Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times: Here are our top picks

[NelsonG]

You probably have an emergency or first aid kit in your home, and your job (we hope) provides emergency essentials at your workplace, so why wouldn't you carry some form of aid in your car? It only makes sense considering it's probably one of the places you spend most of your time (especially if you have to endure traffic).

SEE ALSO: The best thing you can buy for your car this year is one of these devices

No matter how often you use your car, you need an emergency kit. This is not the product you want to keep on your shopping list for weeks. Checking it off as soon as possible can save you some serious trouble.

What exactly should be in a survival kit for your car?

It's completely up to you to decide just how much you want to keep in your trunk. You can carry the bare minimum or go above and beyond with kits that have certain items you hopefully won't ever need to touch.

However, these are a few items that you should have no matter what:

• Jumper Cables

• Flares

• Flashlight

• Car escape tool (seatbelt cutter or window breaker)

• Bottled water

• Blanket

• First aid kit

• Spare tire and jack

While those can certainly be lifesavers, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to actually prevent needing them.

Be sure you bring your car in for regular checkups

You probably know to do this, but don't skip it. Your mechanic can check things like antifreeze levels, brakes, battery, oil, air filters, and other parts of your vehicle that need to be in top shape in order to try to avoid emergencies in the first place.

And, of course, remember to always do everything in your power to drive safely. No texting, please.

Here are the best survival kits to keep in your car:

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