Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car
Dec. 27, 2005 -- Driving in winter weather means running the risk of car trouble. Laura Fenton, senior editor of Quick & Simple magazine, visited "Good Morning America" with a checklist of what all drivers should have in their cars.
Here are the items you should keep in your car, because depending on your car trouble, you might not be able to access your trunk:
Cell phone. Make sure your phone is charged -- it might be worth it to invest in a phone charger for your car
Full-size flashlight with working batteries
Waterproof matches and candles, in case your flashlight doesn't work
Windshield de-icer
Ice scraper
Hat and gloves. These should be warm and waterproof, as opposed to fashionable
Quarters, if your cell phone is out of range, you might need to use a pay phone
First-aid kit
Nonperishable high-energy food like trail mix or candy
Water. Have at least one quart with you
Blanket
Keep these bulkier items in your trunk:
Small shovel
Flares so other motorists can see you.
Sand, nonabsorbent kitty litter or rock salt. This will help you get some traction in your tires.
Jumper cables. Try to learn how to use them before you find yourself stranded.
Jack and spare tire
If you are expecting snow and your car is parked outside, Fenton offered this time-saving tip: Put a garbage bag over your windshield. Then, the next morning, just remove the bag and your windshield will be clean.