Breakdowns, flat tires, extreme weather—you name it, it could happen. Most people have had an accident without proper equipment to even make minor repairs on their vehicles – or themselves.
Don't fall victim in an emergency situation due to a lack of preparedness – learn how to make your own emergency car kit.
Survival DIY Emergency Car Kit
An emergency car kit is something that every vehicle should have, along with a well-equipped first-aid kit for any minor injuries you may sustain.
If you travel any great distance by car, packing an emergency kit may make the difference between getting back on the road soon or being stuck where you are for some time.
In this article, we’ll go over all the things needed for your emergency car kit which will include a first aid kit. Let’s get started!
In the case of changing a tire:
Aside from your vehicle emergency kit, ALWAYS carry the necessary equipment for changing a tire – a working jack, an inflated spare tire, a lug nut wrench or tire iron, and a pipe for leverage.
These items should always be stored in their designated place in your car's trunk or hatchback.
Recommended items for your vehicle emergency kit:
You can customize your own vehicle emergency kit but, here are my recommendations.
- Roadside flares
- Work gloves or latex gloves
- Two quarts of oil
- Jumper cables
- One gallon of antifreeze
- Brake fluid
- Extra fuses
- A blanket
- A flashlight with fresh batteries
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A flat head screwdriver
- Vice grips
- An adjustable wrench
- A pair of pliers
- A tire inflator
- A tire pressure gauge
- Some rags and a funnel
- A roll of duct tape
- A roll of paper towels
- A spray bottle with washer fluid
- An ice scraper
- An AAA or roadside emergency card
- Triangle reflectors and flares
- A pocketknife or multi-tool
- Compass
- Road maps
- Bottled water
- Granola or energy bars
Some of these items can be stored in your glove compartment, such as your multi-tool, screwdrivers, etc. For additional storage, a plastic container can be used. My advice is to keep the plastic container as small as possible – just big enough to hold all of your items.
Another good idea is to have a list of emergency numbers: next of kin, physician, etc. Also, a list of any allergies you may have in the case of any medical responders arriving on the scene.
In the unfortunate case of you being alone (and unconscious) the emergency responders will find this information extremely helpful. This information can be kept in the glove compartment and/or your wallet.
First Aid Kit:
Here are my recommendations:
- Adhesive bandages of all sizes
- Gauze pads
- Gauze tape
- Antibiotic cream
- Alcohol pads/wipes
- Cold pack
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Any prescription medications you take
- OTC pain and/or allergy relief medications
Precautions when traveling:
In addition to preparing your emergency kit and knowing how to use every item in it, consider the following common-sense guidelines to protect yourself and your family when you are on the road.
- Try to move your car completely off the road before taking any emergency measures.
- Do not stand near the edge of the highway while you are checking your vehicle.
- At night, turn on your flashers to signal that you need help.
- In daylight, raise the hood and tie a white cloth on the antenna or door handle of your car.
- Set out flares if you have them.
- If you have to repair your car at night, wear a fluorescent safety vest.
- While waiting for help to arrive, stay inside your car with the windows up and the doors locked.
- Do not accept a ride to any destination from a passing motorist.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the items in your vehicle's emergency kit
Before you actually find yourself in an emergency situation, take time to become familiar with the items you've collected and how to use them correctly, because simply having them in your possession is not enough. After all, it is easy to become flustered when the unexpected happens.
And finally, always remember that the most important item at your disposal is your own good, clear judgment.
What do you keep in your emergency car kit? Tell us in the comment section below. Safe travels, everyone!
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Are you in need of some emergency survival kit supplies? Check out these options!
- This all-inclusive first aid kit is a must for your emergency car kit!
- Stay visible in an emergency situation with these Magnatek LED Flashing Roadside Emergency Beacon Flares
- Be prepared for anything the road throws at you with this 90 Piece Roadside Emergency Car and Truck Kit
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 07, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
