Here are the top 15 items we recommend keeping in your vehicle at all times:

1. A Charged Cellphone

You’ll probably already have a cellphone with you, but it’s essential to make sure it’s always fully charged. Bring a car charger along for the ride too, so you can charge your phone when the power’s low.

2. Reflective Warning Triangles

Reflective warning triangles will notify oncoming cars to slow down. LED flares are another good option to prevent roadside mishaps when you’re stuck.

Reflective Triangles

3. First-Aid Kit
Always keep a first-aid kit with bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment in your car.

4. Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher can smother a spark caused by an electrical problem.

5. Jumper Cables

Did you accidentally leave your lights on? Did the battery die? Leave jumper cables in your car so a nearby vehicle can help get your ride running again.

Jumper Cables

6. Flashlight
What if the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere at night? Keep a flashlight in your glove compartment, along with extra batteries.

7. A Multipurpose Knife
A standard multipurpose knife will come with a bottle opener, a flathead screw driver, a wire cutter, rescue blade, and glass breaker. It’s a useful tool in any situation.

8. A Poncho
Your car breaks down, you’re checking under the hood, and suddenly it starts pouring. Reach in your emergency kit for your rain poncho and stay dry.

9. Nonperishable Snacks
While you’re waiting for help to arrive, stave off hunger with high-protein nonperishable snacks like mixed nuts and protein bars.

10. Water
Along with snacks, keeping bottled water in your car is vital.

11. Cat Litter
Use cat litter as a replacement for sand to create traction beneath the tires if you get stuck.

12. An Emergency Radio
Leave a battery-powered or hand crank radio in the car to listen for weather warnings and other important news if your vehicle’s radio or cell phone stops working.

13. Walking Shoes
If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you have no cellphone reception, and you haven’t seen a passing car in hours, you’ll have to start walking to find help. Comfortable walking shoes will make the trek more bearable.

Stuck on the Side of the Road 😱

14. A Tool Kit
A tool kit with a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, vise grips, an adjustable wrench, and a pair of pliers will come in handy if you break down and can fix things on your own.

15. A Fleece Blanket
A fleece blanket will keep you warm if your car breaks down in cold weather or during a winter storm.

Now that you know what you’ll need to pack for your homemade roadside safety kit, take one more precaution. Bring your car down to the New Jersey State Auto Auction.

Give us a call at: 201-200-1100.  Our mechanics will make sure your car is working properly so you can drive with confidence.