What To Do If You Get Stranded in Winter

And how not to completely lose your cool when your car — and the weather — decide to gang up on you.

Let’s paint the scene.

It’s freezing. Proper can’t-feel-your-fingers freezing. The heater’s doing its best, the outside world looks like a shaken snow globe, and your car has stopped moving forward in any meaningful way. Maybe it’s snow. Maybe it’s traffic. Maybe it’s just one of those winter moments where everything grinds to a halt.

Deep breath.

This is not the time to panic, spiral, or dramatically announce “this is how it ends” to anyone within Bluetooth range.

Getting stranded in your car during winter is one of the most uncomfortable — and potentially risky — situations drivers face. But with a bit of preparation and a calm head, it’s also something you can handle safely. Even if you end up spending the night in your car (not glamorous, but survivable).

Here’s what actually matters when winter throws a tantrum.

First things first: preparation is everything

(And yes, future-you will thank you.)

Before winter even properly sets in, there’s one boring-but-brilliant move you can make: build a winter emergency kit and keep it in the boot.

Think of it as insurance for inconvenience.

A solid winter car kit should include:

• Warm blankets or a sleeping bag

• Extra layers (hat, gloves, thick socks)

• A torch (with spare batteries)

• A high-vis vest

• Snacks (the long-life, morale-boosting kind)

• Bottled water

• A phone charger or power bank

• Ice scraper and de-icer

• Warning triangle

  
  

None of this is dramatic survivalist stuff. It’s just making a few uncomfortable hours far more manageable.

And before you set off?

Fuel matters. Or charge, if you’re driving electric. A fuller tank (or battery) gives you options — especially if you need to run systems to keep warm.

If you’re stuck: stay calm and stay put

Your car is your shelter. Treat it like one.

If the worst happens and you’re snowbound or trapped in standstill traffic, your instinct might be to get out and “see what’s going on”. Resist that urge unless it’s genuinely safe and necessary.

Your car protects you from wind, snow, and exposure — and it’s much easier for emergency services to find than a person wandering around in a blizzard.

Keep the engine running — carefully

If conditions allow, running the engine intermittently helps:

• Keep the interior warm

• Prevent the engine from freezing

If you’re facing a long wait or overnight stay:

• Wrap up in extra layers

• Lock the doors

• Try to rest

• Start the engine every hour or so for a few minutes

Important:

If there’s heavy snow, always check the exhaust pipe is clear before starting the engine. A blocked exhaust can allow dangerous fumes to build up inside the car — and that’s something we absolutely want to avoid.

Heaters, heated seats, and battery logic

This is not the moment to blast everything at once.

Only run the heater when the engine is on, otherwise you risk draining the battery. If you’re in an electric vehicle, heated seats are often the smarter option — they use less power and still keep you warm where it counts.

Think efficient comfort, not tropical resort.

If you have to leave the car

(Only if absolutely necessary.)

Sometimes, circumstances mean you’ll need to get out — perhaps to move to a safer position or because help has arrived.

If you do:

• Make yourself highly visible

• Wear high-vis clothing

• Keep hazard lights on

• Stand well clear of traffic

• Use barriers for protection if available

Take note of your location. Road markers, nearby landmarks, or even dropping a pin on your phone can be incredibly helpful for emergency services.

Stranded somewhere remote?

This is the big one.

If you’re stuck in a rural or isolated area, do not leave the car unless directed by emergency services. Even if it feels counterintuitive, staying with the vehicle is almost always the safest choice.

Cars are easier to spot than people.

Shelter beats exposure.

Visibility saves time.

The quiet hero of winter driving: tyres

Let’s talk about winter tyres — calmly.

Winter tyres aren’t mandatory everywhere, and they’re not a magic force field. But they are designed to offer better grip in cold, icy conditions thanks to their softer rubber and tread patterns.

If you regularly drive in areas prone to snow, ice, or steep roads, winter tyres can provide extra confidence and control. For others, good all-season tyres and cautious driving may be perfectly adequate.

It’s not about fear — it’s about suitability.

A final word (before you crank the heater again)

Winter driving doesn’t have to be stressful — it just asks for a bit more respect. Respect the conditions, respect preparation, and respect the fact that sometimes the smartest move is doing very little at all.

Being stranded in winter isn’t a failure. It’s a situation. One that thousands of drivers face every year — and one you can handle safely with the right mindset and a well-stocked boot.

So pack the blanket. Keep the fuel topped up. And if winter decides to slow you down?

You’ll be ready.he elements and make it easier for the emergency services to find you.