7 Items You Need to Add to Your Car Emergency Kit
No one wants to think about experiencing difficulties on the roadway, as it’s a significant inconvenience, and all the towing and mechanic fees alone can drain a wallet. But everyone experiences car trouble at one point in life, so it is best to prepare sooner rather than later.
Here are seven must-have items you will want to have on hand if you run into trouble on the roadway.
1. Jumper Cables
Right at number one is jumper cables. You would be surprised by the number of people who drive around without a pair in their car—assuming their car will never die or someone around will have jumper cables to borrow.
It’s best to take proactive steps and buy a pair to keep in your car emergency kit. You can find jumper cables at many retailers at a relatively low price.
2. Windshield Breaker & Seatbelt Cutter
In the event of an accident, especially involving a body of water, you will need a windshield breaker & seatbelt cutter. This 2-in-1 tool will allow you to exit your vehicle promptly so that you can get to safety.
This tool is a lot like insurance; you get it to protect you in case of an accident but hope you never have to use it.
3. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is convenient to have in the center console or trunk of a car. If a driver or passenger needs headache medicine or a bandaid, they can assist themselves quickly. It not only saves time but prevents the driver from having to stop at a convenience store each time there is a small medical emergency.
4. Blanket
Texas winters can be unpredictable—one second, it’s 90 degrees and sunny, and the next, it is 40 degrees with clouds. You never know what the weather is like, and you can’t predict when your car will decide to break down. If your car breaks down, have a blanket packed in your truck to keep you warm until help arrives.
5. Road Map
Going on road trips requires a GPS unless the driver is familiar with the area. While relying on a navigation system is acceptable, it will only sometimes be there to help you. Driving in the mountains or through the countryside means the likelihood of losing cell service is exceptionally high. Plan to keep a road map in your glove box in case of an emergency like this.
6. Food & Water
If a car breaks down, it is best to have food and water to snack on until help arrives. Sometimes assistance can take hours, especially if road conditions are not ideal.
Items such as bottled water, dried fruit, jerky, and nuts should hold you over for a while. These items will also last a while in your car before needing to be replaced.
Tool Kit
A car emergency kit would not be complete without a few tools. You never know what is going to go wrong. It is better to be over-prepared than not to have the right equipment to fix the problem. Be sure to have sockets, screwdrivers, and a pocket knife stored in your trunk. They will come in handy when tightening parts or cutting unwanted materials.
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