Make sure you’re ready for the worst by keeping at least a basic roadside emergency kit in your car at all times. Auto emergency kits are always a good idea but you don’t have to go out and buy a kit. You can save money and build your own car emergency kit for road safety. There are several items you should consider keeping packed in your trunk so you can always be prepared. You will be so glad to have a Car Emergency supplies on hand if you experience trouble on the highway. Help keep your family safe with this printable list of must have items!
It sounds like the beginning of a scary movie. You and your family are driving down a long dirt road in the middle of the countryside when suddenly something goes wrong. The car rumbles, rattles then completely shuts down. You roll to the side of the road and even before you come to a complete stop you’re whipping out your cell phone to call roadside assistance. No luck. The screen reads “no service” without even a flicker for a signal. The closest town is several miles back and you don’t expect to reach civilization again for several miles more. The temperature outside is not ideal, either. Are you prepared to keep your family safe until help arrives? Here is what to put in a car emergency kit for peace of mind.
Build Your Own Car Kit: Emergency Supplies
Having the right tools and supplies in your car can truly be a lifesaver in times of emergency situations. In this article, we will explore the top items you absolutely need in your car emergency kit to keep yourself safe and ready for any situation.
If possible, keep a pre-paid satellite phone (or Off-Grid SMS & GPS Device that can chat, send texts and location information without cell service or Wi-Fi) in your glove box for just such an emergency. It is possible to get a pre-paid plan from most of the companies that cover the continental United States. Or get the OnStar service. Even if you have a phone, however, that doesn’t mean that help will arrive soon or even in the next couple of hours. If you’re stuck in a snowstorm, it could be even longer. So it is always best to have a full roadside emergency kit on hand. Here is how to build your own car emergency kit to keep your family safe.
Roadside Emergency Car Kit Checklist
Must Haves:
- Jumper cables
- Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and jack
- Flashlight (preferably weather-proof) and backup batteries
- Reflective triangles
- A complete first aid kit (23 piece or more)
- A gallon of water
- Nonperishable food (such as energy bars or unsalted nuts)
Very Helpful:
- Waterproof poncho
- heavy duty work gloves
- reflective safety vest
- strong whistle & tie
- roadside flares or 12 hour light sticks
- air compressor / tire inflator
- engine oil
- antifreeze
- A heavy duty multi-tool (with screwdrivers, knives, wire cutter, small saw, pliers, etc.)
- adjustable wrench
- tire pressure gauge
- foam tire sealant
- paper towels
- duct tape
- washer fluid in spray bottle
- pen and paper
- “Help” sign
- compass
- fire extinguisher
- coolant hose repair kit
- Heavy-duty bag for carrying necessary supplies
While this may seem like a lot, many of these items can be packed tightly and stored in a heavy duty bag in your trunk. If you’re planning on driving in the winter, make sure you add the following items in case of a sudden snow storm:
Winter Weather Roadside Kit Additions
- thermal blanket or extra thick blanket
- knit cap
- gloves
- extra sweaters, socks, and walking shoes
- windshield scraper
- hand warming packets
- compact, foldable shovel
- emergency survival guide/instruction card
- bag of cat litter or play sand (for traction and/or extra weight in rear of vehicle)
Printable Car Emergency Kit List: Must Haves For Roadside Safety
Jumper Cables
A set of jumper cables are a lifesaver when your car battery decides to call it quits. Making sure you have a set in your emergency kit can save you time and frustration, especially in urgent situations.
Tire Repair Kit
A tire repair kit is an essential item for any vehicle owner, as it allows you to quickly and effectively fix a flat tire without needing to wait for roadside assistance. Here are some common components you might find in a typical tire repair kit:
- Tire Sealant: A liquid that you can inject into the tire to seal small punctures.
- Air Compressor: A portable device to reinflate the tire after the repair.
- Tire Plugs: Used to fill the hole in the tire caused by a puncture.
- Plugging Tool: A tool to insert the tire plug into the puncture.
- Rasp Tool: Used to clean and enlarge the puncture hole before inserting the plug.
- Valve Core Tool: Helps remove and install the valve core.
- T-Handle Tools: Provide better leverage when inserting the plug and rasping the hole.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
A flashlight and extra batteries are essential for navigating dark conditions and signaling for help. In situations where visibility is limited, a reliable flashlight can help you assess your surroundings and locate necessary supplies in your car emergency kit. Additionally, having extra batteries ensures that your flashlight remains operational for extended periods of time. Together, a flashlight and extra batteries provide a sense of security and preparedness for any nighttime emergencies.
Emergency Flares or Reflective Triangles
In addition to ensuring your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure gauge for optimal tire maintenance, it is equally important to have emergency flares or reflective triangles on hand in case of a roadside emergency. These items are essential for alerting other drivers to your presence on the side of the road, especially in low visibility conditions. By having emergency flares or reflective triangles in your car emergency kit, you can stay safe and visible while waiting for assistance.
First Aid Essentials
When it comes to staying prepared for emergencies on the road, first aid supplies are a must-have in your car emergency kit. In the event of an accident or injury, having the right supplies can make a significant difference in providing immediate care. One essential item to include in your kit is a well-stocked first aid kit containing bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Additionally, it’s crucial to have items like gloves, scissors, and tweezers to handle injuries safely and effectively. Being equipped with first aid essentials can help you respond quickly and effectively to unexpected situations while on the road.
Water and Non-Perishable Snacks
Now, let’s move on to ensuring you have enough Water and Non-Perishable Snacks in your emergency kit. Staying hydrated and fueled is crucial during unexpected situations on the road. Having bottles of water and non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit can provide you with the energy and sustenance you need while waiting for help or during a long delay. Remember to check and rotate these items periodically to ensure freshness and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Having a well-stocked car emergency kit can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major crisis on the road. By including first aid essentials, emergency blankets, tools, and supplies like jumper cables and emergency flares, you can be prepared for any situation that comes your way. Remember to pack water, snacks, and emergency contact information to ensure you are ready for anything. Don’t wait until it’s too late – assemble your kit today and stay safe on the road. As the saying goes, “It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”
When it comes to traveling with your family, you can never be too careful. By packing an emergency roadside kit before you leave, you are insuring that you and your family will be prepared in case of an unexpected incident on the road. And if you don’t have time to collect all of these items on your own, pre-packed emergency roadside kits can also be found online. Here is a good one through my affiliate Amazon link.
Just make sure your Roadside Emergency Kit has the basic items listed above. Do you have one in your car? Are you going to build your own car emergency kit now? Would you suggest any additional items for a DIY Car Emergency Kit?
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Sara says
Great post. I recently found myself lost in the middle of the night without cell service. That also meant my gps wasn’t working. It took me two hours to find my way home. It was pretty scary as I didn’t know anything about the area or where it would be safe for a woman alone to stop. I would have given anything for a paper map! Technology is awesome, but you are right on that having emergency preparedness supplies is extremely important!