There’s a fine line between carrying the right stuff and too much stuff in your car. Some safety items are necessary in case of an emergency.

Whether it’s hot outside during the summer or you’re facing the cold of winter, you should have a few items in your car for safety. Some of these items could help you get going again when your car has stopped working or won’t start; other items are for your comfort and safety, especially during extreme temperature situations.

You Should Have Warning Devices in Your Car

These warning devices should be made of reflective material and can easily be set up to allow other drivers to know they need to give you a wide berth. You might have some emergency roadside flares, but more commonly, you can put a few road safety triangles in your car and know that you’ve got the warning item needed. When your vehicle is disabled, you want other drivers to know they need to go around you and that you need a bit of help.

An Umbrella is More Useful Than You Might Think

It doesn’t have to be raining for you to consider an umbrella as one of the necessary safety items to keep in your car. When it’s extremely hot, and the sun is beaming down on you, the umbrella might be the only shade you have. Keep a small, travel-sized model in your glove box, and it won’t take up a lot of space. This gives you an item that will help you stay out of the sun when you’re stuck on the side of the road.

You Never Know When You’ll Need a Fire Extinguisher

Our driving world is moving toward electric vehicles, and there have been many reports of these cars catching fire. If you have a fire extinguisher with you, it’s possible you could put out the fire. This is a good item to have in your car for many situations. You don’t want to deal with an engine fire from an overheating engine, and this device will be the right item to make sure you can avoid a much more troublesome problem.

A Portable Car Battery Charger and a Set of Jumper Cables

Portable car battery chargers are great when you don’t have another vehicle to help give you a jump-start, but they can take a while, especially if they are small. Keep a set of jumper cables in your car as well. These are safety items that could mean the difference between getting back on the road right away and waiting for someone to stop by that has a set of cables to give your car a jump.

Does Your Car have a Spare Tire?

This is a question you should ask before you buy your car but address it once you have the vehicle. If your car does not come with a spare tire, you should buy one. You’ll also want a jack and a lug wrench for those times when you have a flat tire. Many new cars don’t come with spare tires, but that doesn’t prevent you from putting one in your trunk to make sure you’re prepared when one of the tires begins to go flat.

Do You Travel With Pets? You Need Restraints

When you drive with pets in your vehicle, one of the best ways you can protect them is with a safety restraint. In some cases, this can be as simple as a seatbelt attachment that goes from their harness to the seatbelts in your car. These restraints are necessary safety items when you travel with your furry friend. If you’re in an accident, these devices could help them survive the crash and continue to give you years of happiness and companionship.

Buy a Good Multipurpose Tool

A small multipurpose tool with screwdrivers, pliers, and knives can help you when you’re on the road. Sometimes, all you need to get to the next town is a little tightening of a screw or two. This is the ideal tool to get this done. It’s also a good idea for this tool to have a car window breaker in it. This can come in handy if you end up in a pond. These small tools easily fit into your glove box and will be there when you need it.

Bring Some Drinks and Snacks

One of the safety items you’ll need to manage regularly is a bag with some water and snacks inside of it. You could change this out weekly and have these items kept in a small storage box under the passenger seat. Of course, there are some water packs that you don’t have to worry about going bad or getting too hot. You never know how long you’ll be stranded; water and some non-perishable snacks can make a huge difference in your survival.

A First Aid Kit Should be In Your Car

No matter where you go, it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit with you. Whether you head out on a hike or you drive across town, this kit could be what you need to take care of an injury when you’re away from home. Check the kit to make sure it has the items you need, including bug repellent and sunscreen. These items will be important when you’re stuck on the side of the road on a hot and muggy day.

Keep a Charged Portable Cell Phone Charger in Your Car

If you’re a woman who carries a purse, this is the ideal place for this charger. You can make sure it’s charged regularly, and you’ll have it with you wherever you go. Most men don’t carry purses and will have to remember to recharge this device periodically. Regardless, this is one of the most important safety items for your car. You rely on your cell phone and might need to make several calls when you’re stranded and in an emergency situation.

Will you stock up your car with these safety items? Most of them are small and can be kept under the passenger seat or in your trunk.