There’s no such thing as over-preparing for a bad situation on the road. Every one of us should have an emergency kit in our vehicles at all times. What goes into that pack should change depending on the season and the trip you’re about to take. Here are a few essential items you should keep in your emergency kit:
Tools for Replacing/Repairing a Flat Tire
Most newer models will already have what you need to repair or replace a flat tire. Double-check to ensure that you have these tools and that you know how to use them. Check to see if your spare tire is in good shape if you have one. Be sure you have a car jack and lug wrench somewhere in the vehicle.
First Aid Kit
You should never be too far from a first aid kit during your travels. This essential item should be one of the first you buy for your emergency kit. It should include adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointments, tape, small scissors, etc. You may also want to include any medications your family takes, such as insulin or an EpiPen. You can put together your own first aid kit or purchase a premade bag or box.
Water and Food
Bringing water and nonperishable food as part of your emergency kit is always a great idea, but it’s doubly so on longer car rides or when you’re driving on wintry roads. Stash as much water as your allotted space allows, and slide a few granola bars into your kit in case you get stuck on the side of the road for a few hours.
Flashlight
Bring a flashlight on every drive you take. Make sure it has working batteries. Many of our cell phones have a flashlight feature, but using it drains the device’s battery. Leave the job up to a trusty flashlight if you get into trouble during the night.
Weather-Specific Clothing
You should pack an extra set of clothing, and a few extra clothing items in case you’re stuck on the side of the road in the winter. If it’s a rainy season, pack a rain poncho into your kit. If it’s winter, pack blankets, sweaters, and other warm pieces of clothing, so you don’t freeze if you get stuck somewhere for a few hours.
Tools and Fluids
If you have space in your car or kit, bring an extra bottle of oil and antifreeze. You should also bring a few tools you think might be handy to have around if your vehicle breaks down. Bring a pocket knife, any tool you might need to change your tire, pliers, duct tape, a tire gauge — any tool you know how to use that you think might help you should you need to work on your vehicle in a pinch.
These items are just the start of your vehicle’s emergency kit. Start off by collecting these items for your kit, find an out-of-the-way spot to stash them, and feel proud of your preparedness. We hope you never have to use any of these items, but you’ll thank yourself if you do.
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