As it turns out, traveling by car requires more than just a driver and a full tank of gas.

Before setting out on a trip, vehicles should be equipped with some basic items for emergency use.

Bevi Powell, senior vice president for AAA East Central, said that a fully charged mobile phone, with a car charger, is a very important item.

“So you’re able to call for help if you need it,” Powell said.

Drivers should have a flashlight, batteries for the flashlight, a first-aid kit, windshield wiper fluid, battery booster cables and emergency flares or reflectors.

Drinking water is helpful if drivers get stranded, and snacks are good to have in case your vehicle is disabled for a longer period of time.

Most cars come with a spare tire and jack, but drivers should make sure those items are in the car and they should make sure that the spare is usable.

For the winter, a small shovel, an ice scraper and extra blankets are good to have. Powell said it would help to carry around a sack of sand or kitty litter. This gives more traction if you get stuck in the snow.

Powell said that an air compressor and tire gauge are also good to have.

“That’s always helpful, as well,” Powell said.

When traveling with senior citizens or those with medical conditions, Powell said they should have prescriptions with them.

With small children, Powell said having snacks or other food becomes more important, especially for babies.

AAA travel kits that contain some of these items and are sold in stores and online. Powell said prices range from $25 to $70.

In addition to the items AAA recommends, OnStar recommends keeping disinfectant wipes to clean spills and keep hands clean; a pen and paper to take notes if necessary; maps, particularly of the U.S., the state and the local area; spray lubricant, which can help loosen lug nuts, lubricate door latches and help get rid of bugs and dirt; duct tape for temporary fixes; a multipurpose tool and matches.

DriversSide.com recommends keeping rope in the car in case you need to tie something down.

Lifehackers.com recommends drivers carry business cards for repair shops or AAA, as well as insurance claim forms.

It also said drivers should have a seat belt cutter, window breaker, spare change or emergency money, an umbrella and a change of clothes.