You never know what might happen when you’re out on the road. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is or where you live, things happen, and you could someday find yourself stuck on the side of the road. While roadside assistance will help you get out of many situations, you should always prepare for the worst. Here are some must-have items for any car emergency kit.

A Fully Charged Cellphone

Keeping a phone in your car won’t do you any good if you can’t use it. Keep your phone charged at all times so you have it when you need it. This might mean charging it before you leave the house or keeping a charging cord in your vehicle so you can power it up while you drive. It’s also a good idea to keep a portable charger in the car. You can use this if your vehicle and your phone run out of juice.

Blankets and Extra Cold Gear

For those who drive in a cold and snowy area, blankets are a must have in your car. If you need to wait for help, you’ll want a way to keep warm. In dire situations, blankets can even be a lifesaver. You should also keep mittens or gloves and an extra jacket or sweatshirt in the car.

A Flashlight

Always make sure your emergency kit has a working flashlight and extra batteries. If you need to see outside of the car at night, a flashlight is an essential tool. Choose a high-powered one if possible and check it regularly to confirm that it works.

A First Aid Kit

A fully-stocked first aid kit will help if you get injured while on the road. You can pack up individual items on your own or just purchase a small first aid kit that will fit in your emergency bag. The kit should include several sizes of band-aids, antiseptic cleansing wipes, scissors, sterile gauze pads, first aid tape, and an instant ice pack. It should also have an ace bandage, bug spray, and aspirin or ibuprofen.

Bottled Water and Food

You never know how long you could be stuck before help arrives, so it’s important to have some food and water. Bottled water will keep in your car for a long time, and if you pack up granola bars or high protein energy bars, they could keep you from going hungry while you wait.

Seasonal Supplies

Pack seasonal items in your car. In the winter, for example, keep a shovel and an ice scraper along with sand or kitty litter. In the warmer months, you’ll want to have an umbrella, rain gear, and extra clothes in case you get wet. You can use these if you have to walk anywhere in the rain to find help.

You can’t always avoid a breakdown or an emergency, but you can prepare for one. Stock up on these items and keep them in your car so you’ll be ready to handle almost anything.

Image via Flickr by moneymetals

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