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
Theodora Carter says,
Thanks for the great information. ..
Sonia says,
Great tips. Thanks
C. Taylor says,
Should also keep toilet paper, and paper towels you just never know.
Candace Lucchesi says,
Thank you Geico! You are the Best!
….in Nashville
Dyanna Russell says,
Good ideas, I better do this before the 100 degree weather start and too hot to add to my car.
I do carry a gallon on water and bags only. I will start on an emergency kit this weekend.
Julett twine says,
Good advice
Bernard says,
Good stuff to know !!!
Zora High says,
Some of these items I already have in my car, the rest I will get! Good information and very much appreciated. Of course I never leave home with out water and snacks!
Nelson says,
I would not keep plastic bottles in the car, the gasses that leak from the plastic due to the Heat are dangerous to the body and so I would replace them with glass bottles.
Water and Food I would keep it in a cooler in the house and take it with me if I’m headed out on long trips.
Also you need flashlights and batteries.
Gene says,
Good info. Could you also add how to successfully safely negotiate driving in the rain, i.e, slowing down below the speed limit, do not drive motivated by” get there itius”
Lecretia says,
Shouldn’t #11 be the hands free flashlight mentioned in some of the other videos instead of a picture of unhealthy snacks again??? Lol!
Reefer tech. says,
Carry manual air pump in case doughnut tire is flat
dsf says,
Uh, what about a flashlight? I also find an umbrella a lot more handy than the stuff above.
William Mesidor says,
Also for me great information, specially female drivers.
Thank you.
Ricardo says,
Keep a knife and lighter in your emergency kit. The knife could cut you out of your seat belt or help you cut a piece of material for a torniquette.
The lighter will help you start a fire to cook, stay warm, dry faster keep “some” animals away.