Must-Have Items to Keep in Your Car for Emergency Roadside Repairs
Despite all the efforts you put in to keep your car in a running condition, sometimes accidents occur. If you’re not prepared, a flat, a dead battery, or even a minor mechanical problem can leave you stuck. Which is why it’s just as important to have a well-stocked emergency roadside repair kit in your car. Well-equipped and supplied, you can deal with a lot of it quickly, safely, and without stress. Here are a few essential things you should keep in your car.
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A Sturdy Tire Iron and Donut (Spare Tire)
Flat tires are much more frequent roadside problems, and traveling without the right tools can leave you stuck for hours. Make sure there is a properly inflated spare tire and a good tire iron in your car. A lug wrench provides an easy and safe way to help you change a tire. Invest in a cross-shaped or telescoping tire iron; these give you more leverage and make the job easier than the standard ones that come with many vehicles.
Car Jack
A good car jack is an indispensable essential for replacing a flat tire.” Most vehicles include a factory jack, though they can be clunky to operate. Hydraulic bottle jacks or scissor jacks are usually more stable. Practice at home before you’re ever in an emergency using your jack, so you know exactly how it works.
Cables, a Jumper, or a Portable Jump Box
A dead battery is not something most people think of until it happens, often because of cold winter conditions or because a dome light was left on overnight. Jumper cables are the old standby, but you need another car to help. A jump starter, however, makes you self-reliant because you don’t need another car to help get you back on the road. Most portable models also have a convenient USB port to charge your phone in a pinch.
Basic Tool Kit
You don’t have to be a mechanic, but carry a small tool kit so you can deal with the petty stuff. Add screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, duct tape, and a multi-tool. These are good to have on hand for tightening connections on batteries, for securing something loose, or for those “quick fixes” that you’ll need to get you to a repair shop.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
Cars tend not to be so troublesome during the day. A durable LED flashlight makes sure you can see clearly when checking under the hood or replacing a tire at night. Keep it with additional batteries or select a rechargeable flashlight that can be charged via your car’s USB port. A headlamp is another good choice, because it allows you to work with your hands free.
Roadside Safety Gear
No matter your emergency, your safety comes first with car trouble. Reflective warning triangles, flares, and a high-visibility vest ensure other drivers can see you, especially on a highway or in poor lighting conditions. This added visibility can prevent accidents when you are working on your car.
First Aid Kit
Not all emergencies are car-related: there are also suddenly ill passengers to consider. Throw a well-heeled first aid kit in the mix, complete with Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, gloves for stray glass, and a regular ‘ol pain reliever, and you’ve at least temporarily got yourself covered.
Emergency Supplies
It’s wise to keep a few rudimentary supplies in your car for use when car trouble leaves you in need of help. A bottle of water, a blanket, a charger, and some snacks that won’t spoil can make a big difference to your ongoing comfort and safety if your car becomes stranded.
Final Thoughts
How to stay prepared for roadside emergencies. Packing a cell phone isn’t enough to be prepared. Few items, however, are so frequently called into service as the trusty tire iron, which can be a valuable time, money, and stress-saver when the unexpected happens. Armed with those essentials stashed in your car, you’ll be prepared to tackle your journey no matter what bumps, literal or figurative, may lie in wait on the road ahead.
