Best Winter Accessories for SUV Owners
Updated September 2026. The Auto Wire may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Picks are chosen editorially from specs, owner reviews and product features; prices change often, so check Amazon for the current price.
Winter is when SUVs earn their keep, and it’s also when drivers get stranded. Cold weather drains batteries, snow and ice bury windshields, and even all-wheel drive can’t help you stop or climb on packed ice without extra traction. A few well-chosen accessories make cold mornings faster and a breakdown far less dangerous.
This list covers the winter gear every SUV owner should keep at home and in the cargo area: power and emergency equipment, snow and ice removal, traction aids, interior protection and warmth. All picks are universal, but traction devices must be matched to your exact tire size, so check the sidewall before ordering. We start with the items that get you moving again when something goes wrong.
Our top picks at a glance
| Best for | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | ACMOUNT W160 Jump Starter with Air Compressor | See price |
| Best budget | AstroAI 27-Inch Snow Brush & Ice Scraper | See price |
| Best emergency kit | Everlit Survival Car Emergency Kit | See price |
| Best traction aid | AutoSock Snow Socks | See price |
| Best time-saver | CAT Windshield Snow Cover | See price |
Jump to: The picks · How to choose · FAQ
The 10 best winter accessories for SUVs in 2026
1. ACMOUNT W160 Jump Starter with Air Compressor
Best for: Dead batteries and low tire pressure
Cold weather is hard on batteries, and tire pressure drops as temperatures fall. ACMOUNT’s W160 combines a 5000A jump starter with a 150 PSI air compressor, so one device handles both of winter’s most common roadside problems.
The listing says it can start gasoline engines up to 9 liters and diesels up to 8 liters, up to 60 times on a charge, and operates from -4°F. The compressor has preset pressure with auto shut-off, and the unit doubles as a power bank and LED light.
- 5000A peak jump starter for 12V vehicles
- 150 PSI air compressor with auto shut-off
- Rated for use from -4°F
- Power bank and LED light
Worth knowing: Lithium jump packs lose output in extreme cold; store it indoors overnight or keep it charged during deep freezes.
Check current price on Amazon →
2. AstroAI 27-Inch Snow Brush & Ice Scraper
Best for: Clearing an SUV roof and windshield
SUV roofs and windshields are hard to reach with a short scraper, and leaving snow on the roof is a hazard to drivers behind you. AstroAI’s 2-in-1 tool is 27 inches long with an 8.66-inch brush head and a 4.5-inch scraper blade.
The brush uses four rows of split-end bristles meant to move heavy snow without scratching paint, and the brush and scraper separate with a push-button for compact storage.
- 27-inch reach, 8.66-inch brush head
- 4.5-inch ice scraper blade
- Paint-safe split-end bristles
- Detaches for storage
Worth knowing: Tall SUVs and trucks with roof racks may need an extendable brush to clear the whole roof.
Check current price on Amazon →
3. Everlit Survival Car Emergency Kit
Best for: Being prepared for a winter breakdown
If you slide off the road or break down in the cold, you need more than a phone charger. Everlit’s kit bundles a digital tire inflator with auto shut-off, 12-foot 8-gauge copper-clad aluminum jumper cables, a tow strap, a flashlight, gloves and a 108-piece first aid kit.
The company is veteran-owned, and the kit comes in a single bag that fits in the cargo area so everything is in one place when you need it.
- Digital tire inflator with auto shut-off
- 12 ft, 8-gauge jumper cables
- Tow strap, flashlight and gloves
- 108-piece first aid kit
Worth knowing: Add winter-specific items yourself: a blanket, hand warmers, water and snacks.
Check current price on Amazon →
4. AutoSock Snow Socks (HP698)
Best for: Emergency traction and chain-law areas
Snow socks are textile covers that slip over the tire to add grip on snow and ice. They’re lighter and easier to install than chains, and AutoSock says its socks meet or exceed global snow chain standards with no vehicle weight limit.
The self-centering webbing helps shed snow as you drive, they’re reusable for hundreds of miles, and the kit includes gloves and instructions.
