstorm is as much about knowing what not to do as it is about your winter kit or layering up. In the next part of our series, we’ll look at the best ways to signal for help, stay connected, and what to do if your phone dies or rescuers are delayed. Keep reading—your safety could depend on it.
Part 3: Fun Facts, Expert Insights, and More Survival Smarts
We’ve covered the essentials for preparation and best practices to stay warm if you find yourself stranded in your vehicle during a snowstorm. Now, let’s lighten things up (just a bit) with some fascinating facts you might not know about winter car survival—plus, meet an expert whose advice can make all the difference. Finally, we’ll get you ready for our FAQ, where your lingering questions will be answered.
10 Fun Facts About Staying Warm in a Vehicle During Snowstorms
- Your Car Is (Almost) a Giant Cooler: Modern cars are surprisingly well-insulated against heat, but that works both ways—once the engine is off and temperatures plummet, the inside of your car can reach the outside temperature in as little as 30-45 minutes.
- Wool> Cotton in the Cold: Wool clothing and blankets retain heat even when wet, while cotton loses all insulating ability. Historically, Arctic explorers swore by wool undergarments—today’s winter survivalists do, too.
- A Candle Can Make a Difference: While we don’t recommend open flames in your car for safety reasons, it’s true that a single candle can raise the temperature in a small enclosed space by several degrees. That’s why some “survival candles” are sold for emergency kits, but battery-powered heaters are safer.
- Body Heat Is Powerful: The average human body generates enough heat to warm up a small enclosed area by several degrees, especially if there are multiple people in the car. Huddling together isn’t just for penguins.
- Why Mylar Blankets Work: Those shiny “space blankets” reflect up to 90% of your body heat back at you. NASA originally developed them for astronauts, but now they’re a staple in every winter emergency kit.
- Breath Can Cause Frost: Breathing inside a closed, cold car quickly leads to condensation on windows—then frost.
That’s why frost forms inside your windshield during cold nights.
- All About Calories: Eating high-energy foods (like nuts, chocolate, or granola bars) not only gives you energy but actually helps your body generate more heat. In freezing situations, snacks can be lifesavers.
- Cell Phones Don’t Like the Cold: Batteries drain much faster at low temperatures. Keeping your phone warm by tucking it inside your clothing can prolong battery life in an emergency.
- Snow Can Be an Insulator: Piling snow against the outside of your car (if it’s safe to do so and your exhaust is clear) can sometimes help reduce heat loss—just like how igloos stay warm inside.
- Staying Put Is Safer: According to the National Weather Service, 80% of people who stay with their vehicles during a winter emergency survive and are rescued safely. Those who set out on foot face much higher risks.
Author Spotlight: Amanda Outside — Real-World Winter Survival for Everyday Drivers
No discussion of winter car survival is complete without mentioning Amanda Zeisset, creator of [Amanda Outside](https://amandaoutside. com/), a popular blog and YouTube channel focused on outdoor adventure and preparedness. Amanda specializes in making outdoor skills accessible for regular people—no mountain climbing experience required.
After spending years car camping in all seasons and weather, Amanda has built a reputation for practical, no-nonsense advice about staying warm, dry, and safe. Her popular video, “How to Stay Warm in Your Car Overnight (in Winter. ),” has helped thousands of viewers prepare for real-world roadside emergencies and cold-weather road trips.
Amanda’s top tips echo much of what we’ve covered: focus on layers (especially wool and synthetic), keep a well-stocked emergency kit (she swears by hand warmers and insulated sleeping pads), and always tell someone your route before driving in dangerous conditions. She also emphasizes the importance of learning how to use what you have—creatively repurposing clothing, floor mats, or even dog beds for extra insulation if needed.
If you’re looking for trustworthy, field-tested advice with a friendly, approachable style, check out Amanda’s blog and YouTube channel. She’s proof that you don’t need to be a survival expert to make safe, smart decisions in winter weather.
