It’s one of your worst fears…being stranded with car trouble. A flat tire, an empty gas tank, slippery ice patch, the unexpected deer in the road, are all events that happen daily. Even the best-maintained car cannot always prevent the unforeseen stop on the side of the road. There could be any number of car troubles that leave you broken down and in need of help. Being prepared with a roadside emergency car kit can come in handy and make the difference between getting back on the road or being deserted for hours.
Cell Phone Charger & Portable Battery
It is worth the investment for the extra cell phone cable and charger. A portable battery will assist when your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. A fully charged phone is essential to making that call for roadside assistance.
Flares & Lighting
Flares or reflective triangles are essential to your safety as you wait or repair your car on the side of the road. Ideally, you should have 3 triangles and space them 50 feet apart to warn drivers. These flares will not only warn oncoming traffic of your presence, but also of a potentially dangerous stretch of road. A flashlight is also beneficial to keep in your car to assist with any necessary repairs especially in the dark.
Jumper Cables
These are essential when your car battery dies and you need to revive its life. These could also be a lifeline to someone else in need. However, all jumper cables are not created equal and you should spend some time researching what is right for your car. There are a few basics to keep in mind when stocking your car with jumper cables such as width and gauge, length of cable, clamps, and condition of the cables.
Gallon of Water & Snacks
Keep a gallon of filtered water in your car to ensure you can keep yourself and your car hydrated. Water cannot only help you stay focused, but can be useful if your car overheats. The same holds true for a few non-perishable snacks such as nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit. A snack could make your unexpected stop much more enjoyable for yourself and your passengers.
Basic First Aid Kit
Bandages, alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment, and basic medicines can assist in a variety of situations from your basic headache to bandaging the cut on your hand from changing a tire.
The promise of roadside assistance can leave us with a false sense of security and lack of preparedness. Be smart, think ahead, and create your emergency roadside kit!
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