How to make a car emergency kit
When things happen – and they sometimes do – it's best to be prepared. Every driver should have a pre-prepared car emergency kit stored somewhere in their vehicle. This kit can be invaluable if you have to leave the road unexpectedly due to a mechanical failure and are far from home, or if your car won't start in winter and you're in unfamiliar territory.
Car insurance can help you bounce back financially from insurable losses, but you'll still want a way to ensure you remain secure if something unexpected happens. Take care of yourself first – you can always file a claim as soon as you're safely able to do so.
Panda7 supports you. Here's our guide to creating your own car emergency kit.
Scenarios where a car emergency kit could prove useful
Although it largely depends on the season in which you are driving, the scenarios you could encounter are endless. These can include:
- A flat tire while driving
- Being stuck in ice and snow in winter, whether parked or on the road,
- A hit-and-run that leaves you stranded,
- A medical emergency where it is no longer safe to drive,
- Fleeing a disaster in your area requires you to pack your car for a safer destination.
- Mechanical breakdown
- Collision with wildlife,
- And even more.
An emergency car kit can prove useful in all these scenarios, whether it's simply to help you while waiting for emergency roadside assistance or supplies that can help you get back on the road.
Here's what you should include in your car emergency kit:
In certain situations, your car can be a sanctuary while you weather a roadside disaster. This is especially true if you are far from a densely populated area, unable to move your vehicle, or stuck in ice and snow. You could easily wait for hours before help arrives. A car emergency kit can be essential in these situations.
A basic car emergency kit should include the following items:
First aid kit
A first aid kit should be the first thing on your list. You should have a first aid kit at home, in your car, and in your workspace, whether at the office or at home. Your first aid kit should include gloves, gauze, medical tape, alcohol wipes, scissors, tweezers, barrier devices, instant cold packs, and adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
Road flares
If you experience an unexpected disaster in the early hours or at night, visibility can be a problem. For this reason, you should consider acquiring flares or other means of making yourself more easily visible on the road or its side. This can be particularly useful if you've been in an accident where your car has gone off the road or is stuck in a ditch.
Jumper cables
Jumper cables can be invaluable if you or someone else is unable to start their vehicle, especially during the colder months. They can mean the difference between being stranded for hours and being able to reach a safer location where you can more easily assess the condition of your vehicle.
Food and water
If you are stuck waiting for emergency help, in more vulnerable populations it could take hours! Make sure your car emergency kit contains non-perishable snacks and drinking water to help you relax and stay calm while you wait for assistance.
Blanket and clothing
If your car has mechanical problems or has broken down on the side of the road in winter, you may want to pack extra clothing and blankets in your kit to keep you warm while you wait for help.
Snow scraper or broom
This can be essential if you are staying on the side of the road or if you have poor visibility due to snowstorms and snow squalls.
Flashlight and batteries
If it is dark, whether early morning or evening, you may need a flashlight to assess mechanical errors in your vehicle or simply to move around more easily without slipping on dangerous ice or tripping.
Tool kit
A tool kit can be an excellent item to keep in your emergency kit, as it can equip you to fix minor mechanical issues and help you reach a safer destination. You might want to include a tire gauge, sand or salt, and antifreeze windshield washer fluid in this tool kit, along with basic car tools.
Once you arrive at a safer destination
Once you're out of your predicament and in a much safer location, it might be time to call your insurance company and inform them of the incident! If you need to file a claim, now is the time to discuss the damages or injuries that occurred and provide details of the incident. The more information you have, the better, and the faster you can get your settlement.