Survival Kit for Your Car 

Safe driving is essential, so is having a car emergency kit on hand to handle almost any situation you may encounter while on the road. 

Here are 10 things you should keep in your car emergency kit:

1. Jumper cables

Whether it’s an old battery or you accidentally left your lights on, be prepared with jumper cables in case your vehicle won’t start. If you want to go a step further, purchase a jumper cable kit that also acts as a battery charger. This option also comes with a voltage reader so you know when your battery is good to go. 

2. Spare tire with jack

Flat tires happen more often than you think. Make sure your car is equipped with a spare tire and jack. It’s also a good idea to check the tire pressure of your spare every time your tires are rotated, roughly every 6,000–8,000 miles. 

3. Phone charger

Keep an extra phone charger in your vehicle at all times, that way you’ll always have a line of communication. Even better than a regular charging cord is a portable charging bank. These are typically charged ahead of time with a USB cord, and once you’re ready to use it, you plug your phone in and the charging bank will act like an outlet and charge your phone.

4. Flashlight with extra batteries

Instead of draining your phone battery from using its flashlight, keep a small, lightweight flashlight with extra batteries on hand. 

5. First aid kit

A first aid kit is extremely necessary and having the essentials is all you need. This includes: Band-Aids, Neosporin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, ace bandage, alcohol wipes and gloves. You can find a first aid kit at your local retailer or pharmacy. 

6. Water/snacks

Have a bottled water on hand as a backup along with non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix or protein bars.

7. Blanket

Keep a blanket on hand for warmth in case you get stranded. 

8. Flares or reflective triangle

These are useful in case you’re stalled on the side of the road and its dark outside or there’s inclement weather. This will alert other drivers on that you’re there and to be cautious.

9. Tire gauge

Another car essential is a tire gauge. Whenever you suspect your tires may be low, simply check the pressure with a tire gauge and fill them up with the appropriate amount of air.

10. Ice scraper

For those in colder climates, or the unexpected cold weather, an ice scraper would be very useful.