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
Lorie Brown says,
Geico you are the best I love you.
Jane Harman says,
Flashlights also are very important!
EcurbTProphet says,
When I began driving my grandfather gave me this tip… “You need to have the, ‘three B’s,” in your car… “A board, boots, and a blanket.”
“And when you get a little older – there’s a fourth B I’ll tell you about.”
That turned out to be BRANDY (or bourbon… granddad preferred bourbon).
“When you get stuck, go to the trunk and put the boots on. Put the board under the tire that’s stuck… And rock yourself out. If that don’t work, wrap up in the blanket… And get that bottle of brandy out! You’re gonna need it.”
Deborah Thurston says,
I saw ideas here in the comments that would help keep you alive in almost any situation on the road. The FEMA website has classes along with your local Fire & Police departments have “CERT” classes – disaster classes to train people on how to survive almost ANY disaster, natural or man made. It is one of the most important things that I have been lucky enough to find & it is FREE. It is only 20 hours & then a hands on ‘fun’ disaster scenario day on the last day. It is taught is several languages & you will probably never regret those 20 FREE hours of learning what to do in the hours -sometimes DAYS before help gets there.
Edward Wilson says,
Yes the FEMA training, comes in. Handy even when there no. Big event , if your stuck on the side of a road having the right stuff in your car . Makes the difference unyil help arrives.
JoAnne says,
I too belong to C.E.R.T.!
Lecretia says,
Wow! ?!
Marianne says,
Great tip. I’m look them up now. Thanks.
Simone says,
SPARE TIRE!!! I just found out the hard way my brand new car did not come with a spare. I have always had spare tires even when they were the doughnut tires supplied in my cars!
scott w denny sr says,
thank you but I have all this stuff in my car I used to work in 4 different garages over my years . even Denny’s garage my dads. I was a fireman at 1 time in the 80s.
Richard blossman says,
Great information
Thank you
Rufdog says,
Always carry an empty 2 pound coffee can, large wax candle [3 to 4 inches in diameter] and matches or butane lighter to keep warm in winter weather if you become stranded on Interstate or country roads during blizzards. This will enable you to keep warm without using what gas you have in your tank.
Remember to crack a window about 1/4 to 1/2 inch for ventilation during the burning of the candle.
Joseph blamo says,
Very important information, thank you partner.
RABBIT says,
Should also keep ‘911’ cash too. That is a big help. $$$
Guy Edwords says,
Also needed is an ESCAPE TOOL which has a HARDENED Steel tip
for breaking out a side Window to escape any newer car with only
Electric operated Windows, which always Fail when the car goes into
WATER and shorts out the window opener, as well as when the Front
of the Car is hit and the BATTERY Fails. Almost all Escape Tools have
a Seat Belt CUTTER included , because some Seat Belts jam in a crash .
Lecretia says,
?
Guy Edwords says,
You also need a Self Generating FLASHLIGHT.
The kind you hand crank or squeeze a lever to charge.
Battery Flashlights always have Dead Batteries just
when you need them.
Julio Jimenez says,
I like
C Davis says,
Wow…. I actually took a comparison to see what was in my car, and to compare to what wasn’t on the Top 11 list.
I did not have baby wipes, or a warm jacket/sweater.
Snacks and Hydration could be better.
Would like to add to the top 11… Gloves to handle the hardcore situations
Like a flat tire, or popping the hood open with peace of mind.
There’s nothing like having yours hands full of grime and road grease.
Not cool if your steering wheel and cell phone end up getting it too!
CD
James r cocce says,
Good ideas I also have a flare I keep in the trunk