- Textile snow chain alternative
- Self-centering design sheds snow
- No vehicle weight limit, per the maker
- Reusable; gloves and instructions included
Worth knowing: Model HP698 fits specific tire sizes; check your sidewall and AutoSock’s size chart. Snow socks wear quickly on dry pavement, so remove them once roads are clear.
Check current price on Amazon →
5. SCC Peerless Auto-Trac Tire Chains
Best for: Severe snow and ice
For mountain passes and deep snow, chains still offer the most grip. SCC’s Auto-Trac chains for light trucks and SUVs use self-tightening ratchets that automatically tighten and center the chain as you drive.
The diamond-pattern cross chains give a smoother ride and better traction than ladder-style chains, and they install and remove in minutes.
- Self-tightening, self-centering ratchets
- Diamond-pattern cross chains
- Sized for light trucks and SUVs
- Installs in minutes
Worth knowing: Don’t exceed 30 mph with them on, and confirm your SUV has enough wheel-well clearance; some vehicles restrict chain use.
Check current price on Amazon →
6. CAT Windshield Snow Cover
Best for: Skipping the morning scrape
A windshield cover goes on the night before a storm and comes off in the morning with the snow and ice on top of it. This CAT-branded cover measures 78 inches wide by 43 inches tall, which fits most standard cars, SUVs and trucks.
Anti-theft flaps tuck inside the front doors so it can’t be pulled off, and it’s machine washable.
- 78 x 43 inches
- Fits standard cars, SUVs and trucks
- Anti-theft door flaps
- Machine washable
Worth knowing: Very large SUVs and full-size trucks may need an oversized cover; measure your windshield first.
Check current price on Amazon →
7. Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Trim-to-Fit Floor Mats
Best for: Salt and slush protection on a budget
Snow, slush and road salt get tracked in all winter and stain or rot carpet. If you don’t have custom liners, these thick PVC mats can be trimmed to fit most cars, SUVs and trucks, with a non-slip backing and grooves to hold water.
The four-piece set includes front mats about 29.3 by 19.3 inches and rear mats about 17.1 by 17.8 inches, and they wash off with soap and water.
- Four-piece, trim-to-fit set
- Thick PVC resists cracking
- Non-slip backing and grooved surface
- Soap-and-water cleanup
Worth knowing: Trim-to-fit mats don’t cover as much as custom liners; for full coverage see our floor mats guide.
Check current price on Amazon →
8. KAMINUO Telescopic Aluminum Snow Shovel
Best for: Digging out after a plow buries you
A snowplow berm across your driveway or a stuck tire in a parking lot calls for a shovel, not a brush. KAMINUO’s aluminum shovel breaks down into three pieces and weighs just 1.4 pounds, so it fits in an SUV’s cargo area or under-floor storage.
The handle adjusts from 25 to 32 inches, and the blade is about 28 by 21 cm, enough to clear snow from around tires and exhaust pipes.
- Aluminum alloy, 1.4 lbs
- Three-piece, packs small
- Adjustable 25–32 inch handle
- Blade about 28 x 21 cm
Worth knowing: It’s an emergency shovel, not a driveway shovel; keep a full-size one at home.
Check current price on Amazon →
9. CRC Ice-Off Windshield Spray De-Icer
Best for: Frozen windshields and locks
A de-icer spray melts frost and ice on contact, which speeds up scraping and helps with frozen door locks. CRC’s Ice-Off works in sub-zero temperatures and is safe on car finishes, per the maker.
It can be used on windows, headlights and locks, and the 12-ounce can fits in a door pocket.
- Melts ice, snow and frost on contact
- Works in sub-zero temperatures
- Safe on car finish
- Use on windows, headlights and locks
Worth knowing: Don’t pour hot water on an icy windshield instead; the temperature shock can crack glass.
Check current price on Amazon →
10. 12V Heated Car Blanket with Timer
Best for: Staying warm while waiting or stranded
A 12-volt heated blanket keeps passengers warm on cold commutes and can make a long wait for a tow much safer. This 57 by 40-inch fleece blanket plugs into the car’s 12V outlet and has low and high heat settings plus a timer.
