Have you ever had a flat tire? Did it occur in a convenient place safely away from other traffic? Did you ever have a breakdown partway through a long trip? Many of us have to answer "yes...and yes" to these questions. It certainly happened much more often when I was young and had a less reliable car but it still happens occasionally.
You need more than just the spare tire your car came equipped with. Jumper cables, some appropriate tools, warning devices to make the scene safer for you, your passengers and the other traffic, some gloves and a flashlight are just a sample of what might come in handy if you have a breakdown either in town on a city street or on a lonely mountain road after dark.
Here are the minimum items you should carry in your car emergency kit:
Food Bars or emergency food ration
Drinking water
30 Minute High-Intensity Light Stick
Tow Rope -
Auto Spot Light -
Jumper Cables -
First Aid Kit -
Flashlight with Batteries
Fire Extinguisher -
Solar Sleeping Bag -
Waterproof Poncho -
Swiss Style Army Knife
Leather Gloves
Whistle -
Duct Tape -
Utility Knife
Emergency Instructions and Help Sign
Wet Naps -
Reflecting Triangle.
Additionally, I personally carry some warm winter gloves and knit hats under the rear seat; some long lasting candles, a gasoline syphoning kit, several black trash bags, a folding shovel and a can of tire inflator. I always have more than one flashlight available.
The more prepared you are for an emergency, the less of an "emergency" it becomes and the calmer you will be.
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