Baby, it's cold outside. Never hurts to be prepared

The clothes are important if you're driving even short distances in bad weather. Especially boots and gloves. Keep them in the back if you want, but if the weather is bad it's better to have them than not.
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Additionally, a waterproof bag with matches and tealight candles, as well as a large metal coffee tin to burn them in is also a potential emergency item.
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Also: "When stranded for long periods of time, run the engine and heater for only about 10 minutes each hour to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When the car is running, you must also slightly open a downwind window to provide ventilation and check to make sure snow isn’t blocking the exhaust pipe. Exercising to maintain body heat, and in extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floormats for insulation."

Carry a set of snow tires? Hmmmm.

half of these you should have in your car at any given moment

Also cash, so if you get somewhere and they don't accept card, you can fill up or buy food or water

can someone explain the kitty litter/sang thing? what is that for? thanks!

This is good and all, but this last week with the Polar Vortex In MN if your car broke down you had 30 minutes before you died, and 5 minutes before you get frostbite. Only half the cars in the state would even start. Welcome to MN, this isn’t the first time this has happened.

As someone who's getting their first car in 9 days, I thank you for this :^)