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
Ron Ellis says,
Add fire extinguisher to list.
James Coutu says,
I’d add six things to this list:
1 Flashlight – many obvious reasons – mentioned but placed with first aid in list
2 Flares – safety reasons depending on issue / location
3 Fire Extinguisher – can get small ones, see 4 wheel or off road stores
4 Window cracker – pointed end breaks safety glass easily
5 SOG Trident mini knife – when flooded closed and locked, has a slit that can cut seatbelt in an instant without harming anybody or anything – See sogknives.com web site. I have one in every vehicle
6 Air horn, small one
Mark Brittman says,
Have been doing that for years … especially with an older car. One cannot be too prepared.
Do, however, change out the snacks and water from time to time…get’s a little stale. I include
a poncho as well and a roll of duck tape. All of this will fit nicely in a plastic storage container.
Betty Zapolsky says,
Good list of items to keep in car. I might add extra pair of shoes. I carry my last (older) pair of sneakers in case of mud or walking emergencies
Betty Zapolsky says,
And keep a pair of scissors accessible to cut the straps on a child seat. It’s hard enough to get a child out of a seat under normal circumstances – in an emergency it’s impossible.
Guy Edwords says,
An Emergancy ESCAPE TOOL has a seat belt cutter included,
which works better and quicker than sizzors, and will also get you
out of a side window.
Mary says,
Awesome Thanks for all you do to help .May God Bless you All…
John 3:16
Luz Angee says,
Excellent advise??
Phil Conard says,
You need to add a tow rope and fix a flat.
Heather Donaldson. says,
Thanks for the tips.It’s very helpful
Ruth Bahr says,
Thank you for sharing this list.
Ruth Bahr says,
How about some blankets a cooler and paper plates and plastic wear
rose dubose says,
love it this list is great i will do just that
Linda says,
Great article Geico, I would add, have an emergency cash stash in the glove compartment just in case you run out of gas, a flashlight, and a bucket for those gotta go now potty breaks.
susy Gumbs says,
Excellent advice
geico says,
Thank you for the helpful information
Lily Jimenez says,
Thank you for these great reminders to all drivers. May GOD bless GEICO.