10 Must-Have Items to Keep in Your Car

By Mister Transmission

Is your vehicle properly stocked to help you deal with a breakdown? Read our tips on what things you should always have in your car, truck, or SUV.

It’s the one thing all motorists dread but eventually we all deal with: your car unexpectedly breaking down at the side of the road. The question is, are you prepared to handle that situation when it happens?

Being adequately prepared by having a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle for when a breakdown occurs is not only smart, it can possibly save your life when driving through remote rural areas or extreme weather conditions.

This isn’t an exhaustive list but make sure your roadside emergency kit contains these 10 essential items:

1. A tire changing kit. This might seem obvious but it’s surprising how many folks are ill-prepared to deal with a flat tire. Your tire changing kit should include an inflated spare tire, a tire iron or lug wrench, jack, a can of WD-40, and a pair of gloves.

2. A first aid kit. Whether you’re first aid and CPR certified or not (hopefully you are), it’s critical to have a first aid kit readily available in your car. According to the Canadian Red Cross, and beyond bandages, gauze pads, non-latex gloves, and adhesive tape, your portable first aid kit should contain a number of additional items including a roll of quarters, a seatbelt cutter or sharp utility knife, safety pins, and antiseptic wipes.

3. Booster or jumper cables. A handy tool to have whether you’re giving someone else’s car battery a boost or if your own car battery is low on juice. Using jumper cables improperly can be dangerous so do it properly. Both cars should be turned off. Clamp the red cable to the stalled vehicle’s positive battery terminal (“+”) and then the other end of the red cable to the jumper car’s positive battery terminal. Now attach the black cable to the stalled vehicle’s negative battery terminal (“—”) and the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery. Start the working vehicle and wait a couple of minutes. Now attempt to start the stalled car. Afterward, remove the black cable from the stalled vehicle, then the other end of the black cable from the car giving the boost. Now remove the red cable from the booster car followed by the other end of the red cable from the once-stalled vehicle.

4. A flashlight and extra batteries. You’ll be grateful to have a working flashlight and additional batteries on-hand if you’re caught roadside in the dead of night.

5. Matches and a candle set in a coffee can. Believe it or not, this is an effective way to prevent yourself from freezing to death if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere during the wintertime.

6. A jug of antifreeze windshield washer fluid. Another important item to keep in your trunk, especially in the wintertime.

7. A survival blanket. If your vehicle breaks down during the winter or at night, it’s neither wise to keep the engine running for hours to stay warm, nor might it be possible. A waterproof Mylar survival blanket reduces heat loss in a person’s body.

8. Bottles of water and energy bars. Have a couple of plastic bottles of water stored in your vehicle (change the water every six months) and a few nonperishable food items such as protein or energy bars to prevent dehydration and reduce hunger. Make sure the plastic bottles you use can withstand freezing temperatures.

9. Self-igniting road flares. Keep a package of self-igniting road flares in your trunk. They burn for up to 15 minutes, can be seen with the naked eye from a distance, and will help you alert other approaching drivers of your presence at the side of the road.

10. An ice scraper. This is Canada. No car driving in this country should be without a windshield ice scraper.

If you are in Weston near the Humber River, or driving on Black Creek Drive south of Highway 401 and are experiencing transmission troubles or suspect you are, call us now at 416-249-1300, or visit us at 1677 Jane Street in North York. Stranded roadside because of a breakdown? Our tow truck is standing by. Our courteous team of professionals understand how upsetting a failing transmission can be; we know how to fix it, and get your car back on the road again fast.

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Customer Reviews
I had a fantastic experience...
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I had a fantastic experience at Mister Transmission (Dixie Road location). My 2016 Nissan Rogue needed a full transmission replacement, and I was really stressed about the warranty process. The team not only diagnosed the issue professionally but also coordinated directly with Lubrico Warranty and made the claim process so much easier for me.A special thanks to the manager, who was incredibly friendly, transparent, and supportive throughout. He kept me updated at every stage and made sure I fully understood the options, including pricing and warranty coverage. The work was done on time, and the car runs smoother than ever.If you're looking for honest service, technical expertise, and peace of mind, this is the place. Highly recommended!
Date: May 19, 2025
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The work was done in a couple of days and I'm very happy
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We got a flat tire...
Ziming Jia
We got a flat tire during a heavy rain, and luckily found this shop nearby. A kind and generous gentleman helped us check the tire and filled it up with air — completely free of charge. We’re so grateful for his help and kindness. Thank you so much!
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Very honest. I went in...
Areielle Martin
Very honest. I went in thinking I needed a couple fluids changed and they checked it and told me it was not necessary. Saved me money so thank you for your honesty. Much appreciated! Exeter road location.
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Louis Liadis
Great people to work with. Fantastic.
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The owner is incredibly kind!...
Jiaxue LI
The owner is incredibly kind! 🥹🥹 He fixed our flat tire at no charge! We got a low tire warning while driving on the highway in heavy rain, and we were really anxious. We pulled off the highway and found this transmission store, which happened to be closed on a Saturday. Despite that, the owner still helped us check all four tires and made sure they were properly inflated. He even wiped off all the water inside the car seat. To top it off, he didn’t charge us a thing. He truly went above and beyond and we are so grateful. Highly recommend, 5 stars🌟!
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Charlene Narine
Excellent work done. Within estimate. Great service
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Betty Ann
Very comfortable experience!!! From asking questions to having a service done on my transmission, the staff were so very helpful and friendly!!! Highly recommended this business!!!
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Had my 1982 Pontiac trans am transmission re-built at their former Langley city location. Still running perfect after 26 years.
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Franck and his team are simply amazing, with excellent customer service and a friendly atmosphere. Nothing but good things to say about this place.
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