What to stock in your car’s emergency kit

In an age when every driver carries a cell phone, if not a smart phone, an emergency car kit may seem unnecessary. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Car insurance agent Jennifer Gee explains, “When an accident or emergency happens, being prepared will make you that much more effective at handling whatever situation is at hand. People who are unprepared tend to get bogged down by the thought of, ‘if only.’”

And even if you (hopefully) never have an occasion to use your emergency car kit, you might be grateful for those emergency energy bars the next time you’re stuck in gridlock rush hour traffic—just be sure to replace them.

Create your own emergency car kit by stocking up on the items below. Obviously, your needs will differ depending on climate and location, but don’t be afraid to add a few survival items, even if they seem unnecessary for your daily freeway commute. You never know, and they just might save your life.

The Basics:

Spare tire

Car jack

Flashlight and extra batteries

Lightsticks/emergency candles

Matches (stored in waterproof bag)

Masking tape

Pocket knife

Two quarts of engine oil

Gallon of antifreeze

Ice scraper

Jumper cables

One bottle of drinkable water

Food bars

Toilet paper or tissues

First aid: bandages, aspirin or other pain reliever, sterile pads, alcohol prep pads, soap and gauze pads.

Additional items to stock if you regularly drive long distances through under-populated areas or under hazardous weather conditions:

Two-three bottles of drinkable water

Extra food bars

Blanket

Rain poncho or tarp

Winter essentials:

Ice scraper to clear windshield

Cat litter or sand, to give tires extra traction over snow and ice

Small shovel to dig snow away from tires

Warm clothing: gloves, a hat, durable boots, a warm jacket, an extra shirt and an extra pair of socks

—Merete Mueller

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