By Having the right supplies in your car in case of an emergency can make a stressful situation much easier to deal with. From a flat tire to an engine that will not start, being prepared with some basic tools and equipment can get you back on the road faster.
Tools For Minor Repairs
Having basic tools like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and a hammer can allow you to take care of small repairs yourself until you can get professional help. Things like loose battery cables, hoses, and belts can often be temporarily fixed with the right tools in an emergency. Also useful are flashlights, duct tape, electrical tape, zip ties, and a multi-tool or pocketknife. These supplies do not take up much space but enable you to take care of a lot of minor issues.
Equipment For Flat Tires
A common roadside emergency that can strand your vehicle is a flat tire. Have equipment on hand so you can remove the flat tire and put on your spare without waiting for assistance. This includes a jack suitable for your vehicle, a lug wrench, and a spare tire in good condition with the right air pressure.
Fluids To Get Your Engine Running
Having the right fluids on hand can allow you to get your engine running again if it won’t start. Oil and transmission fluid can top up low levels that could prevent your engine from starting. An emergency gas can allow you to refuel if you have run out of gas. Washer fluid can clear debris obstructing sensors or cameras if you get a warning light about them. Coolant and power steering fluid complete the package. Just having the right fluid can resolve engine start issues without a tow.
Boost Starts with a Booster Pack
A booster pack is a self-contained battery designed to provide a boost start for a vehicle with a dead battery. Unlike jumper cables that require another running vehicle, a booster pack has its own power source to provide an emergency start. They range from ones designed just for small engines to high-capacity lithium-ion booster packs that can start larger vehicles multiple times before needing a recharge. The experts at Clore Automotive advise that having one at the ready means you don’t have to find another vehicle to jump start you.
First Aid Supplies
Besides repair items, every emergency road kit should have some first aid supplies. Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, and medicines provide basic treatment if someone is injured. Road flares, emergency blankets, and clean water are also useful for health protection and signaling for help if stranded by vehicle trouble.
Emergency Communication Devices
Having a way to call for help if your vehicle breaks down is critical. A cell phone is the most common solution, but reception is not guaranteed, and batteries can die. Backup options include flares or triangles to signal passing motorists, as well as a satellite communicator, personal locator beacon, or CB radio. Having options in how you can communicate with emergency services or other people gives assurance you will not be left isolated without aid.
Conclusion
Having the right emergency equipment in your vehicle allows you to manage common issues yourself until professional repairs can be arranged. It also gives peace of mind that even serious failures like not being able to start your engine can potentially be temporarily resolved. The small amount of space supplies like tools, fluids, and a booster pack take up is well worth avoiding being stranded somewhere waiting for assistance. Your emergency road kit can give you and your passengers safety, security, and self-reliance.
