If you have had your license for a while, you know that anything can happen. You can break down anywhere at any moment. And usually it’s usually out in the middle of nowhere. If you are lucky your cell phone will work, you have a membership with an auto club, or you have OnStar. As for the the unlucky ones, you will either have to hail a passing car or spend the night where your car broke down.
To make sure that you are prepared for all situations, keep a roadside emergency car kit in your car at all time. It can mean the difference between getting back on the road or being stuck for a long time waiting on help or rescue. Some of the basic items include:
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At least two roadside flares
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A quart of oil
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Small first aid kit
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Extra fuses,
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Flashlight,
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A multipurpose tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl
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Tire inflator
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Rags
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Pocket knife
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Pen and paper
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A help sign
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Emergency blanket.
This will all take up minimal room in your trunk if you have a smaller car or little trunk space. But if you have a large SUV or full sized truck that can haul more stuff, here are some other items that might come in handy:
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12-foot jumper cables
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Two quarts of oil
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Gallon of antifreeze
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First aid kit (including an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors and aspirin)
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Flat head screwdrivers
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Phillips head screwdrivers
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Pliers
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Vise Grips
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Adjustable wrench
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Tire pressure gauge
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Rags
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Roll of paper towels
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Roll of duct tape
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Spray bottle with washer fluid
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Ice scraper
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Granola or energy bars
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Bottled water
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And heavy-duty nylon bag to carry it all in.
There are a few companies that offer pre-assembled emergency roadside kits. While these kits contain the basics items in a small convenient carrier, you might want to a supplement yours with a few of the items listed above to suit your needs.
Before you actually use your kit in an emergency situation, take some time to familiarize yourself with the items you've collected and learn how to use them properly. Unfortunately, there isn't one tool for all your roadside emergencies, but with a little planning and a little trunk space, an emergency roadside kit can save the day.
