Car Preparedness
Car Emergency Guide
What to keep in your vehicle, and what actually matters.
7 min read
The tote bag
- Jump starter or cables
- Headlamp and power bank
- Wool blanket, hat and gloves
- Water and shelf-stable snacks
- First aid kit and medication
- Work gloves, paper towels, trash bag
Winter additions
- Folding shovel
- Cat litter or sand for traction
- Ice scraper and a second blanket
If you are stuck
Stay with the car unless you can see help. Run the engine about ten minutes an hour for heat, and check that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow every time.
The habit
Half a tank is the real preparation. Everything else in the trunk is comfort.