Driving along, you think you can squeeze by another couple of miles on empty or, you just haven’t seen a gas station in miles. Even worse, your car just dies. Try as you may to restart, the inevitable conclusion looms overhead: you’re stranded.
This is never a fun situation, but if you are prepared, you can get through it with relative ease. Every driver should carry a few vital items:
- Jumper cables
- Flares
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Brightly colored cloth/HELP sign
- First aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Rain gear
- Tarp (for covering valuables if you have to leave your car)
- Water (especially for long trips)
- Spare clothes
- Waterproof matches
- Pliers, wrench, Philips and flathead screwdriver
- Tire changing tools
- Pressure gauge
- Bottle of motor oil
- Map
- Duck tape
- Roll of paper towels
For those in colder climates, these items are also recommended:
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Extra mittens, socks, and wool cap
- Windshield scraper
- Small bag of sand
- Canned fruit, nuts
- Manual can opener
- Small broom
- Energy bars
If you prepare adequately for a breakdown in any weather, you maximize the chances of getting through it safely.