Winter is the time when most car care emergencies happen. In the warm days of spring and summer, few people are concerned about the occasional roadside problem. With always — on communication and the proliferation of roadside assistance programs, many people take it for granted that they will be able to call for help at a moment’s notice, regardless of the conditions. Mother Nature, however, has a way of humbling even the most prepared driver. In winter weather, the stakes are much higher in case of emergencies, particularly in northern parts of the United States. If your area has inclement weather, be prepared to meet any challenges by equipping your car with an emergency preparedness kit.

The most important things in a car emergency are the same things that are important every other day: food and water. Water is really the most critical element. Most people don’t have loads of extra space in their car, but water can be stored in small drink boxes or pouches in the trunk. Water is also useful for sanitation or for taking care of an overheated car. Food can be a problem because cars are often exposed to severe temperatures, which makes food storage difficult. Calorie-dense items, which are not perishable, are your best bet. These could include dried fruits, nuts and energy bars designed for hiking or camping.

Food and water can provide an important psychological boost as well. Many experts have argued that people who survive stressful situations are not necessarily the best prepared. The people who overcome these obstacles are the ones who believe they can. While they certainly provide physical comfort, food and water can go a long way toward providing that psychological comfort as well.

Once you’ve taken care of these essentials, you can look to a few more important items. Staying dry and warm will help you preserve energy, so blankets and a poncho or raincoat are the next most important things to get into your kit. A solid multi-tool gives you flexibility without adding too much weight or the need for extra space, and a first aid kit is essential to take care of any small injuries that might occur. If you have kids, consider providing some toys to occupy their time while you wait for help.

Commercial kits are available at big-box stores, hardware stores and many stores specializing in auto parts. These are often more expensive than building a kit yourself, but they are convenient and can be used as a starting point for your kit. Only you can decide what the best option is to make sure that you don’t get stuck without assistance. Being prepared in case of an emergency will give you the tools-physical and psychological — to get through the ordeal.