Emergencies can happen to anyone. Prepare for the worst-case scenario, especially in winter time when snow, cold, and icy conditions can leave you in a pickle. Check out these tips for a car emergency kit. Keep your kit in a bag in your trunk.
Minimum Supplies
Besides making sure you have a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze, the National Safety Council recommends having these with you at all times:
- Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Flashlight and batteries
- Jumper cables
- First-aid kit
- Bottled water
- Multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife)
- Road flares or reflective warning triangles
- Windshield cleaner
- Tire gauge
- Nonperishable high-energy foods such as unsalted and canned nuts, granola bars, raisins and dried fruit, peanut butter, or hard candy
- Lighter and box of matches (in a waterproof container)
Extra Supplies for Extra Weather
- A bag of sand to help with traction (or bag of non-clumping cat litter)
- Collapsible or folding snow shovel
- Hand warmers
- Small fire extinguisher
- Jack and lug wrench to change a tire
- Duct tape
- Foam tire sealant for minor tire punctures
- Battery– or hand-crank–powered radio
- Scissors and string or cord
- Spare change and cash
- Compass
- Winter boots for longer trips
- Sleeping bag for longer trips
- Tire chains and tow strap