Take-along car essentials for your student returning to school

After a year of remote learning, most high school and college students can't wait to get back to campus. Before you send your child off on life's next adventure, make sure their car is as prepared as they are – especially heading into the shorter days and freezing weather that will creep in by the end of fall quarter.

 Here are our 12 cold-weather take-along essentials for students (and you, too):   

1. Crank flashlight so they'll never have to worry about dead batteries 

2. Blanket 

3. Nonperishable food like energy bars and water (replace every six months) 

4. Boots, gloves and a warm coat 

5. Cell phone charger that plugs into their car's accessories socket 

6. Tire chains (and make sure they know these tips for chain-up success) 

7. Ice scraper/snowbrush 

8. Jumper cables 

9. Flares or warning triangles 

10. Foldable shovel and sand, salt, or old-fashioned non-clumping cat litter to help with traction if they're stuck 

11. Fire extinguisher 
    

12. First aid kit that includes a seatbelt cutter. 
    

Another important take-along? Roadside assistance in case of a breakdown. One option is PEMCO's towing and emergency roadside service. It's a low-cost, add-on coverage to your policy, and it might be right for you if you're just looking for the basics. You get benefits like jumpstarting, flat tire changes, gas (if you run out) and emergency towing for about $10 per year, per vehicle, if you opt for $100 in towing reimbursement. You can add it as long as you have Bodily Injury and Comprehensive coverages on your cars. Call 800-GO-PEMCO or ask your local PEMCO agent for details.