Getting a flat tire is probably inevitable for most drivers but when it does happen, it can be a very stressful situation. I discovered this all too well yesterday. My Volkswagen Jetta actually gave me the “heads up” by showing the “inflation pressure” warning light on my instrument panel. Of course, I had no idea what it meant when I first saw it, but I soon learned exactly what my car was trying to tell me.*

So, what do you do when you have a flat tire? Well, if you’re like me, you call someone who can help. That might be AAA but in my case I called Bill Banford of Sharper Cut, Inc. What he did in the space of 10 minutes was priceless. He brought a jumper pack with compressor and my flat tire was soon road ready again.

Afterwards, I started thinking about the types of things that we all should probably keep in our cars just in case something happens, including a flat tire. It’s great to have a blanket, water, flashlight with extra batteries, and first aid kit. Here are a few more things you might want to have around.

1. Portable Jumper Pack with Compressor

Don’t let a flat tire get you down! Be sure to have a portable jumper Pack with compressor handy. This unit inflate your tires, jump start your car, and also features a built-in work light. The model shown is the Energizer 84020 12V All-In-One Jump-Start System with Built-In Air Compressor and Power Inverter and currently sells for $124.93.

2. Collision Kit

Do you know what to do if you have an accident? During extremely tense moments like these, you need to be calm and yet act quickly. That’s where the Collision Kit comes in.

It contains pre-formatted forms (for collecting insurance information, name, license plate number, and phone numbers), a pen, mini-clipboard, an envelope (for storing insurance and registration papers), and a disposable camera to photograph any damage (just in case your cell phone is dead).

The kit is compact enough to fit in your glove compartment. Purchase your kit for just $19.95. It’s definitely worth it!

3. Rain-X

I keep this product in my trunk organizer for those days when I know it’s going be raining heavily. Sometimes our windshield wipers don’t work as well we want them to (not my Jetta, of course).

Rain-X improves visibility when driving in wet weather once it’s properly applied to your exterior glass. Get Rain X wipes for under $6. Don’t forget to turn on your headlights!

*Lesson learned: Listen to Your Car.