Car Emergency Kits - Handful of items

Many of us never think about keeping certain ‘emergency’ items in our car until it’s too late. But by just compiling a handful of items, many which may be laying around your house, keeping these items in your trunk or behind the seat, could help you or another drive at some point in your life.
What should you have in your emergency kit? The sky is the limit here. According to the FAA, not sure why they are concerned with cars, they suggest the following:
* Battery powered radio and extra batteries * Flashlight and extra batteries * Blanket * Booster cables * Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) * First aid kit and manual * Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter. * Maps * Shovel * Tire repair kit and pump * Flares
Click and Clack, the famous auto gurus have similar suggestions. Here is their list along with some of their comments:



1. Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables
This is one area on which not to skimp. Why? Because a lot of jumper cables on the market today simply aren't up to snuff. In fact, in our humble opinion, most jumper cables stink. They're either too short, too thin or won't stay flexible in the cold — which is when you really need them.
When you're shopping for cables, we'd recommend that you buy ones that are at least 20 feet long, which gives you plenty of length with which to work. They should be at least four-gauge, and thicker if possible. And, finally, they should be made of copper, so there's less resistance.
2. Tire pressure is very important — it affects everything from handling to braking to gas mileage to tire wear. We recommend that you never use one of those cheap, pencil-type tire gauges. They're notoriously inaccurate. And don't trust the gauge on the air hose at Phil's Quikie Gas either. Gauges at gas stations are often completely out of whack as well.
Tip: Don't check tire pressure after you've been driving. The friction of the tires on the road creates heat and will give you the wrong reading. Check the tire pressure *before* you start driving. What is the "correct" tire pressure? It's different for all vehicles. Look in your owner's manual, which will usually refer you to a label on the doorpost.
3. Breaking down on the side of the road is bad enough without a bread truck plowing into you. We recommend you have a sturdy, heavy triangular folding reflector on hand.
Tip: The best ones have a base that's loaded with sand so it won't blow over when that semi comes barreling down the road.
4. Someday, somewhere, you'll be really glad you have a can of Fix-a-Flat in your car.
If you do get a flat, you'll want to use Fix-a-Flat as soon as possible, before all the air escapes from the tire. Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel, and then it won't work.
5. A safe container for carrying gas.
Tip: No matter how desperate you are, you should never, ever carry gas in milk jugs or anything else that's not designed for carrying fuel.