Breakdowns Happen Fast. Are You Ready?

Your day took an unexpected turn. Unexpectedly, you find yourself on the shoulder with your hazards flashing. Maybe it’s a blown tire, an overheating engine, or that dreaded check engine light that finally caught up to you. No matter the reason, being stuck without the basics can turn a simple delay into a real problem. That’s why we always recommend carrying a few essentials that can make any I-5 roadside assistance situation a little less stressful.

We’ve Seen What Helps and What Doesn’t

After years of running calls up and down I-5 and beyond, we’ve learned one thing: most people aren’t as prepared as they think. Some have nothing more than a cell phone with 2% battery left. Others are missing something as simple as a flashlight. We don’t say this to scare you, we say it because we’ve been there, and we know how much smoother things go when your trunk’s got the right tools.

Here’s our list of the five must-have items you should always keep in your car.

1. A Real Flashlight (Not Just Your Phone)

Phones are great… until they die. And in most breakdowns, especially at night, you’ll need to see what’s going on under the hood or inside the car.

A heavy-duty flashlight helps with:

Checking under the vehicle for leaks
Making yourself visible to passing traffic
Reading maps or emergency instructions

And don’t forget to pack extra batteries. If you’ve got room, toss in a headlamp too. Free hands make everything easier.

2. Jumper Cables or a Jump Starter

Dead batteries are one of the most common reasons people call us for I-5 roadside assistance. Sometimes the fix is quick, if you’ve got the right gear.

Jumper cables are good. A portable jump starter? Even better. It means you don’t have to rely on a stranger’s help to get going again. It’s saved us more than once, and it’ll probably save you, too.

3. A Compact First Aid Kit

Minor scrapes and cuts don’t feel so minor when you’re stuck on the highway with no help in sight. We always keep a first aid kit in the cab for exactly this reason.

Make sure yours includes:

Adhesive bandages
Antiseptic wipes
Gauze and tape
Pain relievers

You don’t need a trauma center in your trunk, but having the basics can help you out, before first responders arrive.

4. High-Visibility Gear

A breakdown on I-5 is no time to be invisible. We carry high-visibility vests in every rig, and we think every driver should do the same.

A vest or reflective triangle can alert passing traffic and reduce your risk of getting clipped in the dark or bad weather. It’s simple, lightweight, and can literally save your life.

Here’s what we recommend:

One reflective vest per passenger
Two or more reflective triangles or road flares
Bright gloves or hats for extra visibility in low light

5. A Fully Stocked Emergency Bag

Think of this as your breakdown survival kit. It’s not just about tools—it’s about staying safe and comfortable while you wait.

Keep these items in your emergency bag:

Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
Phone charger or power bank
Blanket or emergency foil wrap
Basic tools like a multi-tool or small wrench
A paper map (GPS doesn’t always work in remote spots)

When we respond to I-5 roadside assistance calls, the people who have kits like these are the ones who stay calm, stay safe, and stay in control.

I-5 Roadside Assistance FAQ: Be Ready Before the Tow Truck Arrives

1. What’s the single most important thing to keep in my car for breakdowns?

A reliable flashlight (with spare batteries) tops the list. Phone lights drain batteries fast and often aren’t bright enough for roadside work at night. A dedicated flashlight — or better yet, a headlamp — frees up your hands and works when your phone won’t.

2. Why carry jumper cables and a portable jump starter?

Jumper cables only work if another driver stops to help. A portable jump starter lets you get your car running even when you’re alone on the shoulder. Both tools are compact and can save you time while you wait for I-5 roadside assistance.

3. Do I really need a first aid kit if I can call 911?

Yes. Small cuts, scrapes, or burns can happen during a tire change or roadside stop. A basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers helps you stay comfortable and reduces infection risk until responders arrive.

4. How can I stay visible and safe during a breakdown on I-5?

Keep a reflective vest in the glovebox for every passenger.
Store roadside triangles or flares to warn oncoming traffic.
Consider bright gloves or hats for night or foggy weather.

Being visible to drivers is one of the simplest ways to avoid secondary accidents.

5. What should go in my emergency “breakdown bag”?

A good kit covers comfort, communication, and basic tools:

Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
Blanket or emergency foil wrap for cold nights
Phone charger or power bank
A simple multi-tool or small wrench
A paper road map (cell service can fail in rural stretches of I-5)

6. How often should I check or replace items in my kit?

Do a quick check every six months:

Test flashlight batteries
Replace expired snacks, pain relievers, and first aid supplies
Confirm that your power bank holds a charge
Swap blankets or clothing for the season (light gear in summer, warm layers in winter)

7. Are there extra items to pack for winter driving on I-5?

Yes. Add:

Ice scraper and de-icer spray
Small bag of sand or kitty litter for traction
Extra gloves, hat, and thermal blanket
Hand warmers for long waits in cold conditions

8. How can I stay calm while waiting for I-5 roadside assistance?

Pull as far off the road as safely possible
Turn on hazard lights and deploy triangles or flares
Stay inside the vehicle if you’re on a busy shoulder
Use your kit for water, warmth, and phone power while you wait

Preparedness reduces panic and keeps you safer.

9. Does having an emergency kit reduce the need for a tow?

No — it won’t fix a blown tire or a seized engine. But it keeps you comfortable, visible, and safer while you wait for professional I-5 roadside assistance from companies like Newhouse Towing.

10. Why call Newhouse Towing for I-5 roadside assistance?

Because we:

Operate 24/7 along the I-5 corridor
Bring experienced crews and the right tools for any situation
Handle emergencies in all conditions — rain, fog, snow, or rush hour
Appreciate the value of preparedness and guide drivers through stressful moments

Newhouse Towing: The I-5 Roadside Assistance Team That’s Always Ready

We’ve responded to breakdowns in the middle of rush hour, during freezing rain, and at 3 a.m. under a full moon. With every I-5 roadside assistance call, we see the same truth: a little preparation goes a long way. That’s why we encourage drivers to build their emergency kits before they ever need us.

I-5 roadside assistance is all about showing up fast, working smart, and helping people through one of the more stressful moments of their day. At Newhouse Towing, we bring the right tools, the right experience, and a level-headed crew that knows how to handle the unexpected.

Breakdowns happen, but they don’t have to be disasters. Stock your car with these five items, and if you ever find yourself in need of I-5 roadside assistance or Portland towing, you’ll be one step ahead while we’re on the way.