A Practical Car Emergency Kit

The key to good personal security is being prepared ahead of time for the challenges and emergencies that life may bring. In order to prepare well, we need both the skills and tools to meet those challenges head on. I’ve written previously about putting together an Everyday Carry Kit, which is a easy and simple way to carry some basic equipment to get you out of minor jams. With how much time we all spend traveling in cars, we can level up that basic everyday carry into a more significant kit for more significant challenges – a car emergency kit.

You should consider putting together a car kit so that you can address any problems that come your way while on the road – whether it’s with the functionality of the car itself or your personal safety and well being. Not only will you be able to help yourself, you’ll be prepared to help others in your community – something that should be important to anyone who takes security seriously.

Two focus areas for a car emergency kit

There are two primary areas of consideration when putting together a car emergency kit. You need to focus on both the car and the people. A good car emergency kit will provide the tools and equipment to not only keep your car on the road, but also make the trip enjoyable and stress free for the people traveling with you. It can even provide support to other motorists on your journey.

Focus one: The car

First, let’s take a look at what you might need to keep your car functioning smoothly and getting you to your destination with minimal stress or worry.

A full tank of gas. It seems simple, but always keeping your gas tank at least half full will reduce those inconvenient gas station stops when you’d rather be on your way to an appointment. It also keeps you prepared for an unexpected trip as well. I have had, on more than one occasion, to make an unexpected trip to the hospital or emergency room in the middle of the night. Read more about this HERE. Whenever you see you fuel gauge start approaching the halfway line, start looking to make a gas station stop then.

A spare tire. Again, a straight forward suggestion. However, I still hear stories of people who had a flat tire and either did not have a spare one in the car or the spare tire they had was flat. This will quickly ruin any plans – especially on an empty road after dark. Make sure you have a spare tire in your vehicle. Make sure it is in good condition (check the air every six months). Bonus points if you practice removing the tire and changing it before the need arises! You don’t want to discover rust or a missing piece for the jack when you have to change the tire in a real situation.

Jumper cables. An essential for any car emergency kit. These will come in handy for both you and others. If you need a refresher, check out this great illustrated guide from The Art of Manliness.

A tool kit:

A fire extinguisher. A few years ago I was sitting at a traffic light in Michigan, in the middle of winter, when I saw another car’s engine smoking. As I was watching it quickly became a visible fire and an emergency situation. A man in a truck behind this car immediately jumped out with a fire extinguisher and put the fire out before the first driver could even get out of the car. It was amazing. I’ve never had to use the extinguisher in my car, and I hope never to need to, but whenever I doubt the need for it I think about that hero in Michigan.

Winter gear. If you live in a climate that receives snow and ice, consider building an additional kit to throw in your vehicle during the winter months. This should include an additional blanket, gloves, road salt, ice scraper, and some spare boards to help drive of a snow drift.

Focus two: The people

Second, it’s important to think about what you and your passengers may need while traveling in your vehicle. These items can also double as a way to help out other motorists you may want to help. While safety is still the primary focus, this category also adds comfort as well.

A first aid and/or trauma kit. A first aid kit should always be kept in your car. A few band-aids, some antibacterial ointment, and a few other simple items are an easy way to take care of those little bumps and bruises that happen while out at the park or on a family road trip. I also highly recommend keeping a trauma kit in your vehicle and getting the training needed to use it. Read more about first aid and trauma kits HERE.

Road trip supplies. This is highly customizable based on your personal needs and interests. I recommend the following items; most of which I keep in the car at all times, not just for big road trips:

A water bottle. You probably shouldn’t leave this in car all the time (something about the chemicals and microplastics leaking out during high temperatures). However, I’ve lost count of the number of times our family was heading out somewhere and one of the kids says “I’m thirsty!” Just buy a stock of small plastic water bottles, keep them in the garage, and toss one in the car whenever you head out. You’ll save yourself a headache. Trust me.

This is your car kit

Hopefully the guide above will get you started on building your own kit. There are a few links above you can follow to buy some of these items quick and easy on Amazon – so no procrastinating! But remember, this is your kit. Make it personal! If you’ve got babies or toddlers, keep a few simple toys in the car. If you’re retired and/or like to be spontaneous, keep a fishing pole and tackle box in the trunk. Your car kit can be both functional and fun.

Take some time this week and go through your garage and vehicle. Chances are you have most of this stuff around already. Make it a priority to gather it together, verify its condition, and throw it all together in a strong bag or plastic bin in the trunk. Or, if nothing else, buy a ready made kit like this one and toss it in the back seat. It doesn’t take a lot of effort on the front end now, and can save you time, money, and stress in the future.

Read More:

• When you’re traveling with others, you should always Get in the Car Last.

• If you’re on the go, in a car or not, Always Carry a First Aid Kit.

• When planning a car trip, or just running errands around town, Add Buffers to your schedule.

• Every time you stop behind another vehicle, make sure you can See the Bottom of Their Tires.