Why do you need a car emergency kit during a road trip?
A roadside emergency kit is essential for anyone planning a road trip. Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment decision or a well-thought-out trip, a car emergency kit is essential for a road trip. Mainly, if you are traveling alone or with small children in dead zones without cell coverage, you may not be able to call emergency roadside assistance. While taking your car to a certified mechanic is always the best option, sometimes it’s not practical. For that reason, it’s important to always store your gear inside the trunk of your car. The contents of your survival bag will become your last line of defense against death. A momentary lapse in judgment, an animal on the road, or a severe storm can result in your loss of control. As a result, you may have to fend for yourself.
Minimum requirements for your emergency car kit
- A roadside emergency kit should have at least the following:
- a Pad/Pencil – to write down information in case of an accident;
- a can of fix-a-flat – to inflate and repair your tire and get you back on the road;
- emergency food and water, in case you have to camp in your car;
- duct tape – to temporarily rejoin broken pieces or seal gaps and cracks from poisonous gases;
- flashlight – to fix your tire or reattach a cable at night;
- jumper cables – to get you back on track; and
- a shovel for digging in snow or mud.
These emergency tools for your car are essential for road trips and you should take them with you every time you leave the house.
Remember, an emergency roadside kit will need enough emergency supplies and survival gear for all passengers in the vehicle. This can include extra survival food, survival tools, and survival medical supplies.
Simple vehicle controls can also save your life.
An emergency car kit is great for responding to emergencies; however, you cannot look under the hood. You may also want to do a simple inspection of your vehicle before departure. This extra step can save you hundreds of dollars on tow truck and vehicle repairs. For example, check the condition of your drive belt; check for fluid leaks; check and refill all liquids; check all exterior lights and check your tire pressure. These simple steps, along with a well-constructed roadside emergency kit, will give you the peace of mind you deserve while on the road.
Never hit the road without at least covering the basics of emergency preparedness. Take an emergency car kit with you and do some simple checks. It can save you hundreds of dollars and potentially your life.