10/11/2026
9 THINGS TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR WHEN YOU'RE THE WOMAN WHO HAS TO FIGURE OUT HER OWN ROADSIDE PROBLEMS.
1. A portable jump starter that doesn't need another car. A dead battery is annoying enough without having to stand in a parking lot asking strangers for jumper cables. Get one that works with your engine size, learn how to connect it safely, and check its charge every few months. Some even have a flashlight and USB port. Keep it accessible, not buried under six shopping bags.
2. A tire inflator that plugs into your car. That low-tire warning always seems to appear when you're already running late. A portable air compressor lets you add air without searching for a working gas station pump. Know the correct tire pressure from the sticker inside your driver's door, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire. Just remember that adding air won't fix a damaged tire.
3. A tire-changing kit you actually know how to use. Check whether your car even has a spare tire. Some newer vehicles don't. If yours does, make sure the jack, lug wrench, locking wheel-nut key if needed, and spare are all there. Practice locating everything before you're standing on the side of the road trying to figure it out. Never get underneath a car supported only by a jack.
4. A rechargeable flashlight or headlamp. Your phone flashlight isn't much help when you need both hands to look under the hood or find something in the trunk. A headlamp is especially useful because you can see what you're doing without holding anything. Keep spare batteries if it uses them, and don't depend on a rechargeable light you've forgotten to charge for a year.
5. A roadside emergency bag with reflective gear. Keep a reflective vest and warning triangles or approved emergency lights so you're easier to see if your car breaks down. Only place warning devices when it's safe to do so. On a busy highway, it's usually safer to stay away from traffic and call for help than to walk around setting things up beside moving cars.
6. A paper card with important phone numbers. Write down your roadside assistance number, insurance company, emergency contacts, and a trusted mechanic. Include your vehicle's make, model, and license plate number. If your phone dies, breaks, or loses service, you shouldn't have to remember every important number while you're already stressed.
7. An emergency bag for when you're stuck longer than expected. Keep bottled water, snacks that won't spoil, a lightweight blanket, a rain poncho, comfortable walking shoes, a basic first-aid kit, and a portable phone charger with its charging cable. Add a small amount of emergency cash, tissues, and a few personal hygiene supplies. If you live somewhere with cold winters, include a warm hat and gloves. Check the bag every few months because extreme temperatures can damage batteries, medications, and other supplies. Nobody plans to spend three hours waiting for a tow truck, but having what you need can make a miserable situation a lot easier.
8. A seat belt cutter and window-breaking tool. Keep an emergency escape tool secured somewhere you can reach from the driver's seat, not loose in the trunk or buried in the glove compartment. Choose one compatible with your vehicle's window glass, since some laminated windows won't break with ordinary escape tools. Learn how to use it before an emergency.
9. A written roadside plan for when something actually goes wrong. Keep a small card explaining who to call, where your roadside assistance coverage comes from, and what to do if you break down somewhere unfamiliar. Know how to share your location and find your vehicle's roadside assistance information. If your car stops on a busy road, turn on your hazard lights, move to a safe location if possible, and call for help. Don't attempt repairs beside fast-moving traffic just because you have the tools.
