• 2 quarts of oil. You’ll find these quite useful if you’re a bit late in discovering that your vehicle has sprung an oil leak. 2 quarts should be enough to allow you to drive to the nearest auto shop. Make sure that the oil in your kit is the same type of oil that you’re currently using in your vehicle.
• 4, 15-minute roadside flares or triangles. If an emergency situation requires you to park your vehicle on the side of the road, place the flares or triangles at 10-foot intervals behind the rear bumper. These will help avoid any accidents involving both passing motorists and your parked vehicle.
• 8 – 12 ft. jumper cables. Make sure the cables are well-maintained and that the metal clamps on each end are clean. If you should find any dirt or corrosion on the clamps, use a wire brush to clean them up as much as possible.
• A tire pressure gauge. Ideally, you’ll use this gauge at least once a week to check the air pressure in all four of your vehicle’s tires. Not only is it dangerous to drive around on under or over-inflated tires, but it can also cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted gas if left unchecked.
• Extra fuses for your vehicle. If you’re unsure of what type of fuses to buy, you can refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or you can ask an employee at your local auto supply store.
• A first aid kit. If your situation warrants the use of a first aid kit, you’ll be mighty glad to have one of these handy.
• A blanket. In the worst case, you’ll need to use this for warmth when you’re stuck waiting for a tow truck in the dead of winter. On the brighter side, a blanket will certainly come in handy at ball games and picnics.
• Granola or energy bars, and some bottled water. In the worst case, you’ll be able to live off of this small supply of food while you’re waiting for the blizzard to pass and the roads to clear up. Otherwise, these supplies are good for satisfying hungry kids on a long road trip without having to dish out the cash for fast food.
• A rain poncho.
• A flashlight with extra batteries. In addition to the fact that you just never know when you might need a little extra light, a flashlight will help immensely if you’re changing a tire at night.
• A pen and some paper. You never know when you’ll need them. Be it to exchange numbers with the attractive person you’ve just met in the parking lot, or to exchange insurance information with the person you’ve just rear-ended, you’ll be glad you have these handy items with you.
• An ice scraper. Anyone who currently lives in a snow-producing climate knows the value of having a good ice scraper in your vehicle at all times.
• A multi-function tool. Make sure that the one you choose to keep in your emergency kit contains both Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, as well as pliers and a pocket knife.
• A roll of duct tape.
• A spray bottle filled with washer fluid. Good for getting rid of pesky bug splatters after a long drive on the highway, as well as for taking care of paint-ruining bird droppings before they can begin to cause damage.

And finally…

• A map and compass.

The items listed above are all the general staples of a good roadside emergency kit, and I encourage you to add to the list as you see fit. It’s quite frustrating to be stranded without an item that you knew you’d need, but just never got around to putting in your kit.