Lots of articles discuss what kind of a bug out bag to create for your car - just in case of disaster.
But what about the emergency kit you should have for everyday use - the one that helps you when your car has a hiccup on a nice weekend drive in the country? You can either create a fully stocked kit for any sort of emergency or you can make a basic kit and then supplement it for specific conditions like cold weather driving or taking a long trip.
Let's look at the essentials and then some additional supplies you might want for winter and long trips where help could be a good distance away.
Inside the car This first list identifies those items that you should probably keep inside the car, either in the glove compartment or the arm rest (or in any of the little pockets built into doors, etc.
)

• Your owner's manual
• Registration
• Insurance card
• Emergency phone numbers - including nearest relatives, auto club, doctor, etc.
  It is good for your own personal reference and in caseyou have an accident, it can help the rescuer get in touch with a proper contact quickly.
  
• Coins to use for tolls, parking and telephone (if you can even find a payphone any more.
  )
• Maps of the areas you travel.
  I know smartphones have access to maps but sometimes it is helpful to be able to lay out a real map for planning purposes.
  
• Paper and pen - good for keeping notes and leaving a note on the car if you need to abandon it to get assistance.
  
• Miscellaneous convenience items like tissues, sunglasses, trash bag, etc.
  

Inside the trunk The trunk should contain all sorts of items that can help you get going again after basic failures - like a flat tire or a dead battery - as well as items to keep you safe on the road at night.

• Jumper cables
• Spare tire - A full sized spare tire is wonderful but even the small "donut" tires will get you where you need to go in an emergency.
  But some cars now do notcome with any tire to keep the weight down.
  If you are unfortunate enough to have one of these cars, you might want to consider investing in a spare.
  (Oh, and be sure it is kept inflated.
  )
• Car jack and lug wrench appropriate for your wheels so you can change a flat if needed.
  
• A UL approved fire extinguisher in case of fire
• A tool kit - suggested items include pocket knife, screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench.
  
• Electrical tape and duct tape for quick repairs of frayed wires and leaking hoses
• Flares and emergency warning triangle in case you break down in a dangerous section of road
• Flashlight - preferably waterproof because it always seems cars break down in downpours
• Gallon of water - for an emergency fill of the radiator
• Paper towels or rags to help you clean up.
  

Specialty items for wintertime driving

• Blankets to keep you warm if the car stalls out
• Ice scraper
• Can of de-icer
• Some nonperishable snacks like granola bars
• Shover
• Bag of sand or road salt in case you get stuck in icy/snows conditions
• Traction mats to help you get moving again if you find yourself stuck in the mud or a snowdrift
• Windshield washer fluid - unlike water, it generally won't freeze up on you
• Traction cleats or snow chains if you are driving in an area that could warrant this
• Portable CD radio so you can call out in an emergency.
  This is good for areas that have poor/no cell phone coverage

Specialty items for long distance trips When you take a long distance trip - especially to a remote location - you should pack additional supplies for your car.
These can include:

• Car repair manual for your specific make/model
• Motor oil
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Fuses and a fuse puller
• A drive belt
• Tire pump
• Fuel filter
• Tire repair kit
• First aid kit
• A supply of food and water

While there is no way to pack everything you could possibly need, this type of kit will cover all the supplies you need to keep you going for many of the roadside situations you may encounter.