Whether on the road or at home, you need to be equipped some basic survival items and tools that can make driving and living with your car easier, safer and more convenient. Here are some suggestions as a starting place, divided into two categories: Emergency Road Kit and Basic Maintenance Tools. You can customize the list according to your needs and your ambitions.

Emergency Road Kit

• Jumper cables

• Cellular phone, charger power cord, along with a list of emergency numbers

• Ice scraper and snow brush (winter months)

• Flashlight or spotlight with extra set of batteries

• Rain suit or poncho (brightly-colored)

• Safety goggles or glasses

• Pair of disposable work “coveralls”

• Emergency flares, warning triangle or cones

• Fire extinguisher

• First-aid kit

• Hose-patch kit for emergency mending of coolant hoses. These kits are usually available at auto parts and discount stores.

• Pressurized can of tire inflator and sealer for emergency filling of a flat tire.

• Battery-powered air compressor

• Bottled water and snacks, such as crackers or energy bars (in sub-freezing temperatures, remember that bottles may burst if they freeze).

• Blankets

• Roll of duct tape

• Wheel chocks (placed under the wheels to prevent the car from rolling)

• Basic tool set including an adjustable wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches. Many auto parts and retail establishments sell compact “tool kits”, perfect for storage in the trunk of your car.

• Mini shovel (winter months)

• Bag or container of sand for traction (winter months)

• An extra pair of gloves, a scarf and hat

• Extra windshield washer fluid that can be used in cold weather driving.

• Funnel for pouring liquids

• Extra fuses (refer to your owner’s manual to determine amperage sizes needed)

• Mechanical or elastic tie-down straps

• Roll of heavy-duty paper towels or rags

• Pair of work gloves