cos

Keep a box in the back of the car containing the following (some may not fit in the box):

• windshield washer fluid
  
• roll of paper towels
  
• roll of toilet paper
  
• spare headlight bulb
  
• spare taillight bulb
  
• rear-view-mirror adhesive kit
  
• jumper cables (real ones, not those lighter-socket-to-lighter-socket things)
  
• adjustable wrench
  
• pliers
  
• screwdriver with flat, Phillips and Torx bits
  
• coil of wire
  
• duct or gaff tape
  
• bungee cords
  
• rope
  
• flashlight

In the winter, add:

• snow brush
  
• ice scraper
  
• collapsible snow shovel
  
• emergency blanket

If you have a small child, add:

• spray cleaner
  
• emergency diaper-change kit
  
• change of clothes (that still fits the child)
  
  A good place for the less frequently used stuff, like the jumper cables and spare bulbs, is in the spare tire compartment, if it fits.