Did you know 20-50 million Americans get injured in car accidents every year? If you want to be prepared in the event of an emergency, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over what to have in a car emergency kit.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Rain Gear
Sometimes, people’s vehicles break down in the middle of a torrential downpour. Make sure you pack some weather protection gear in your car. This way, you will have the proper clothing to wear.
If you live in a colder climate, pack extra gloves, scarves, and hats.
2. Keep a Spare Tire in the Trunk
A spare tire in your trunk is essential for when you’re heading out on a road trip or commuting to work.
Most vehicles have an extra tire compartment. All you need to do is keep that compartment stocked. Make sure you check the tire pressure every so often. This way, you’ll have a tire that will work in an emergency.
Newer vehicles tend to come with a space-saver tire that fits inside the car. The space-saver tire isn’t the same size as your other ones.
You can use that kind of tire in the event of an emergency. If you use this tire, don’t drive too fast.
In the event of an emergency, call a local tire repair business for help. Look here to learn more about roadside assistance.
3. First Aid Kid
When you commute to work or on a road trip, you might end up needing a first aid kit.
Create a first aid kit or buy one at your local pharmacy store. Make sure the kit has bandages, pain killers, gauze, and antiseptic wipes.
If you need to drive for an extended period, you can keep your eyes refreshed using eye drops.
Consider packing a few motion sickness tablets as well. This way, passengers won’t feel woozy during the trip.
4. Hidden Spare Cash
Make sure you have some hidden cash tucked away in your vehicle. Use this money in the event of an emergency.
If you run out of fuel or lose your wallet, make sure you have 50 dollars hidden away.
5. Don’t Throw Away Your User Manual
Your vehicle’s user manual is helpful for a few reasons. If there’s a beeping noise in your car, an unexplained flashing light, or a symbol, you can learn more.
Use your manual to understand different features in your car and how to refill fluids. If you need to troubleshoot a problem, find your user manual. Keep the manual with your emergency kit.
6. Water Jugs
You’ll also want to have plenty of water jugs. If you break down, you’ll want to have access to water.
Make sure you store a couple of water jugs in the back seat.
7. Print a Map
Make sure you keep a few printed maps in your vehicle. You might end up lost, and if your cell phone died or your GPS is out of range, you can use the map.
Make sure you learn about the route before you leave for your trip.
8. Pack a Jumper Starter
Car batteries can die at random. Make sure you keep some jumper cables in your vehicle. This way, if the battery wears out and you don’t have roadside assistance, you can jumpstart your battery.
9. Coolant and Oil
Make sure the fluids in your vehicle remain topped up. Check your vehicle’s oil level often, so it runs smoothly. The coolant should get topped up, so your car doesn’t end up overheating.
10. Pack Snacks
Keep non-perishable food items in your vehicle, particularly if you’re driving in a remote area. If you end up breaking down, you will have some snacks to eat while you wait for help to arrive.
Make sure you pack an assortment of dried foods and keep it well-stocked.
11. Hazard Triangle or High Visibility Clothes
Keep high visibility safety materials in your vehicle. If you end up breaking down or get into an accident, you will have a way to let other drivers know about the situation.
Wear a high visibility vest. You could also set up a reflective hazard triangle on the roadside.
12. Warm Blankets
Do you travel in cold weather? Make sure you have a few spare blankets in your vehicle. If your vehicle ever broke down, you will have plenty of warm blankets to use while you wait for help.
In warmer weather, a blanket can give you much-needed shade if you place it over a window.
13. Portable Phone Charger
If you get stranded, you want to make sure you can charge your phone. You might end up with car trouble while traveling.
Make sure you always keep one or two portable phone chargers in your vehicle. You want a charger that will power up your phone fast.
Look for a device that has a few USB ports. This way, you could charge a few devices.
What to Have in a Car Emergency Kit
We hope this guide on how to create a car roadside assistance kit was helpful. Now that you know what to have in a car emergency kit begin picking up items today.
Ensure you have a first aid kit, high visibility clothes, and jugs of water in your vehicle.
Want some more tips? Keep learning by checking out our resources on auto, business, and more.
