There are 2 kinds of people. People that make emergency preparation a lifestyle, and people who have accidents frequently, but they somehow manage to NEVER be prepared for them. I am very clearly the sort of person who frequently ends up in accidents and is always shocked that it’s happened. Car battery dies, no way to jump start my car. Tire goes flat, has the spare tire but doesn’t have the car jack or wrench to actually replace the tire. That sort of thing. You’d think that I’d have learned by now. My grandma has even called me “reckless”, which honestly hurt. I ALWAYS have emergency food supplies, so like… my priorities are straight here. BUT, to ease her mind I have decided to get together an emergency kit for my car because… well, it needs to happen.
Just because your car appears in good shape, there’s no guarantee problems won’t arise. You never know when something’s going to happen to your car no matter how well you maintain it.
Here are the must-have items that should be part of every car emergency kit:
1. Charged cell phone and a car charger so that your phone is fully charged every time you’re on the road.
2. First-aid kit. Aside from the obvious items like band-aids, you should also have adhesive tape, gauze pads, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream or ointment, and any particular medications or items you or your family may need like an EpiPen.
3. Fire Extinguisher. It should be rated for Class B and Class C fires by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA. Class B fires are those that involve flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene. Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as switches, panel boxes, and batteries.
4. Three reflective warning triangles. While many prepackaged emergency kits contain one warning triangle, having multiples is preferred.
5. Tire gauge
6. Foam tire sealant as a quick and relatively inexpensive way to repair a flat.
7. Car Jack and wrench if the tire blows out and can’t be fixed.
8. Jumper cables
9. Flashlight (waterproof) and extra batteries
10. Gloves
11. Rags
12. Duct tape
13. Tow strap or tow rope capable of towing at least 6,000 lbs.
14. Multipurpose utility tool
15. Rain poncho
16. Drinking water
17. Nonperishable snacks
18. Warm blanket.
19. Snow shovel.
20. Cat litter. It works as well as sand beneath the tires for traction and weighs less.
21. Windshield ice scraper
I recommend keeping these items in a large Tupperware bin. It’s easier to keep everything organized and you’ll know exactly where everything is when you need it. One of the best ways to prevent an issue with your vehicle is to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance, so be sure to stop by Harchelroad Motors of Imperial and Wauneta for service today. In the event you do end up in an emergency situation in which your vehicle is broken down, have your vehicle towed to Harchelroad Motors of Imperial and Wauneta and we’ll be glad to get your vehicle sorted out.
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