Could you live off of the items in your car in an emergency situation? My uncle taught me to always be prepared when it came to being on the road, and I have never forgotten it. Being a family on the go, it's important for us to keep certain items in our car. There are personal items that adults like to have on hand for every day travels, as well as roadtrips. Throw kids into the mix, and suddenly the list of items to keep in the car grows and grows! From snacks to travel items, here are some go to items to keep in your car.

Safety Kit

Be sure to keep an emergency kit in your trunk at all times. The kit can be one that you purchase, or you can purchase items individually and keep in a tote or bin in the trunk. Essential items include: Flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables, bottled water, etc. For a weather emergency, you should also have a blanket, a candle in a can, matches, a weather radio, and a multi-tool, in case you become stranded.

Tire replacement

A spare tire, or donut tire is imperative! If you run into a problem on the road, you need to have a spare that you can travel at least 30 miles on, in order to get to a safe place or service center for repairs. It's also a good idea to keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment (especially if you have an older car), as well as a tire sealer, in case you run over a nail or something of that nature.

Car manual and repair info

You'll want to make sure that your owners maual is in your glove compartment at all times. This is your go-to gude for your vehicle, and if you run into any problems on the road, this is what you should refer to. You should also have the name and number (as well as hours of operation) of your preferred mechanic on hand, in case you run into a problem and need to make a call. Having the number of a trusted towing service is also a good idea, and if you have AAA, be sure to keep your membership card in your wallet, and a list of services in your car.

For winter emergencies...

Make sure you have plenty of bottled water, non-perishable snack items, such as granola bars, dried fruit, an ice scraper, and extra cardboard which can be placed underneath tires if you become stuck in the snow.

Everyday items

It's good to keep everyday essentials in your car, because you never know when you'll wind up in a traffic jam! Keep items like a pen/pencil and a notepad on hand, as well as tissues, hand wipes, an umbrella, spare change, a change of clothes, reusable shopping bags, phone/USB chrgers for devices.

Again, these are just suggestions, but if you ever do run into a jam while on the road, you'll be glad that you had these items with you!