The prospect of being stranded on the side of the road in the middle of winter is not one that many drivers look forward to. To prevent extensive damage and decrease the amount of time you are stuck, you should have a few key items that can help out in the event of a problem. State Farm recently released a study detailing the essential tools that you should have stored in the car, especially during the winter season. 

"Even on a relatively short trip, you can find yourself stranded for several hours. Whether it's because of a flat tire, an empty fuel tank or treacherous conditions like ice or fog, it's important to be prepared," said John Nepomuceno, an auto safety research administrator for State Farm. "These new findings highlight the importance of having the right emergency equipment so you can get safely back on the road sooner." 

State Farm listed a few tools as being the most important to have on hand. These include a spare tire, windshield scraper, jumper cables, first-aid kit, road salt, flashlight, a hazard triangle or road flares and a tarp for use during vehicle maintenance. Drivers should also have water bottles, nonperishable foods and blankets, which can be especially essential in the winter months. 

The study found that, while 96 percent of drivers have at least one of these recommended items, only 5 percent keep all of them stocked. Having any one of these products can make a difference in the event of an accident or breakdown, so having all of them in a trunk can be a huge help. 

You could have the entire emergency kit stored in your vehicle, but if the maintenance isn't up to snuff, you might run into serious problems. To prevent that from happening, schedule an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing many issues you may have.