The weather is warm, vacation has started, you’re 50 miles from your destination—and chances are you’re not thinking about what could go wrong on the road ahead.
“While no one can plan for car trouble, in emergency situations it is helpful to have some preparations in place,” says Mindy West, GEICO director of Centralized Services. So stock your car with these basics and don’t forget to replace water and batteries as needed.
1. First-aid Kit & Accessories
Add a flashlight and whistle to your basic first-aid kit. Set a calendar reminder to change the flashlight batteries every few months.
2. Basic Tools
Always be sure to have at least three tools on hand: a screwdriver (to tighten up something that’s been loosened by vibration or age), a torque wrench (to correctly set nuts) and a utility knife (in case you ever need to cut yourself out of your seatbelt after an accident).
3. Gloves
Protecting your hands is a must, no matter what the temperature. Opt for sturdy mechanic gloves made of leather or a rubber and synthetic combination.
4. Tow Rope & Bungee Cords
These can be invaluable to help get you out of a jam. To use the tow rope, you’ll need to find another car that’s able to yank yours to safety. Bungees help you safely secure an item to your car’s roof.
5. Warning Triangles & Light Sticks
Make certain other motorists can see you, day or night. Bonus: Since they don’t need batteries, you don’t have to worry about upkeep.
6. Tire Pressure Gauge
Tire pressure—which ensures maximum handling, traction and durability—fluctuates with the temperature, so it’s important to keep a gauge handy. Tires may become over-inflated when the outside temperature is hot and under-inflated when it’s cold.
7. Phone Charger
As important as your phone itself. Add an adapter for the cigarette lighter if your car doesn’t have a USB port.
8. Jumper Cables
In case your car battery goes dead. And of course, you should know how to use them. (Psst… here’s how to jump-start your car.)
9. Water & Snacks
In case of an emergency, they’ll provide sustenance until help arrives.
10. Extra Clothes
For unexpected outdoor adventures, pack a rain jacket and at least one layer of clothing to keep you warm.
11. Kitty Litter
Stuck in the mud or snow? With a small bag in the trunk, you’ll be able to sprinkle some around your tires for traction.
With assistance from GEICO Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) available on your GEICO Mobile app, you’ll be back on the road in no time with a spare tire or a jump. Add ERS to your policy, starting at just $14 per year, per car.
By Lucy Maher
raechel says,
You have really great tips you should have a pinterest link or button
Ray Reyes says,
Thanks for the helpful tip
Angelia says,
Thanks. As a single parent i will need all info. Possible.
Xavier Mercado says,
The tire changing video covered all that I could think of I had me daughter also change her car flat too.
For the snack food I would not have cookies as they get stall too fast a good snack I would use would be beef jerky because it will stay with longer and cause you to drink water too.
Roni Bushyager says,
Wow I didn’t realize how unprepared I am those are great ToDo list for sure
Elsie Johnson says,
I’m definitely under prepared with my small bag of kitty litter and think I spotted a plastic bag under a seat. 🙂
The list and the tips provided by the other respondents are invaluable and are on my MUST DO list.
Rock Turner says,
Toilet Paper
Marina Long says,
I take issue with the need for snacks. We do not need to eat constantly and certainly don’t need most of the junk that qualifies as “snacks.”
John Reese says,
You get stranded for 12 hours in a snowstorm and you’ll be glad for a few snacks, junk food or not.
Grazyna Niedziolka says,
Thank you ,The tips are fantastic! I will use them.
Grazyna Niedziolka says,
Great information !
Thank you
Jose and jenny says,
You can always buy a seat belt cover or they have this complete car emergency safety kit at auto zone or most auto parts store. God forbid you never know when you might need these items that come with the kit, like a flash light or a seat belt cutter. Things happen in life and it’s always good to be prepared. Great tips.
Karen L. Coder says,
Also a small shovel or bucket could prove to be helpful to remove snow or mud away from base of tires to obtain traction in situations where one might be stuck.
Karen L. Coder says,
I was in North Dakota for many years, and back in the day rule of thumb was to keep a metal coffee can in the trunk with a candle’s for heat as well as being able to melt snow for drinking if stranded for long periods in winter weather.
Anna A Sirman says,
Awesome information to know about and thank you!
Nancy Cobb says,
A golf club to ward off evil doers.
Also, A can of bug spray that projects way out there.
Dave says,
I want to see the cave man and the lizard do a road trip movie together. Maybe a cameo by the money I will save.