Driving during typhoons: 5 things you should always keep in your car

During the rainy season, strong typhoons can hit with little warning. While it's safer to stay indoors, many people still need to go to work or run errands even when there’s a storm. If you really need to drive, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and fully fueled. Even then, that’s not always enough.

Your car might still encounter waterlogged streets, engine flooding, poor traction, or long traffic jams. You could also lose access to signal, power banks, or food depending on how long you're stuck. Having the right items inside your car can help you stay safe and ready for any road issue you may face during bad weather. Here are some essentials to keep in your car during typhoons.

An emergency kit is one of the most useful things to keep in your car during typhoon season. It should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a whistle, reflective warning triangles or a warning device, and a basic tool set. If your car breaks down, you can use the warning device to make sure other drivers can see you, especially when visibility is low. A flashlight is useful when there's no light around, like during a power outage or in areas with no street lamps. Having a whistle can help if you need to call for help.

You can also include items like gloves, duct tape, and jumper cables in your emergency kit. These items may not seem important at first, but they can be helpful in sudden situations where you need to make quick fixes or help jump-start another car. A complete emergency kit lets you respond right away to small problems while waiting for professional help.

During typhoons, power outages are very common. If you’re stuck somewhere or need help, your phone is one of the most important tools you’ll have. A fully charged powerbank helps make sure you can contact emergency services, update your location, or message loved ones even if your car charger or house power isn’t working.

Try to keep a high-capacity powerbank in your car, and charge it regularly even if you don’t use it. If possible, keep a charging cable inside the vehicle so that you're always prepared. If you’re using your phone for maps or road updates, having backup power is especially helpful in case of delays or reroutes.

Typhoon weather can damage roads and make them harder to see, increasing the chance of a flat tire. Potholes and sharp debris hidden under water can also cause tire damage. A tire repair kit can help you fix small punctures temporarily so you can drive to the nearest service center without needing to wait for help. Meanwhile, a tow rope gives you or others the option to safely pull a stalled or stuck vehicle to a safer area if needed.  These tools don’t take up too much space in the car and can save you from long waiting times and costly towing charges. 

Make sure the tow rope or strap is strong enough to handle your vehicle’s weight. Always check the packaging or product label for weight capacity. Store it somewhere easy to reach, like the trunk, and learn how to hook it up properly before using it. Practicing ahead of time will make things easier during an actual emergency.  In addition, it’s a good idea to check if the spare tire in your car is pumped up, the last thing you need in an emergency is switching to a tire that’s also deflated.

You never know how long you’ll be stuck in traffic or stranded on the road during a storm. Having food and clean drinking water in your car can help if you’re stuck in place for a long time. You don’t need to store a lot, but having enough to last a few hours or more can make a big difference.

Choose bottled water and ready-to-eat items like biscuits, crackers, or canned food that can last for weeks without spoiling. Try to avoid items that melt, spill, or go bad easily. These supplies can help you stay calm and focused while waiting for help or for the roads to clear up.

Flooded roads, traffic build-up, or road closures can lead to longer travel times, and you might not have access to a working gas station. Some fuel stations also stop operating when power is out or deliveries are delayed, which is common during strong weather. Keeping your tank full helps avoid getting stuck or running out of fuel in unsafe areas.

Bringing a small amount of emergency cash is also helpful. Card payments may not work in certain places if there's no electricity or signal. Tolls, parking areas, or small stores might only accept cash during a power outage. You only need to carry cash that is enough to cover basic costs in case of delays or reroutes. Keeping bills in a waterproof pouch or inside your glovebox makes it easy to reach when needed.

You might not always find yourself in these situations, but it helps to stay prepared. Being ready for anything makes a difference when you’re out on the road during bad weather. Stay safe and dry while shopping for your next car at AutoDeal.com.ph.