It’s double-sided polar fleece, folds into a drawstring storage bag and also works as a regular blanket when unplugged.
- 57 x 40 inches, double-sided fleece
- Low and high heat settings
- Auto-off timer
- Storage bag included
Worth knowing: Only run it with the engine on, or you risk draining the battery. If you’re stranded, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow before running the engine.
Check current price on Amazon →
How to choose winter accessories for your SUV
Winter gear falls into four jobs: getting started, seeing clearly, getting traction and staying safe if you’re stuck.
Start with power
Batteries lose a large share of their cranking power in freezing weather, and most no-start calls in winter come down to a weak battery. A lithium jump starter lets you restart without another car. Look for enough peak amps for your engine size, a cold operating rating and a built-in compressor if you want one device. Recharge it every couple of months, and have your battery tested before winter if it’s more than three years old.
Traction: tires first, then aids
All-wheel drive helps you accelerate, but it doesn’t help you stop or turn. Winter or all-weather tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol are the biggest traction upgrade. Snow socks and chains are for emergencies and chain-control zones. Both must match your exact tire size, and your owner’s manual will say whether your SUV has clearance for chains or allows only low-profile traction devices.
Snow and ice removal
A long-handled brush lets you clear the roof, which is required by law in several states and prevents snow from sliding onto your windshield when you brake. Pair it with a windshield cover to skip scraping and a de-icer for frozen locks and thick ice. Never use hot water on glass, and don’t drive with only a small hole scraped in the windshield.
Build a cargo-area winter kit
Keep a kit in the SUV all season: jumper cables or a jump pack, a tire inflator, a small shovel, gloves, a flashlight, a blanket, water, snacks and a phone charger. Add a bag of sand or cat litter for traction under stuck tires. Our roadside emergency kit guide covers pre-built options in more detail.
Protect the interior from salt
Road salt and slush tracked into the cabin stain carpet and can eventually corrode the floor pan. All-weather floor mats with deep grooves hold meltwater until you can dump it out. Wash the exterior and underbody regularly during salt season, especially after storms, to limit rust.
Frequently asked questions
What should I keep in my SUV in the winter?
A jump starter or jumper cables, a snow brush and ice scraper, a small shovel, a flashlight, gloves, a warm blanket, water and snacks. Add traction aids such as snow socks or chains if you drive in mountains or chain-law areas, and keep your gas tank at least half full.
Are snow socks as good as tire chains?
Not quite. Chains give the most grip in deep snow and ice, but they’re heavier, louder and harder to install. Snow socks are lighter, easier to fit and gentler on the vehicle, and they’re accepted as an alternative in some chain-control areas. Check your state’s rules before relying on socks.
Do I need chains if my SUV has all-wheel drive?
Sometimes. AWD helps you get moving but doesn’t improve braking or cornering on ice. Some mountain routes require chains or traction devices on all vehicles during severe storms, even AWD models with snow tires. Carry chains or socks sized to your tires if you drive those routes.
Is it safe to leave a jump starter in a cold car?
Most lithium jump starters are rated to work in cold weather, but extreme cold reduces their output and can shorten battery life. Keep it charged, and bring it inside overnight during deep freezes if you can. Check the listing’s operating temperature range.
How do I keep my windshield from freezing overnight?
Use a windshield snow cover secured inside the doors, park facing east so the morning sun hits the glass, and lift your wipers off the glass before a storm. In the morning, a de-icer spray and the defroster will clear any remaining frost quickly.
The bottom line
The ACMOUNT W160 Jump Starter with Air Compressor is the most valuable winter accessory because it solves both dead batteries and low tire pressure. The AstroAI snow brush is the best inexpensive pick, the Everlit kit covers breakdown essentials, and AutoSock snow socks are the easiest traction aid for occasional storms.
More buying guides
- Best Portable Car Battery Jump Starters
- Best Roadside Emergency Kits
- Best Accessories for Subaru Outback Owners
- Best Tire Inflators for Cars & Trucks
Browse all Auto Wire buying guides →
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