Nothing dampens the holidays like your car breaking down on the way to Grandma’s house.

But the occasional bout of bad luck is inevitable, so on your way over the river and through the woods, the pros suggest keeping a winter kit packed in your trunk.

Some basics should be kept on hand year round: jumper cables, a flashlight and reflectors. When the temperatures drop, however, you’ll need more specialized gear: a blanket, stocking hat, warm gloves and sturdy ice scraper.

A few items that might surprise you: a travel mug, lighter and candle. The travel mug can be used to scoop snow, and the lighter can be used to spark the candle, which will melt snow into drinking water.

Retailers, auto-parts dealers and hardware stores sell emergency car kits starting at $20, but you also can create your own. Here’s a look at what the American Automobile Assn. and the Kansas Highway Patrol recommend you include:

• Abrasive material (cat litter or sand)
• Antifreeze
• Blanket
• Bottled water
• Candle
• Coins for pay phone

• De-icer
• Fire extinguisher
• First-aid kit
• Flares or reflectors
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Gas container, empty
• Gloves
• Hat
• High-calorie food such as candy bars or granola bars

• Ice scraper with brush
• Jumper cables
• Pad of paper with pencil
• Safety lighter
• Snow shovel, collapsible
• Travel coffee mug
• Windshield wiper fluid