Taking the proper steps to feel empowered while on a long drive matters even more if you live in an area where you experience severe temperatures—hot or cold. If you’re forced to spend the night in your car with no blankets or water and freezing temperatures, this can be life-threatening. The same goes for if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere in high temperatures with no water to stay hydrated.

I always suggest having an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, especially if you’re always on the road. Not only will you feel safe, but you’ll also be much more comfortable during situations when you’re waiting for roadside assistance.

Keeping reading to find out what you need in your car emergency kit before heading out on your next road trip or long drive.

What Should I Keep in My Car Safety Kit?

Adopting a few good habits will mean you’re much less likely to find yourself in a situation where you’re stuck on the road, waiting long periods for assistance. Keep your tank filled up, check your oil, coolant, windshield washer, and brake fluid levels regularly, and keep your tire pressure at the recommended psi.

It’s also a good idea to keep your cell phone charged and check the weather forecast before you set off. If you’re going on a long journey, especially in rural areas, at night, or in bad weather, be sure to tell people so they’ll know where to look for you if there’s a problem and you don’t arrive when expected. Keeping an auto emergency kit is not just a good habit: it’s an essential one.

Assemble and pack all the following items in a suitable bag or container in your trunk. Make sure you can get to it easily, as you never know when you’re going to need it.

Emergency Essentials 101

1. Cell phone charger, in-car charger cable, and charged external battery pack with charging cable
2. Drinking water and non-perishable food (energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits, etc.)
3. First aid kit
4. Blankets, warm clothing, waterproofs, and tough footwear
5. High-visibility vest or jacket
6. Flashlight and extra batteries
7. Triangle reflectors
8. Flares
9. Compact fire extinguisher
10. Tarp (to fashion a waterproof shelter if needed)
11. Compass
12. Pen and paper (to note down numbers and addresses)

Quick Fix Basics

13. Protective gloves and eyewear
14. Paper towels or cloth rags
15. Funnel
16. Emergency gas
17. Engine oil
18. Coolant
19. Water
20. Windshield washer
21. Spray bottle
22. Gauge to measure tire pressure
23. Tire inflator
24. Tire sealant
25. Multitool or basic toolkit (containing at least an adjustable wrench, a two-in-one screwdriver, pliers, and cutters)
26. Duct tape
27. Cable ties

Essential Tools for Your Vehicle

28. Carjack and tire change tools
29. Portable jump starter or jump leads

Extra Emergency Car Kit Items for Local Conditions

In addition to these 29 essential items that every emergency breakdown kit should have, depending on the conditions where you live, you should pack a few extra things.

For Colder Regions and in Winter

Emergency kits for cars in colder regions such as the Northeast, Northwest, and parts of the Midwest should include the following items:

1. Sand, salt, or other traction aid
2. Shovel (foldable ones are available, so they don’t have to occupy much space in your trunk)
3. Ice scraper and de-icer/antifreeze
4. Candle heater
5. Matches or lighter
6. Tire chains
7. Tow strap
8. Hand warmers
9. Sleeping bag/s if you’re on a long trip

For Warmer Regions and in Summer

An auto emergency kit in the south, where temperatures are typically higher than elsewhere in the country, should contain:

1. Extra drinking water so you can make sure everyone in the vehicle stays hydrated
2. Hats to keep the sun off
3. Reflective blanket to provide shade
4. Tarp that can double up as a shade
5. Sunscreen

Remember, as an Endurance Warranty customer, every protection plan comes with everyday benefits, meaning you could save money on assembling your emergency car kit. Simply log in to My Digital Vehicle Rewards and redeem your rewards today.

For more tips on kitting out your car, have a look at these 8 affordable ways to make your car feel brand new.

What to Do in an Emergency: The Basics

If you feel your car losing power, realize you’ve got a flat tire, see smoke coming out of the hood, or notice anything else indicating a problem, the first thing to do is stay calm and look for a safe place to pull over.

You don’t always have a lot of time to choose, but at the very least you should pull over slowly, making sure you check your mirrors and indicate before moving on to the shoulder, safely away from, and not in the path of, other vehicles. Then switch on your hazard warning lights.

If safe to do so, stay in the vehicle while you call for help. If it isn’t safe to stay in the vehicle, access your emergency car kit and place the triangle reflector by the vehicle to warn other cars, before calling for help.

Save This Season with an Extended Auto Warranty

When your car breaks down or needs work done, don’t be caught on the hop. An auto warranty means you won’t have to deal with the shock of unexpected repair costs, which can all too easily run into thousands of dollars. An auto warranty means safe driving, savings on repairs, plus peace of mind.

With Endurance warranty protection you’re getting the most comprehensive package on the market. You can select the cover you need—just check our plan comparison tool here. Every plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance, a substitute vehicle, and covers trip interruption costs. What’s more, when you need work done, we’ll liaise directly with the mechanic for you. Request a free, no-obligation quote below to get started today.