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
Amber says,
Nice tips! I carry most of these things. After my friend got stranded in her car for 17 hours in Atlanta, I put emergency items in my car. Who would’ve thought that thousands of drivers would get stuck on the freeway after a freak ice storm in the south? Although chances are low for winter emergencies in the south, it’s still possible.
mary myers says,
Glad to see I have all items on the list, accept snacks, in my trunk right now! I agree with others who recommend packing the emergency items best suited to your region. I also have a length of nylon rope, a plastic tarp, and a flashlight. Winters in the East are usually light, so I typically buy a 5 or 10-pound bag of sand for the season. And I generally throw in a tube of sunscreen for summer. Don’t laugh; my tribe and I crisp up in less than 12 minutes in strong summer sun. Not fun.
Stacy Kennely says,
Thanks for those very useful tips.
DAVE SMITH says,
THESE ARE ALL GOOD ITEMS TO CARRY IN YOUR CAR TO INSURE YOUR SAFETY
AND SURVIVAL. SOME THINGS LIKE THE KITTY LITTER ARE WINTER CLIMATE SPECIFIC
AND NOT NEEDED IN THE SOUTHWEST BUT IF YOU ARE TRAVELING THEY COULD
SAVE YOU GRIEF. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD A COUPLE OF ”ALL VEHICLE” ITEMS.
A FLASHLIGHT FOR THE GLOVE BOX AND/OR A SIX VOLT LANTERN STYLE ONE WITH YOUR
SPARE AND YOUR JACK FOR NITE TIME PROBLEMS. ALSO AN OLD WASH CLOTH/DISH RAG STASHED UNDER YOUR HOOD FOR CHECKING ENGINE OIL AND TRANSMISSION OILS. THESE FLUIDS CAN BE VERY HOT AND NEED MORE HAND PROTECTION THAN A PAPER TOWEL FROM A SERVICE STATION FOR SAFE AND NECESSARY MONITORING YOUR LEVELS.
N-E-V-E-R CHECK RADIATOR LEVELS WHEN CAR IS HOT!—CHECK PRIOR TO OPERATION
OF VEHICLE.—SERIOUS BURNS CAN HAPPEN WITH BOILING ANTIFREEZE..
OTHER THAN A WHISK BROOM AND WINDOW CLEANER FOR UNDER YOUR LEFT SEAT
THAT IS ABOUT ALL THIS OLD MAN CAN SAY ON THIS…..DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY MANY TIMES IN MY 71 YEARS HAS TAUGHT ME MUCH ABOUT THIS SUBJECT. OH!–DON’T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR SPARE TIRE FOR AIR PRESSURE BEFORE YOU GO ON A TRIP. A FLAT SPARE WON’T HELP YOU WITH A FLAT ON THE ROADSIDE!
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kwadwo adu says,
Nice tip.
Carmen says,
Thank you for sharing the importance of items we should have in the car. My brother suggested a pillow.
Stella says,
I would like to send the chsnge a flat tire video to all the members of my family. Could you send it alone to my email.
Trish Ross says,
All great ideas…I carry a Tyvek suit in case I’m dressed nicely and have to check something…plus gloves, goggles, a seat belt cutter/window smasher tool velcro’d to my console, small air compressor, medium tarp lus a separate carrier Go phone… and almost everything shared in comments. And yes, I still carry a road Atlas and Key Map
Sid McKoy says,
I make it a habit to carry yield, tools, air compressor and tire and repair kit. I too carry jumper cables and a portable jumper. S
John west says,
Why not a flashlight?
Gloria says,
I drive a SUV, Should I put items in the car that will add weight. I know my SUV is less safe than my Honda Accord in heavy winds.
Yvonne Lucas says,
Great information….love the 11 items to keep in your car article……especially the snacks and the emergency snacks.
Al Tallant says,
HELPFUL IDEAS. MIGHT ALSO WANT TO ADD A BLANKET-FOR WINTER OR TO KNEEL OR LIE ON FOR CAR CHECKS OR TIRE CHANGES.. AND SOME CLEAN RAGS, AND A WHISTLE
Deborah Thurston says,
whistle on the key ring is SOOO important. It can be used to help emergency rescuers find you in an earthquake or flood if you can not yell.
oswald says,
flash light is number one ” silly people
SAMSON LAZARUS. ATLANTA . GA says,
Good and Practical Tips for regular car users.