As we wrap up Part 3, you’re now armed not just with the basics, but with a few fun nuggets of winter wisdom and the know-how to find more great advice from experts like Amanda. But what about those tricky “what ifs” — like, what should you do if your phone battery dies, or how do you melt snow for drinking water. In our next section, we’ll answer your most frequently asked questions about staying safe in a vehicle during a snowstorm. Stay tuned for the FAQ.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions, Key Takeaways, and Final Thoughts
You’ve made it through the crucial steps for staying warm in your vehicle during a snowstorm, learned what (and what not) to do, and picked up some expert and science-backed survival tricks. Now, let’s tie everything together with answers to your most pressing questions.
FAQ: Staying Warm in a Vehicle During a Snowstorm
1. What’s the first thing I should do if I get stranded in my car during a snowstorm.
Immediately pull off the road as safely as possible, turn on your hazard lights, and let someone know your location and situation.
Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Then, focus on layering up and using your emergency kit.
2. Is it safe to run my engine for heat.
Yes, but only for short intervals. Run your engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour, ensuring the exhaust pipe stays clear of snow. Always crack a window slightly for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. “Better a little cold than a hidden danger,” as the saying goes.
3. How do I keep from losing body heat.
Layer clothing, use blankets or sleeping bags, and block drafts inside the car. Cover your head, hands, and feet. Huddle close if you’re not alone. If possible, hang a blanket to partition off a smaller area inside the car to concentrate body heat.
4. Should I leave my car to seek help.
Generally, no. Unless rescue is clearly visible and close by, stay with your vehicle—it’s more visible than a person walking, and you have better shelter. The National Weather Service notes that 80% of people who stay with their car are found safely.
5. What can I do if I don’t have a proper winter survival kit.
Get creative. Use floor mats, newspapers, extra clothes, or even seat cushions for insulation. If you have pets, their body heat helps too. Eat any available food and drink water to maintain energy and warmth.
6. Can I melt snow for drinking water.
Yes, but never eat snow directly—it lowers your body temperature. If you have a safe heat source (like a car heater or hand warmers), melt the snow first. Even warming snow in a container against your body can work in a pinch.
7. How do I signal for help.
Use emergency flares, reflective triangles, or brightly colored items tied to your antenna or hung from a window. Keep your hazard lights on if possible, but don’t drain your battery unnecessarily.
8. What if my phone battery is dying.
Preserve battery life by turning off non-essential apps, lowering screen brightness, and only using your phone for emergency calls or updates. Keep the phone close to your body for warmth, since cold drains battery power faster.
9. How long can I survive in a car during a snowstorm.
With proper insulation and supplies, people have survived several days. Without preparation, hypothermia can set in within hours below freezing. Your survival kit and choices make a huge difference.
10. What does the Bible say about preparation and safety.
Proverbs 22:3 (NKJV) wisely says: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. ” Preparing ahead—physically and mentally—can mean the difference between safety and danger. Take this to heart in all aspects of winter travel.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready, Stay Calm, Stay Warm
To recap, staying warm in your car during a snowstorm isn’t just about having the right gear (though that helps a lot). It’s about making wise choices: layering up, conserving body heat, running your engine safely, and signaling for help. Lean on your emergency kit, keep your wits about you, and remember the importance of preparation.
As you’ve learned from both the practical advice and expert insight of Amanda Zeisset from [Amanda Outside](https://amandaoutside. com/), everyday folks—just like you—can be winter-ready without fancy gadgets or wilderness skills. The key is thinking ahead, staying calm, and using what you have.
Now is the perfect time to check your car’s trunk for winter supplies, add a few essentials, and share what you know with a friend or family member. Preparation doesn’t just protect you—it can be an act of love for others on the road.
So, before you hit the road this winter, ask yourself: Am I ready if the worst happens. With the tips, checklists, and expert guidance from this series, you absolutely can be.
Stay safe, stay warm, and don’t forget—winter preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.