Don’t Get Stranded Without These Things in Your Vehicle

No one plans to get stranded on the side of the road, but it could be as easy as:

• mechanical failure
• sliding into a ditch
• an accident

For your safety and your family's safety, you'll want to keep these necessities handy in your vehicle. We compiled this list with help from our friends at Levine Auto & Truck Parts:

1) Warm clothing and snacks. Think a heavy coat, heavy duty gloves and boots, granola and protein bars and bottled water.

2) Illumination and a cellphone charger. A flashlight and backup batteries are the bare minimum. Roadside triangles, a signaling cone and a reflective vest are better options, according to Consumer Reports.

3) Jumper cables or a portable jump-starter. It's a good idea to make sure every driver in your family knows how to use them, too.

4) Portable shovel. It can help clear away slush, ice and snow if you're having traction problems, or if weather strikes while you're parked. You can find smaller shovels or models that fold so they won't take up too much room in your trunk.

5) Safety absorbent or kitty litter. Both can help in situations where you're struggling to gain traction, but Family Handyman says the safety absorbent that mechanics sprinkle on the shop floor to absorb grease and oil works better.

6) First aid kit. You really just need the basics; The Almanac has a good list to follow. Go ahead and toss hand warmers and a rain poncho in there, too.

7) Portable air compressor. This can help fill low tires (including those reacting to sharp drops in temperature) or pump up a flat or spare tire enough to get you to a better location, according to Family Handyman.

8) Windshield cleaner. Make sure it's rated for cold temperatures.

As you're working through this list, don't forget: Levine Auto & Truck Parts is one of the state's largest after-market auto and truck parts supplier. They have four warehouses and more than 150,000 part numbers in stock. Stop by one of their eight locations or shop online with convenience at levineauto.com.