AI-Generated Car Trunk Essential Supply List

Be prepared on the road with a simple car trunk checklist.
Practical essentials for safety, comfort and peace of mind.

Last week AI helped us find and purchase a new-to-us ("preowned") car, and this week we are going to set it up with safety and emergency supplies so we feel as comfortable on a road trip as we do driving around our little community.  Check the list ChatGPT generated for us. You can print this out for yourself (link at the bottom of the list) or ask ChatGPT to generate a list specific to your needs and plans.

Some of the links on the list below are affiliate links. We receive a small commission if you purchase eligible items-- there is no additional cost to you. Full affiliate disclosure is found at the bottom of the page. Thank you!

🚗 Must-Have Safety Basics for the Car

These are the “don’t leave home without them” items:

• Spare tire (or tire repair kit if your car doesn’t include one)

• Jack & lug wrench (make sure they fit your car!)

• Owner’s manual (or downloaded on your phone)

• Flashlight (LED, with extra batteries or rechargeable)

• Reflective warning triangles or flares

• High-visibility vest (especially useful on highways)

🔧 Basic Emergency Tools

You don’t need a full toolbox—just essentials:

• Jumper cables (or a portable battery booster—very handy)

• Multi-tool or small toolkit

• Tire pressure gauge

• Duct tape (surprisingly useful)

• Work gloves

🩹 First Aid & Personal Care

For minor mishaps or delays:

• First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers)

• Hand sanitizer & wipes

• Tissues or paper towels

• Small digger/shovel (goes with tissues)

• Emergency blanket (compact but very effective)

🧤 Weather-Specific Items (Important in Canada!)

Living in Comox Valley, winters are milder than the prairies—but conditions can still change quickly:

• In colder months:

• Warm blanket or sleeping bag

• Extra gloves, hat, socks

• Ice scraper & snow brush

• Small shovel (especially if traveling outside town)

• Traction aid (sand, kitty litter, or traction mats)

• 
  

Year-round helpful:

• Rain poncho or umbrella

• 
  

🧃 Food & Water (Short-Term Emergency)

• Bottled water

• Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts)

(Just enough for a few hours in case you’re stuck or delayed.)

🔋 Tech & Communication

• Phone charger (car-compatible)

• Portable power bank

• Pen & paper

• List of emergency contacts (in case your phone dies)

🧯 Optional but Smart Extras

• Fire extinguisher (small, car-rated)

• Seatbelt cutter/window breaker tool

• Spare windshield washer fluid

• Extra reusable shopping bags (they always come in handy!)

CLICK HERE TO Download and Print the Above List

Curious about AI? This checklist was created with the help of ChatGPT. You can ask for your own customized version—whether you drive long distances, live in a snowy area, or want a minimalist kit. It’s like having a helpful assistant at your fingertips!