What Does A Car Emergency Kit Include? While many people agree that having an adequate car emergency kit is important, there are several different kits with varying levels of quality and effectiveness. Some say that buying certain items in a kit is too expensive, while others believe they are not necessary because everything you need to survive any sort of vehicle accident can be picked up at any large grocery store or mall.
It is very difficult to tell which types of kits work best until you have one yourself, so it is worth your time to do some research and test out what works for you. Luckily, we have done the hard work for you!
We have compiled a list of the most essential components of a car emergency kit here for you to check out. Make sure to take note of this before investing in such a kit.
What Should Be on Your Car Emergency Kit List?
A car emergency kit should include items like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, flares, a reflective vest, a tow rope, a cell phone charger, and a road map. It may seem excessive, but it will save you from having to run around town looking for all those things if you ever find yourself stranded.
Jumper Cables
The most common type of jumper cables used today is called “tongue-and-groove” cables. They consist of two parallel metal strips connected by a plastic insulator. Tongue-and-grooved cables are designed to connect together any car battery (or alternator) and another vehicle battery (or alternator). If you don’t know what kind of cable you have, look at it closely. It should have a groove down one side and a tongue along the other.
Nonperishable food
The best way to keep non-perishables like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, beans, grains, and pasta fresh is to freeze them. They will last longer if they’re frozen individually rather than packed into containers together. If you want to preserve some nutrients, you can soak dry foods overnight before freezing.
Manual brake
A manual break is one of the most important components in an emergency car kit. This can be described as a tool to help you get out of your vehicle if it breaks down in bad weather or somewhere there are no facilities nearby.
You do not need special training to use a manual brake, but it is very helpful to know how to operate one before putting one into practice. Some people refer to this as a “handy brake” because it does not require electricity to function. Only needed tools for a manual brake are a handle, a lever, and a foot pedal.
The handle can be used to apply pressure to the brakes while the lever is pressed back to activate them. The more advanced version of the manual brake has two levers that must be squeezed together in order to fully activate the brakes. There is also a foot pedal attached to the brake which when pushed down activates the braking system.
Some cars have automatic brakes that utilize hydraulic fluid instead of steel cables, so this item is not necessary for all vehicles.
Utility knife
A very important item in an emergency kit is a utility knife. This should be at least 3-4 inches long, with plastic sheaths to protect the blade.
The utility knife should have a locking mechanism that can’t be removed unless you know how to use it. Some examples of uses for this are opening cans or boxes, cutting through material like duct tape, and even creating tools out of wood or other materials.
In addition to these practical applications, the way to use a utility knife as a weapon is by drawing the dagger back all the way up until there is just enough tension to cut yourself. Then push forward forcefully so it stabs instead of slicing.
Your dental mask will work better if you can easily get your mouth open wide.
Plastic bags
Another item that can be included in your car emergency kit is plastic baggies. These are very helpful when having to pull up alongside of a vehicle and check why it has broken down or if there’s a need to store fluid, blood, or any other type of material.
Having some plastic zip-lock baggies in your car emergency kit will help you do that quickly and properly.
These kinds of bags also aid in keeping the air dry while transporting fluids, which helps prevent contamination or water damage to surrounding areas. It also aids in preserving the contents until you get home where you can perform proper chemical analysis.
Making sure to have an adequate supply of these plastic ziplock bag types of items is another way to make sure your car emergency kit is full.
Peanut butter
A lot of people forget about peanut butter in their car emergency kit. While it may not be glamorous, it is important to have a small amount in the bag or container you keep in your vehicle.
Peanut butter can help get you through some tough times including when you are stranded due to a disaster or lack of food and resources. It’s also cost-effective if you buy large quantities as it will last quite a while!
You don’t need much either – one jar has enough for several hours of eating.
Duct tape
Staying in control of your vehicle is one of the most important things you can do if there’s an accident. Unfortunately, when accidents happen it sometimes goes out through the car window or someone gets hit by another driver. If this happens, their body may get stuck under the car or the other vehicle!
Duct taping is a great tool to have in your emergency kit because it works as a strong adhesive. You can use it for all sorts of things like holding together pieces of equipment, keeping items closed, and even helping restore blood flow to a wounded area.
It is also very versatile so you don’t need special training to use it.
Plastic ties
One of the most important things to have in your car emergency kit is plastic ties! These are very versatile, you can use them as shoelaces, belt loops, or even for tying doors closed!
Some great brands include these at around $0.50–$1 per pack of 10. They’re easy to grab from anywhere so they’re not too expensive if you have already purchased some.
These are perfect to keep in your vehicle as you do not need much space to store these.
Always Be Prepared For An Emergency On The Road
We’ve all been there before. You’re driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly you find yourself in the middle of an emergency. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or even a minor accident, being prepared for an emergency on the road can mean the difference between a stressful situation and a relatively easy one.
Here are a few tips to help you be prepared for an emergency on the road:
1. Keep an emergency kit in your car. This should include things like a spare tire, a jack, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and some basic tools.
2. Know how to change a tire. This is one of the most common emergencies on the road, so it’s important to know how to change a tire. If you don’t know how there are plenty of resources available to help you learn.
3. Be familiar with your car’s manual. Knowing how to troubleshoot basic problems with your car can save you a lot of time and stress in an emergency situation.
4. Have a plan for who to call in an emergency. Whether it’s a tow truck, a friend, or a roadside assistance service, having a plan for who to call in an emergency can help you get the help you need quickly.
5. Stay calm. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s important to remember in an emergency situation. Keeping a level head will help you think more clearly and make better decisions.
Following these tips can help you be prepared for an emergency on the road. Remember, being prepared is always the best course of action.