Winter Auto Gear
The following products represent what I personally rely on when teaching in real Lake Tahoe winter mountain conditions.
Every item here is something I’ve tested myself, used in my own vehicles, or vetted through hands-on experience and research.
I created this list because I constantly get asked by customers and student parents for recommendations. They want to know what I trust, what I use, and what will actually help them, and their family members, safe.
Most of these descriptions are from the manufacturer with my comments added.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. My recommendations are never influenced by commissions. Every product listed here is something I personally use, tested, and trust in real Lake Tahoe winter conditions. My endorsements are based solely on performance, safety, and hands-on experience — not compensation.
Windshield Wiper Covers
Ahhh the eternal Lake Tahoe debate:
- Lift wipers away from the windshield to protect them from freezing and sticking to the windshield.
- Or, buy better wipers with rubber less likely to freeze and stick.
My OPINION is to buy better blades than to risk the wind snapping the blades onto the brittle windshield and cracking it. Avoid a heavy snow bending your wiper arms. And most wiper motors have a built -in circuit breaker that will prevent them from bringing out while trying to wipe heavy snow. The motor will turn back on after ~1 minute.
If you prefer to lift the blades away, BUY THESE COVERS!
Trico Ice Windshield Wipers
Armor seals blade structure from severe weather and protects critical wiper components from ice and snow. The one-piece blades have flexible design snugly conforms to most windshields. Heavy-gauge wiper element resists tearing in sub-zero temperatures. It has a swift universal, one-click connection system for quick installation.
These are my favorite wipers. I have tried many to compare, and these worked great for me.
Rain-X Silcone Advantedge
Supposedly last 2Xs longer than traditional natural rubber squeegees and designed to perform consistently in extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions.
Squeegee won’t dry out and crack in the summer heat or freeze and break in the winter cold.
WARNING - I have not tried these before but I have read many positive reviews.
Windshield Cover
Designed to prevent snow from building up directly on your windshield and to protect your wipers. SImple to install and when snow piles up, you can easily brush the cover and your windshield is perfectly clear. No ice build up.
Durable heavy-duty 600D oxford fabric which is waterproof and scratch resistant. Easy to use by placing the two elastic bands on each side of side mirrors of your car, position side panels, then close car doors to secure the snow cover, with left 2 straps and hooks, they can be easily attached to the wheels, which make this cover more stable. And also super convenient to store. When you're not using, you can fold the snow cover into the plastic storage bag that included in the package. Side panels close inside the car can prevent this snow cover from being stolen or being blown away by strong wind, which can make sure it stay in place firmer.
Rain-X Glass Treatment
Dramatically improves wet weather driving visibility helping repel rain and reduces adhesion of sleet and snow to your windshield. It treats the glass surface with a super-slick, non-stick invisible barrier acting as a repellent to the elements improving safety and driving comfort.
I LOVE THIS PRODUCT and put it on my headlights too.
WARNING - If you use a de-icer spray, you may need to reapply the Rain-X treatment.
Extendable sturdy snow brush
Equipped with a 10 limits retractable design which can be extended from 36.6 to 47.2 inches, making the hard-to-reach areas very easy to clean. Suitable for an SUV, Car, Trunk, etc.
Water or Leaves Removal with Squeegee. The silicone material is durable and soft, and protects your auto.
Multi-Functional Snow Brush: It gives a squeegee opposite the brush head. The ice scraper is detachable for faster and easier use. Non-Slip, Comfortable EVA Grip equipped with a thick, comfortable, warm foam grip. Easy to assemble and disassemble. The ice scraper can be easily detached into 3 parts and kept in the car.
Roadside Emergency Kit
Extremely comprehensive kits includes pretty much everything imaginable. Jumper cables, folding shovel, reflective triangle, reflective vest, emergency blanket, whistle, first aid kit, and even basic tool kit for repairs.
WARNING - I have not inspected this kit in person and the price for all you get does concern me. But is has a huge number of high reviews. Buy at your own risk.
Folding Snow Shovel
Compact snow shovel, essential for car travel, snow camping, or backcountry trips. Lightweight yet sturdy, it provides reliable snow removal, helping you navigate winter emergencies or adventures with ease and safety. Crafted from high-quality aluminum, this shovel is both lightweight and tough. Ideal for snow, mud, sand, or dirt, it handles rough conditions while remaining easy to carry. A must-have tool for camping, backpacking, and outdoor exploration year-round.
Features a foldable design for easy storage and transport. Fits in cars, ATVs, or backpacks, making it perfect for skiers, snowboarders, and travelers. Always ready for use without taking up excess space, keeping you prepared for any emergency.
Lithium Battery Jumper
Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of peak lithium power. Up to 20 starts per charge on engines up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel. Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse polarity protection for foolproof connections to any 12V vehicle - no sparks, no wrong connections.
Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to smartphones, tablets, and more. Recharges in 3 hours so it’s ready when it matters most. Built-in flashlight including SOS and strobe.
Whether this well-known brand or another, make sure your choice is powerful enough to jump your battery. Cheap ones will not have the juice to jump.
Tire Traction Mats
Provides emergency traction for your tires in snow, ice, mud and sand. Can be used with snow chains, tire chains, Traction Boards or alone. No installation required, making it hassle free, easier and safer to use than tire chains and snow chains. Textured, rubberized rungs with galvanized steel connecting cables are incredibly durable and can support vehicles weighing up to 7 tons! Made of High Strength Engineering Rubber and Galvanized Steel Core, nearly indestructible and can be used over and over again
Kinetic Stretch Tow Strap
Double-braided, high-tenacity nylon, kinetic rope recovery snatch strap measures 3/4-inch by 20-feet. 45% stronger and lighter than wire rope, snowmobile tow strap also stretches up to 30%.
A kinetic tow strap is far superior to a static strap for pulling a vehicle out of a snowbank. Kinetic stretches 20–30% under load creating a controlled slingshot effect that multiplies pulling force while dramatically reducing stress on both vehicles’ recovery points.
Tow Strap with Hooks
Heavy-duty static Emergency Tow Strap- 2 inch long x 20 feet wide, with a robust 20,000 lbs rated capacity. Storage bag bright yellow for visibility.
If your budget allows, I highly suggest upgrading for a kinetic tow rope. The kinetic stretch creates a controlled slingshot effect that multiplies pulling force while dramatically reducing stress on both vehicles’ recovery points. The result is safer, smoother, more effective extractions—especially in deep snow where a gentle, progressive pull is far less likely to break equipment or damage bumpers, frames, or tow hooks.
Ice Grips for Shoes
Eco-Friendly rubber ice grips that slip onto your shoes or boots for safe walking. Made out of TPE material high quality steel studs, they are extremely durable and effective. They do a great job staying on your shoes and easily come off.
I personally prefer these over the Yaks because they are very flexible so you can store in your coat pocket or even your pants pocket. Comes with extra studs. Yaks do give better grip, but these are enough for me.
DryGuy Boot and Glove Warmer
Extremely portable and a small print that delivers fast dry time. Convection heating is safe for all material. Forced air blower speeds up drying and heating time. Low noise and has an adjustable auto shutoff timer.
BEST DEVICE EVER. Given the price, they make life so much more comfortable. I preheat my shoes and gloves before going out and oh so happy! Excellent holiday gift. We bought two due to family fighting over the warmer. lol.
