Emergencies can happen anytime and anyplace. If you are driving your car or truck and have an emergency, you must be prepared. Since an emergency can take many different forms, you need to plan for any eventuality. You should remember that you can’t always rely on your cell phone either. You may be wondering what should you have in a car emergency kit?
Let’s take a look at some different types of emergencies you may encounter and what should be in your car’s emergency kit at all times.
First Aid Kit
The easiest thing to stock in your car for emergencies is a first aid kit. This can be as simple as throwing things in a plastic bag or you can purchase a kit in any pharmacy or grocery store.
A first aid kit is good to have on hand. You can stock it with Band-Aids, gauze, antibiotic cream and ice/heat packs that are activated when crushed. This kit will have you covered if you happen to cut yourself changing a tire, catching a finger in a door, or just happen to fall while at the beach, etc.
An antibiotic cream will help keep a wound clean. This is especially helpful if you have a bigger wound that will need medical attention. And having bandages of different sizes can also help you out. Ice packs and heat packs that are activated when crushed are a good way to have both of these injury treatment options on hand.
Flashlight
A flashlight is always a good idea to have in your car. It is handy when you are looking under the hood, changing a tire in the dark or need to try and signal help at night. Make sure you have working batteries and perhaps consider keeping a fresh pack on hand.
Spare Tire
A spare tire is an obvious but sometimes overlooked, item to always have in your car. Flat tires happen at the most inconvenient times and in the most inconvenient places. Having a spare and knowing how to change a flat tire is important.
Make sure you also have the tools needed to change a flat tire. And when you do have a flat and put your spare on, make sure you take the flat to your mechanic. It is important to either have the flat patched and fixed or buy a new tire so that you are not left without a spare.
Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are another critical piece of any car emergency kit. You should always have these cables on hand. You might need them to get your car started if you are having battery trouble. It is also important to know how to use the cables. If you do need jumper cables to start your car, be sure to have your battery checked out promptly.
Emergency flares
These are good tools to have in your car. If you should break down on a dark road or at a bend in the road, or somewhere where it may be hard to see you, flares can be a lifesaver. They will alert other drivers to your presence and can also signal police or tow trucks to your destination.
Flares are simple to use but are usually a one-time use object. If you use them, be sure to replace them for next time.
Paper Towels or a Rag
At times you may have to go under the hood and check oil, fluids, etc. Having a rag or paper towels will help you clean off dipsticks and your hands. Besides, paper towels can be helpful when used with the first aid kit.
Tool Kit
The best emergency car kit will have a tool kit. This tool kit will include a tire gauge, screwdrivers, duct tape, antifreeze, oil, brake fluid, and scissors. Your tool kit should also include an ice scraper, small shovel and foam sealant for a flat tire.
While all these supplies are great for a car emergency kit, what about if you live where there are snow and ice? Drivers in these areas often need to include additional items in their emergency kits. They need to be prepared for both vehicle emergencies as well as weather emergencies.
So, what should be in a car emergency kit for winter?
Water bottles and snack bars
You may find yourself needing to pull over if the weather turns treacherous. If it is snowy and icy, you may need to wait for the roads to be cleared. If you are in a remote area you may need to wait for quite some time for the roads to be cleared or for help.
Having a supply of water bottles and snack bars will help you while you are waiting. They will help you stay alert and healthy. You don’t need to pack a gourmet meal, just enough to fill your stomach and provide nutrition. Again, if you use these items, be sure to replace them.
Blankets
Thermal blankets, sleeping bags, and extra sweatshirts are a very good idea to keep in your car. If your car is not running or the heater is broken and the temperature is dropping these items will keep you warm and protect you from frostbite until help arrives.
Cat Litter or sand
Even though you may not have a cat, litter can help you out if you are stuck in the snow or ice. Sprinkling litter around your tires can provide them with extra traction and help get you unstuck.
If you are overwhelmed thinking about the items you should have in your car emergency kit, don’t panic. You can easily download a car emergency kit checklist pdf to have on hand. Use this list to go through items and make sure you have the essentials.
You also have the option to purchase a kit from a shop. Many places see kits, there is even a car emergency kit available at Costco. You can go to an auto parts store and they will help you as well. You can buy either an entire kit or customize a kit by adding in pieces to complement what you already have. The staff will be happy to help you.
If it is possible, a roadside emergency kit with an air compressor would be great. An air compressor is an invaluable tool. You can use it to fill a tire with air or with tools to loosen lug nuts.
Assembling a roadside emergency kit can be time-consuming. However, some of the best roadside emergency kits of 2019 come complete with everything you will need and are all wrapped up in a convenient storage case for you to keep in your trunk.
Final Thoughts
Part of being a good driver is being prepared for any circumstance you may encounter. Having a complete car emergency kit can be a lifesaver and provide you with the tools you need to help yourself. Be sure to replace any supplies you use after you are home safely. And also check your kit from time to time, make sure batteries, water, and snack bars are fresh. A car emergency kit is your lifeline while on the road.