I would second the 4-way cross bar. I was once stuck in the middle of the night with only the OEM supplied lug wrench, and ended up torquing off two lug nuts. Put a piece of duct tape on the bar that matches her lug nut size.

Example -

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-...9839&sr=8-6

Seems ok for somebody without mechanical skills.

I do always recommend a short instruction tag for things people rarely use.

Food, water and maybe something extra warm are always nice.

I have LED flares too, but changed my opinion about them over the years. Sticking them on a vehicle if your hazards don’t work, no problems. Putting a few on the ground towards the traffic, with traffic moving. I’ll just stand behind the guardrail. Seen too many crash absorbers with giant warning lights and flashing arrows getting hit.

If you are near the mountains; proper winter tires, snow chains (automatic tensioning models are highly recommended), towstrap, small shovel, mini traction plates.

Sheet of clear plastic, could be a shower curtain liner even. This can be useful if a window gets broken (smash and grab, or the window fails to roll up, etc). Something clear you can tape over the window to keep rain/snow out.

That's a great idea! Never thought of it before but that could really save the day. That and some T-Rex Tape would fix about anything.

I also second the recommendation for a warm sleeping bag. Chains are great. A shovel, traction mats and a four-way wrench are great items even if she's not that mechanically inclined. Always have some tools to self extract even if doing so might require some help from a good Samaritan.

Nice basic kit!

Thanks to everyone who contributed so far!

For those who thoughtfully recommended a 4-way tire wrench, we're good on that side as where I live they are standard issue in almost every car, my wife's included.

We just switched to snow tires for the season, so I think we're good on that part too, since snow is becoming less and less intense and frequent with every year, here in my region.

So far I plan to add, based on your suggestions:

- Bottled water
- A couple energy bars with long shelf life
- A multitool with screw bits

I forgot to mention that DW drives a small hatchback, so cargo space in the trunk is an issue. This has affected some of my choices.

Take for example the wool blanket/sleeping bag dilemma. I agree with those of you who argued that a sleeping bag provides better insulation than a blanket in an emergency situation. But the thing is, I managed to keep the wool blanket in her trunk at all times because it's a multipurpose item that we actually use in many non emergency situations, like lining the bottom of the trunk when we need to load dirty items ecc.
I think I'll have a much harder time convincing my wife to keep in trunk a bulky 4 seasons sleeping bag, "just in case".

I have the feeling that the overall size of the kit will be directly proportional to the chance for said kit to be left at home or been "temporarily" moved to the garage when the need arises to load the trunk with other bulky things. From that derives my initial assumption to limit the entire kit (blanket aside) to the contents of single small bag. Something you barely notice on normal days but is always there when you need it.

Could some items be stored inalternative locations/ - underneath seats, etc...

For folks who are not mechanically inclined, a set of emt scissors might be a good addition, or even replacement for the sak. Knife fetish aside, emt shears are remarkably versatile.

A modest amount of cord or twine would not take up much space.

A fleece jacket, hat and gloves could fit under a seat.

My advice is not gear but rather planning;
- keep the car is good shape
- don't go out in bad weather
- have 3 ways to charge your phone
- let someone know your route
- learn safe driving skills and basic trouble shooting
-pre load appropriate apps; texting, lyft, aaa,local busses and uber


two gear additions
- a sleeping bag
- water

@albusgrammaticus
Can you give any hint about the terrain your wife drive through? Is it flat plain or higher up? Is it a heavily trafficated road or a quiet one?