How to Make an Emergency Kit for Your Car
Introduction: Why Do I Need an Emergency Car Kit?
According to a survey by Financial Buzz, 90% of people believe that they should have emergency supplies in their cars. However, only 58% of people surveyed actually had prepared an emergency car kit, and only about half of those felt that they were fully prepared for an emergency.
If you want to be prepared for an emergency but aren’t sure where to start, check out this comprehensive guide to creating an emergency car kit. We know that thinking about emergencies can be distressing, but that is not a good reason not to be prepared, especially when being prepared takes very little effort compared to how much time and pain it could save you down the road.
Does my car come with emergency supplies?
Before putting together your kit, be familiar with your car and its contents. Many but not all cars come with a spare tire and car jack which are essential to have if one of your tires goes flat. Additionally, check if you have your car’s manual, which may be a useful tool if you break down in a remote area and the problem is not something with which you are familiar.
What do I need for emergency car repairs?
The first category you should consider for your emergency car kit is items that will help you get your car running again in the event of a breakdown.
Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are a life saver should your battery die. Keep in mind that cables require the presence of another car, so if you frequently travel down lonely, adventurous roads, you may want to consider pairing the cables with a portable jump starter.
A Tire Repair Kit
One of the most common ways to break down is to get a flat tire. If you have a spare tire, a tire pressure gauge, a flat tire inflation canister, a lug wrench, and a car jack on hand, you are equipped to deal with the problem yourself rather than having to wait on roadside assistance.
A Basic Tool Kit
A compact toolbox could be your best friend! Simple items like duct tape, a multipurpose tool, a utility knife, work gloves, cable ties, a wrench, screw drivers, and pliers can be enough to hold your car together until you arrive at the closest repair shop.
Additional items that could be useful include:
- Flashlight and batteries
- Rags and wipes
- A tow rope
- A gas can
- Extra parts such as fuses, antifreeze (coolant), or engine oil
What do I need in my car for my personal safety?
You’ve now gathered the items that will help you fix your car, but it arguably may be even more important to make sure that you have what you need to keep yourself safe during an emergency. The following items are essential both for preventing injuries, caring for injuries, and generally maintaining health and safety during an emergency.
Important Contact Information
Make sure that you have important contact information on hand somewhere in your car as well as saved in your phone. This should include your emergency contacts and the number for your roadside assistance program.
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A First Aid Kit
It’s just common sense to have a basic first aid kit. You can buy a premade kit in many places or assemble your own. Typically, these include many sizes of bandages, gauze, hand sanitizer, burn cream, antibiotic ointments, aspirin, and tweezers.
Visibility Gear
Protect you and your car from other vehicles by making yourself visible. Items like hazard triangles, a high visibility vest, and road flares alert other drivers to slow down and give you space while you repair your vehicle or wait for roadside assistance. You may also find a whistle useful to alert others if you are in a more remote location and need assistance.
Nonperishable Food and Drinking Water
If you are waiting for a long time, you’ll want to make sure you can keep up your energy by having snacks and water on hand.
Emergency Escape Tools
A car escape tool helps you break out of your car if you are stuck after an accident occurs. These usually have one part that can cut a jammed seat belt and one part that can break through glass.
Tools in Case Your Phone is Not Functioning
Having a pen, paper, and a paper map on hand in case you lose cell service can help you navigate to the nearest location for help. Additionally, a portable charger will ensure that your phone does not die in the middle of an emergency.
Fire Extinguisher
You can keep a mild emergency from developing into an incredibly dangerous one by keeping a fire extinguisher on hand.
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What seasonal items are important to keep in my car?
Make sure you are also prepared for the weather in your local area, especially if it causes dangerous driving conditions.
What should I keep in my car for rain?
A tarp is useful to protect your clothing if you need to kneel in the mud while repairing your car. You should also carry a combination of a raincoat, parka, or umbrella.
What should I keep in my car for snow and cold weather?
It is most important to make sure that you stay warm. Keep winter gear in your car such as an extra coat, gloves, hat, and scarf. You might also benefit from a thermal blanket or sleeping bag. If you are trapped in a blizzard when your car can no longer provide heat, these are essential to preventing frostbite and hypothermia.
An ice scraper, snow brush, small snow shovel, snow chains, and traction aid can help you get out of the snow and ice. You can use cat litter or sand as a traction aid if stuck in ice.
What should I keep in my car for sunny weather?
Again, make sure you have weather appropriate clothing. Sunscreen and a sunshade may also be useful for emergencies that last longer. The most important item to have on hand is water so you stay hydrated even if you sweat from the heat.
Choose Items Specific to You
One of the most important things to consider is your own specific situation and vehicle. What you need in an emergency is unique to you and can depend on many factors.
If you aren’t sure where to start, the following questions can help you make the kit that is perfect for your unique needs.
- Where do I use my car most?
- For example, if you own a Jeep Wrangler and often go off-roading, you might find that you should tailor your kit to tools that can help get the Jeep unstuck and wilderness survival tools. You might consider items such as bear spray, a folding shovel, rope, a compass, a lighter, toilet paper, an emergency radio, or a portable water filter to be essential, whereas these would mostly be a waste of space to someone who only drives in urban areas.
- Does my pet often ride in the car with me?
- Who rides in my car most often, and what are their specific health needs?
- For example, if you or a family member has prescription medications, it may be a good idea to store a few extra in the car. You may find that feminine hygiene products or diapers are absolutely essential to your kit, even if they aren’t for everyone.
- What kind of storage space is available in my car?
- Have I installed aftermarket products that require specific tools?
Conclusion
Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of items on this list. Remember, what you have in your emergency kit should be tailored to your own specific situation so that if an emergency arises, you can feel confident that you know what to do.
