While you certainly hope you’ll never end up broken down on the side of the road, it’s best to be prepared for these emergencies. It will likely happen to you at least once, and if you have the tools you need on hand, you’ll be able to handle the situation easily. Even if you have an emergency towing service on speed dial, pack an emergency car kit with all the items below.

Emergency Essentials to Keep in Your Car

1. Food & Water

If you’re out in the middle of nowhere, it could take some time for your emergency towing service to get to you. Store some nutrition-packed snacks that will handle the extreme temperatures inside your car well, such as granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts. Store a few jugs or a case of water bottles to prevent dehydration. Extra water might also come in handy if you need to cool down a radiator.

2. Spare Tire Kit

Keep a spare tire and all the tools you’ll need to put it on your car. This includes a jack, a tire iron, and a pipe. Learn how to change your tire if you don’t already know how, so you can quickly get moving again after a flat tire.

3. Warm Clothes

If you get stranded during winter, you won’t want to waste your battery running your car heater, or you may find that it isn’t enough to keep you warm. Store fleece blankets or thermal sleeping bags to keep everyone comfortable while they wait for emergency towing.

4. Lighting

You’re likely accustomed to using the flashlight on your phone, but you may need to preserve your battery if you’re stranded somewhere. Store a flashlight with a spare set of batteries so you’ll be prepared at night. Keep some road flares as well to indicate to passing drivers that you’re on the side of the road.

5. First Aid Kit

There are pre-made kits you can purchase at drug stores or create your own. A good kit should include bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, hand sanitizer, and cotton swabs. Add any medications that your family members require.

When you find yourself stranded, the team at Cogswell Towing will get you off the side of the road and back behind the wheel as soon as possible. This trusted team provides experienced roadside service and quick emergency towing throughout the River Valley area. Learn more about their towing company on their website and call (479) 968-4665 to schedule a tow truck.