Emergency Car Essentials: Must-Have Items for Every Vehicle
Whether you’re gearing up for a long road trip, or simply sorting out your car’s clutter, it’s always a good time to create or reevaluate your vehicle emergency kit. Having your own personal "toolbox" of emergency essentials is crucial to your safety when you hit the road. Set yourself up to drive more responsibly when you stay prepared for the unexpected with this list of vehicle essentials.
Vehicle Repair:
One thing about vehicles — expect the unexpected. Whether your headed to the store on a chill Sunday morning, or ready to go out on a Friday night, car problems can ruin your plans. No matter the situation, this list will have you equipped for vehicle break downs, tire repairs, and so much more. Store these items so you can get your vehicle back in shape and get on with your day.
- Tire repair kit – Sometimes a quick patch up is all you need — and all you have time for.
- Jumper cables
- Jump starter
- Sand/cat litter – Either can help create traction to get you out of sticky situations.
- Basic set of tools – You never know what issues you could run into with your own vehicle, or while helping someone else out.
- Flashlight – Check your batteries every so often to make sure they’re fresh.
- Flares
Weather-Related Items:
Now what if that Sunday morning you break down in the middle of the highway, in the mountains, in February? Okay, maybe you’re thinking it doesn’t even get that cold where you live, but the point is — keeping your car full of weather-related emergency items is crucial for your safety and the safety of everyone with you. Harsh weather conditions can come when you least expect it, so stay prepared and be sure to periodically check your inventory.
- Blanket
- Ice scraper
- Jump starter
- Gloves – These could be used during vehicle repairs or for warmth when it’s cold out. Find a pair that will work for both.
- Bottled water/snacks – Plan for the max amount of people you can fit in your vehicle and replace/replenish every so often — no one likes an expired granola bar that’s been baking in the sun for months.
- Raincoat
Miscellaneous Safety Solutions:
When it comes to any kind of preparation, there are always extra precautions to take to stay covered for the wildly unexpected. This list includes the misfits that are still a necessity for your safety.
- First aid kit
- Rags
- Map – Using our phones to navigate is pretty much the only way we get around anymore — until we lose service, or they die.
- Fully charged portable phone charger
- Phone charger cable
Now that your car is equipped for most emergencies, you can drive more confidently! But that doesn’t mean the work is over — don’t forget to replenish items like your snacks and water, and make sure essentials are working effectively like your jumper cables and flashlight every few months.