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Do You Have an Emergency Car Kit?

by Mary Jo Manzanares on May 18th, 2006

As the Memorial Day weekend nears, the first long weekend of summer, many vacationers are planning a car trip.

Not only do you have to worry about the prices of gas, food, and lodging, you need to pay attention to a few basic items that you should carry in your car.  With a little luck, you’ll never need to use these items, but they should be in your car, whether you’re on a long road trip, or just every day driving.

Here’s the list, courtesy of MSNBC:

In the glove box:
 Car registration, insurance papers and owner’s manual
 State and local road map
 Penlight flashlight with extra batteries
 Box of spare fuses
 Hand wipes
 Copy of drivers license and AAA membership card
 Pre-paid telephone calling card (for areas where there is no cell coverage)

In the trunk:
 Spare tire (properly inflated), tire jack and wrench
 Coveralls and work gloves (these can be kept in a small duffel bag)
 Waterless hand cleaner
 Small towel
 First aid kit
 Duct tape (because you can do anything with it)
 Spare fan belt
 Jumper cables
 Large flashlight with extra batteries
 Small hand tool kit (pliers, screwdriver, etc)
 Empty fuel can (NEVER full)
 Coolant

Nice extras:
 Car blanket
 Spare jacket
 Umbrella
 Bottled water

For bad weather trips:
 Cat litter (for traction on slick surfaces)
 Gloves
 Rain slicker or poncho
 Boots

A quick review of the contents of my car shows me that I need to do a little shopping.  I have most of the basics, but can see where adding a few more items would make up a wonderful emergency car kit.

How does your car stack up?
 

Photo credit:  Flickr

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POSTED IN: Car Trips