Real Simple Life Travel Travel Planning Car Emergency Essentials Checklist Car Emergency Essentials Checklist Keep these tools on hand so you're ready for anything, from a flat to a fender-bender. Real Simple Author By Real Simple Editors Advertisement FB Tweet More Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print gas can Credit: Getty Images Car emergency essentials for all seasons: Checklist Aerosol tire inflator Plug a small hole or a leak long enough to get to a garage. (Be sure the product doesn't contain flammable gases, such as butane, propane, and isobutene.) Spare tire In case a tire is too busted to drive any further, a properly inflated spare can save the day. Make sure to also store a wheel wrench and tripod jack in order to change the tire. Car-battery charger Forget the hassle of jumper cables. Get a jump-start with a compact charger that renews your battery via the car's cigarette lighter. Duct tape After an accident, use the reinforced tape to patch things together temporarily. Empty gas can When filled, a one-gallon jug will hold enough to get you to a service station, without being burdensome to lug back to your car. Fire extinguisher You know how scary car fires can be if you've ever seen flames shooting from under your hood. Enough said. First-aid kit Stow a kit in an easily accessible space to treat cuts, burns, and traffic headaches Flashlight Crucial for after-dark roadside repairs, emergency signaling, and, of course, old-school map reading. Make sure to include extra batteries if storing a battery-operated flashlight. Reflecting triangles When your car breaks down or you pull over for a repair, make yourself visible—and warn off other drivers—with emergency reflective triangles. Tow rope In case you need a hitch—or want to give one. Tool kit Include screwdrivers, pliers, a tire gauge, wire cutters, and a socket set for repairs. Traction panels Lay these lightweight metal panels under your drive wheels when you're stuck in slush, ice, or sand. Water Avoid dehydration by storing water bottles or jugs in an insulated cooler in the trunk. Snacks Non-perishable, high-energy foods like dried fruits, nuts, and protein bars can last for months and give you a boost when needed. Car emergency essentials for winter: Checklist Scraper and snow brush If you live in an area where cold weather brings ice and snow, choose a scraper that can tackle both. Shovel A small shovel can make a big difference if your car gets stuck in the snow and needs a clear path to drive out. Bags of sand or kitty litter Storing a couple of heavy bags in your trunk can help weigh down rear-wheel vehicles, providing more traction on slippery roads. Plus, the contents can be poured around your tires to create more traction on the road and help get your vehicle out of snow or ice. Gloves and winter clothing If you're spending a lot of time scraping your car or shoveling the snow, you'll need to stay bundled up to stay warm and prevent frostbite. Blankets If your car breaks down and you can't rely on its heater, you'll need extra layers to keep you warm. Sunglasses Sunglasses aren't typically considered a winter accessory, but the sun's reflection off the snow can be just as bright as the summer sun. Wearing sunglasses while driving in the snow can make it easier to see and drive more safely.