Ten Important Items Every Woman Should Keep In Her Car

(Especially if you drive back roads, highways, or anywhere your phone says “No Signal”)

The older I get, the less I assume my phone is going to save me. The second I leave our property, I get the dreaded SOS notification. It’s at least 30 minutes before I get a cell signal! Some days, it’s a peaceful break. On wintery days with icy roads, it’s a little more serious. It’s funny how much we depend on phones now. Maps, roadside assistance, weather alerts, emergency calls, everything lives in that little screen. No service means no calling JD, no sharing my location, etc. Just me and whatever’s in the car.

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That realization isn’t scary, but it is motivating. I made a list of a few smart things I’m going to keep tucked in my trunk so I’m not stuck wishing I had planned ahead. (Those pickleball paddles aren’t going to be much help in an emergency, lol.) These are nothing extreme, just simple, practical items that make life easier and safer if something goes wrong.

If you drive alone often, visit grandkids, travel highways, or live somewhere rural like we do, these are the ten things I think every woman should keep in her car this year.

1. A real flashlight (not your phone)

Your phone flashlight works in a pinch, but if your battery is low or you’re trying to check a tire at night, you’ll want a real one. Don’t forget the batteries if you don’t have a rechargeable light.

2. A warm blanket

This one is easy for me. I got in the habit of keeping one in the car for watching tennis matches. For the car, I don’t want one of those thin emergency sheets, but a soft, actual blanket. If you ever have to wait for help in cold weather, staying warm is everything. As we get older, we chill faster than we used to, and sitting in a cold car is miserable. A cozy blanket turns a stressful wait into something much more manageable.

3. Water and simple snacks

Nothing fancy here. A few bottles of water and some protein bars or nuts. If you’re stuck longer than planned, a small snack keeps your energy and your mood up. It’s amazing how much better you think when you’re not hungry.

4. Phone charger for the car

Even with spotty service, you still want a charged phone for when you finally get a signal. I keep a dedicated charging cord that never leaves the car, so I’m not constantly forgetting it in the house. I like this one because it works with a lot of different chargers.

5. Paper map and written contact numbers

This sounds old-school, but it works. If GPS goes out, you still need to know where you are. Years ago on Atlanta, my brother got caught in the huge snow storm known as Snowmageddone. The roads were packed, but he found an old logging road on a map and managed to make it home. I’m not sure that Waze would have picked that up.

Don’t forget your contacts! Does anyone remember phone numbers anymore? Keep important phone numbers written down, not just stored in your phone. If the battery dies or something glitches, you’re not stranded without information.

6. First-aid kit and personal meds

A small kit with bandages, wipes, pain reliever, and anything you personally need is just smart. It doesn’t take up much room and gives you peace of mind. I’d also tuck in a couple of extra medications just in case you’re delayed somewhere longer than planned.

7. Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

Batteries seem to fail at the worst possible moments, especially in cold weather. Jumper cables are a must!

You need a jump, but what do you do if there’s no one around? Portable jump starters are wonderful because you don’t have to wait around for another car to help. It’s one of those things you hope you never use, but you’ll be so glad it’s there if you need it.

8. Reflective vest or roadside triangles

If you ever have to step out of your car on the side of the road, you want drivers to see you immediately. A bright vest or reflective triangle makes a big difference, especially on curvy or poorly lit roads. Safety first, always.

9. Ice scraper, small shovel, and traction help

Winter weather sneaks up on us. An ice scraper is obvious, but you can also keep a small foldable shovel and a bag of kitty litter or sand for traction. It sounds funny, but it really works if your tires are spinning on ice or mud.

10. Extra layer: coat, gloves, and hat

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run out “just for a quick errand” in a light sweater. If you have to stand outside dealing with a flat tire or waiting for assistance, you’ll wish you had a coat.

It’s not about expecting trouble

Here’s the thing. I’m not preparing for disaster every time I drive to town. I’m just giving myself options. There’s something really comforting about knowing that if something does happen, I’m not helpless.

If you have twenty minutes this week, toss a small tote in your trunk and build your own kit. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just start. Future you will be so grateful you did.

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