Ottawa Driver's Roadside Emergency Kit: What to Keep in Your Car

Ottawa drivers face some of the most challenging driving conditions in Canada. Snowstorms, black ice, extreme cold and long distances between services mean that being prepared for a roadside emergency is not optional, it's essential. Here's exactly what to keep in your car year-round.

The Ottawa Winter Essentials (October to April)

These items are non-negotiable during Ottawa's long winter season:

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter Ottawa winters kill batteries. A quality portable jump starter means you don't need another car nearby to get going
• Ice scraper and snow brush keep one in the car, not just in the garage
• Small folding shovel for digging out when you're stuck in a snowbank or drifted-in parking spot
• Sand or kitty litter a small bag in the trunk provides traction if your wheels are spinning on ice
• Warm blanket if your car breaks down in -25C, waiting 30 minutes for a tow truck without warmth is dangerous
• Extra gloves, toque and warm socks getting out of the car to assess a situation or put out flares requires proper gear
• Hand warmers chemical hand warmers are cheap and can make a cold wait much more comfortable

Year-Round Safety Essentials

These items belong in every Ottawa vehicle regardless of season:

• Reflective warning triangles or road flares essential if you're stopped on the highway or a dark road. Three triangles placed at increasing distances behind your vehicle warn approaching traffic
• Flashlight with fresh batteries or a rechargeable LED flashlight. Breakdowns happen at night
• First aid kit a basic kit for cuts, scrapes and minor injuries at the scene of an accident or breakdown
• Basic tool kit screwdrivers, pliers, zip ties and electrical tape handle a surprising number of minor roadside fixes
• Tire pressure gauge check your tire pressure monthly. A slow leak caught early is far better than a blowout
• Spare tire and jack know where your spare is and how your jack works before you need them roadside at night
• Lug wrench make sure it fits your wheel nuts
• Tow strap useful if someone can pull you out of a ditch or snowbank
• Bottled water stay hydrated during a long wait, especially in summer heat
• Snacks a granola bar or two matters if you're waiting an hour in a remote area
• Phone charger or power bank your phone is your lifeline. Keep a portable charger topped up in the glove compartment

Documents to Keep in Your Car

• Vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance
• Your insurance company's emergency contact number
• A note with your CAA membership number if you have one
• Uplift Towing's number: 613-410-4100

What to Do If You Break Down on a Highway

Ottawa drivers frequently use the 417 and 416 which carry fast-moving traffic. If you break down on a highway:

• Signal and pull as far right as possible, ideally past the white line
• Turn on your hazard lights immediately
• Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if traffic is nearby
• If you must exit, do so from the passenger side away from traffic
• Place triangles or flares well behind your vehicle to give drivers maximum warning
• Call for help and stay on the line until the tow truck arrives

Save Our Number Before You Need It

The worst time to search for a towing company is when you're stranded on the side of the road in the dark. Save Uplift Towing's number in your phone right now: 613-410-4100. We're available 24 hours a day across Ottawa and surrounding areas and we pick up every call.