14 Items Every Car Emergency Kit Must Have

When it comes to car travel, an emergency kit is one of those things you only think to pack after it’s too late. You’re already stranded in the middle of nowhere without a functional phone and drinkable water or any means of fixing your car.

Why You Need An Car Emergency Kit

Having membership in an auto club with roadside assistance often feels like enough protection. You know help will come if you get stuck, so you don’t think about it further.

But what if you get stuck somewhere without a phone, or with a phone without a signal? What if it takes hours for roadside assistance to reach you? And what if you could solve the problem yourself if only you had one really simple item? Add to that the possibility of injury and it’s easy to understand why a car emergency kit is essential for every driver.

Pre-Made vs Homemade Emergency Car Kits

While you can buy pre-made emergency car kits, there are a lot of benefits to packing your own, starting with saving money and ending with knowing exactly what is included. Here are the top 14 must-have items every car emergency kit should include:

1. A fully charged cell phone

• • You may have this on your person, but since it’s the big difference between being able to call for help and having to completely help yourself, it’s a good idea to always check you have one before leaving. Packing a phone charger or even a spare battery or burner phone is a good idea.

1. A first-aid kit packed with varying sizes of Band-Aids, gauze pads, tape, antiseptic wipes, cream, ointment, and anything specific to you or your family’s needs

• •  Depending on where you live, insect repellent may also be a good addition in case you’re stuck out in the wilds!

1. A fire extinguisher rated for Class B fires, involving flammable or combustible liquids like diesel, gasoline, or kerosene and Class C, which is caused by energized electrical equipment like switches and batteries
2. Three reflective warning triangles

• • A lot of pre-packed kits contain one, but three can be placed at intervals ahead of your vehicle to warn oncoming traffic in the event you break down in a dangerous area.

1. Foam tire sealant – a fast and cheap way to make quick repairs to flats without having to change your tire
2. Jumper cables – at least 10 feet long and coated in 8-gauge rubber
3. A waterproof flashlight with extra batteries
4. Duct tape – at least 10 feet
5. Tow strap or tow rope – should be strong enough to tow 6,000 pounds
6. Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman Tool, or another multipurpose utility tool
7. A waterproof coat or rain poncho
8. Well sealed drinking water.
9. Nonperishable snacks like protein bars.
10. Cold-weather essentials – a warm blanket, a snow shovel, a windshield ice scraper, and cat litter

• • The cat litter can be used to give your tires traction and free you if you get stuck. Sand will also work, but litter is much lighter!

With the right car emergency kit, you’ll always be prepared in case of emergency.

 

Photo by moneymetals | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

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