What to keep in your car really depends on where you live.
I mean you're probably not going to keep a blanket and survival gear in your car if you live and drive in New York City.
With that in mind it's really a matter of common sense when it comes to things that a person should have in their car.
Many things that should be kept in your car are small enough to fit in your glove box. These are things such as a map of at least a 100 mile radius of where you live, a list of contacts (don't trust your cell phone), a flashlight, and matches to name a few.

If you live in an area where it's mostly rural and the climate changes then the list of things increases. In colder climates you should keep a compass, blanket, several changes of socks, a spare winter coat, a sharp knife and an extra change of clothes.
Hotter climate dwellers should keep a compass, fresh water, sunscreen, a snake bite kit, and a sharp knife to name a few.

I guess if there were an across the board list of things to keep in ones car it would look something like this: A compass, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a small ball peen hammer (to break a window in an emergency), duct tape (why not), fresh water, maps, a first aid kit, matches, a sharp knife, a couple of pairs of socks, a change of clothes, a spare pair of sensible footwear, a sensible coat or jacket, a list of emergency numbers, road flares or reflectors, insect repellent, a baseball cap, a roll of toilet paper, at least five dollars in change, your vehicle owners manual, and some basic hand tools.
I know that I probably left something out, but this is what I keep in my car especially on a road trip.
Of course there are the things that should already be there like a jack, a lug wrench, and a suitable spare tire. You should familiarize yourself with the jacking instructions and spare changing directions for your vehicle before you're on the side of the road with a flat tire.
Believe it or not, in the many people that I have stopped to help with a flat more men were clueless about what to do than women (hats off ladies!).

On a serious note, if there is one thing to buy and keep in a place in your car that you can get easily to in an emergency it's an emergency hammer. It's a special hammer that has a pointed peen on one side and a built in razor knife that will cut right through a seat belt.
I've even seen ones with a flashlight and beacon light integrated into them.
Of all the things to carry in your vehicle, this is the one thing that can save your life.
The hammer is designed to break a car window, even under water.
They are available at almost every auto parts store are pretty cheap, and I cannot stress enough the importance of this tool.
I hope this list was helpful and drive safely!

Learn more about this author, Daniel Seitz.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tools and safety items every car owner should carry?
We want to hear your view. Write now!