We rely on our cars to get us back and forth, either to and from work or on longer trips. Cars break down sometimes though. When that does happen, it is best to be prepared with a car emergency kit.
What do you need a car emergency kit for
You may have OnStar or AAA, but you never know when or where your car might break down. You could be required to wait or not have cell phone reception. By having a car emergency kit, you will be prepared for almost anything that may happen, whether in the city or on a rural back road.
What should be in your emergency kit part one
The first things you should include in your car emergency kit are mechanical tools. This is the gear you can use to fix the car — or just about anything else mechanical — in a pinch. These tools will include:
* Get jumper cables
* Oil – at least three quarts
* Antifreeze (make sure it’s the right type for your car)
* Get some fuses
* Multiple bit screwdrivers or a set of screwdrivers
* Wire cutters, a pocketknife, and a multi-tool with pliers
* Some wrenches or adjustable wrench
* One roll of duct tape
* Emergency tire inflator, such as Fix-A-Flat, and a pressure gauge
* Heavy-duty tow rope
* Spare tire and jack
What to include in your car emergency kit – part 2
Mechanical problems are not the only type that emerge when you are on the road. There are also other things you should have to keep the people in the car safe. These include but aren’t limited to:
* First aid kit
* Blankets or sleeping bag
* Flashlight with additional batteries
* Both toilet paper and toilet paper or just one
* Pen and a notepad
* Energy bars or granola bars
* At least 1 gallon of water
* Get roadside flares
* A large tarp
A well packed car emergency kit, although it seems a lot of gear, takes up relatively little space. It can be stores under a seat or in the trunk. A time will come when you will appreciate the time and effort you took to put the kit together.
