Going on a road trip for a few hours or days can be quite a lot of fun. However, things can arise while on your trip that you were least expecting. Whether by yourself or with your friends or family, you will want to have these items with you just in case.
It’s also a good idea to register with a local club (AAA) but if you do need to call them it may take some time for them to arrive. So, making sure you have what you need in an emergency is important.
Before packing your emergency and repair items, you will want to check a few basic items on your vehicle. Those include tire pressure, oil levels, wiper fluid, and of course, your gasoline levels.
Items needed in case of an emergency
- Road Flares
If you must stop on the side of the road, especially at night, you will want to be seen. Having road flares will keep you safe.
- Tire-pressure gauge
You may be alerted to having low tire pressure, or you may notice a wheel doesn’t look right. Having a tire pressure gauge at your fingertips will give you the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your PSI is for your car.
- Scissor jack
A scissor jack will lift the car if you need to change the tire.
- Lug wrench
A lug wrench is a type of socket wrench used to loosen and tighten lug nuts on automobile wheels.
- Tire inflator
Helps inflate the tire if it is low. You can purchase these in a small compact machine.
- Jumper cables
You can use jumper cables to jump your battery if your car dies; if you can get the aid of a helpful fellow motorist.
Emergency Kit
- Duct tape- This is great for all kinds of purposes
- Headlamp- If you need to work on your car and use your hands in low light or night conditions. Consider purchasing a solar- and/or hand-crank-powered flashlight so you don’t have to worry about dead batteries.
- Work gloves- To protect your hands.
- Fire extinguisher– In case there is a fire
- Bag– For trash or other needs
- Surface wipes- For wiping down surfaces
- Baby wipes- for soft cleansing
- First aid kit- In case someone gets injured or there is a need for an ice pack or band-aid, or ointment for an insect bite.
- Multi-tool – Wide variety of uses
- Escape tool – In case you get trapped in the car and need to break a window.
- Mylar blanket- for warmth in case you need to keep warm, and you don’t have a regular blanket or coat. Reflective emergency blankets take up minimal space and can be used for shade in summer and warmth in winter.
- Food and Water – Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, jerky, and dried fruit. If you are taking an extended trip, plan to have at least one gallon of water per person.
- Cell phone charger – To keep power on your phone
Winter Emergency Car Kit
In the winter, you’ll need to add a few more items to your kit to help in cold or snowy weather.
- Bag of Kitty Litter – You can pour this under your tire to get traction in the snow or ice
- Compact Metal Shovel
- Blankets
- Hats, Gloves, and Socks
- Ice Scraper/Snow Brush
