What to put in your emergency car kit

A blanket

A blanket belongs in the emergency kit of every car, especially in winter. Get one that’s waterproof and windproof, like the space-blanket type with the aluminum coating that reflects body heat back in. A fleece blanket is also a good option, although it doesn’t protect as well from the wind.

Jumper cables

There’s nothing like a dead car battery to spoil a trip with the family. Be proactive and keep a set of jumper cables—or booster cables—in your emergency kit. In the event of a dead battery, you’ll be able to hook the cables up to another battery to charge your own. There’s a catch though. Using them incorrectly can make things worse, so make sure you know what you’re doing.

A portable power supply

A portable power supply is handy for passengers with electronics to use in the car, but it can become essential if your car breaks down. The fact is, it’s tough to get hold of roadside assistance if your cellphone battery runs out of juice.

A flashlight

Pick one with a broad beam and a variety of brightness settings and remember to change the batteries regularly. Otherwise a hand-crank flashlight will do the job, as will one with a USB port or rechargeable batteries. Remember too that many cell phones have a flashlight function.

A first-aid kit

For the safety of the driver and passengers, every vehicle should have a first-aid kit. It should contain antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, first-aid tape, and bandages. You’ll need them if you have an accident. Keep some acetaminophen or ibuprofen around in a child-proof container safe from little hands.

Windshield washer fluid

Summer or winter, a spare stock of windshield washer fluid can be a game-changer on the road, especially when your windshield is under assault from Mother Nature. Every car emergency kit should have one.

Water

Always make sure to fill up some reusable bottles before you hit the road. Bottled water from the store can also do the trick, as long as you replace them now and again. Tougher water bottles, such as canteens, are best in winter, since plastic bottles can burst if they freeze.

Dry snacks

A selection of non-perishable foods like mixed nuts or cereal bars can help you hold out if help is a long time coming. Keep an eye on expiry dates to make sure the food you have is still edible.

A rag

This is something you’ll be grateful for if you have to change a tire or check something under the hood. It can also be used to mop up any spilled liquids. A roll of paper towels will do the job as well.

Some basic tools

Be ready for the unexpected by stocking your emergency kit with versatile tools like a multi-bit screwdriver, scissors, pliers, work gloves, and zip ties. There’s no end to the wonders that have been worked with duct tape, so be sure to include a roll.

Planning a long trip? Can you squeeze a few more things into your trunk? How about a jumbo garbage bag, an umbrella or rain poncho, a whistle, a pack of matches, a reflective triangle or light stick, and some printed road maps—very helpful if you lose your cellphone signal. Get your vehicle inspected regularly, don’t leave without a complete tire change kit, and always keep your owner’s manual in the glove compartment. In the event of car trouble or an accident, you’ll be ready for (almost) anything!