Primary emergency kit items
As anyone who has ever broken down on the interstate — or even worse, on a rural backroad — knows, there are few situations remotely as helpless and frustrating. Virtually all vehicles come with a basic car jack and spare tire, however, there are countless situations where these necessities are exceedingly useless.
There are plenty of tried-and-true tools to have at your disposal when you break down, and even a few lesser-known gadgets and tricks. With these helpful utilities, you’ll be able to stay cool under pressure, even if you are a little overheated under the hood. Here are 12 essentials to pack in your car’s emergency kit.
Primary emergency kit items
Flashlight (with extra batteries)
A flashlight is one of the most important items in any emergency kit. Whether you’re changing a tire roadside or simply trying to flag down help, a little light can go a long way in an emergency. Pack extra batteries, though, just in case the ones inside of your flashlight have been drained.
Reflectors
One of the most dangerous aspects of being stuck on the side of the highway is the risk of collision with passing vehicles. Placing reflectors at successive distances behind your vehicle will help warn other drivers and create a buffer between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
First aid kit
If you’re involved in a minor collision, having a first aid kit at your disposal is crucial. Be it a car accident or a misstep on the trailhead, gauze, bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers are all handy items to have around during an accident.
Fire extinguisher
When dealing with combustibles such as gasoline, it’s probably a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy. After a car crash, a small fire can escalate into a much bigger problem in no time.
Jumper cables
Out of all the items you can pack in an emergency kit, jumper cables and a flashlight will probably be the tools you use most often. After all, we humans can be scatterbrained at times, and we will inevitably leave a dome light on or park our car with the door ajar at some point in time. A dead battery is less of a headache with a pair of jumper cables in the trunk.
Ponchos
Breaking down is bad enough, but having to change a tire roadside in the rain is even more frustrating. While a basic poncho probably won’t save your life during an emergency, it will certainly make your life easier if you need to walk a small stretch in the rain to find help.
