Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, so it’s important to be prepared on the road. Knowing what to have in your car can make a big difference if you find yourself stranded or injured. Let’s look at some of the essentials that every driver should keep in their car just in case.
A Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench
Getting a flat tire is one of the most common emergencies drivers face on the road. Having a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench are essential for getting back on your way as soon as possible. Make sure you have all three components and that they’re in good condition—no one wants to be stuck late at night with a broken jack! Make sure you know how to change a tire too; many auto shops provide free classes, and there are many online resources if you want to brush up on your skills.
Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit is always a good idea regardless of whether you’re driving long distances or just around town. A good emergency kit will include things like jumper cables, flashlights, flares, water bottles and snacks, basic first-aid supplies, rain gear, blankets and sleeping bags, work gloves, and even duct tape for temporary repairs. You never know when an emergency may strike so having these items can make all the difference between being rescued quickly or being stuck out in the cold with no help coming any time soon.
An emergency kit is best stored in an easily accessible place in the car, such as the trunk or glove box. It should be kept organized and within reach so that you can quickly grab it if needed. Be sure to check your emergency kit regularly to ensure all supplies are present and in proper working order. Additionally, make sure to replenish any item that gets used or has expired. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference in an unexpected situation, so it’s important to keep it up-to-date and ready for use at any time
Tools and Supplies
In addition to an emergency kit there are several other tools that every driver should keep handy just in case they need them while they’re out on the road. Things like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and other basic tools can come in handy if something goes wrong with your car while you’re out driving—allowing you to fix small problems before they become bigger ones. Additionally it’s always a good idea to keep some extra fuel (in proper containers) as well as motor oil and windshield washer fluid so that you can top off your tank and fluids if needed without having to seek out help from somebody else.
Emergency Contacts
Having contact information for emergency services and roadside assistance readily available can be extremely helpful in the event of an accident, breakdown, or other unexpected incident. Having the number of your local police station, tow service provider, auto accident attorney, and other important contacts easily accessible can save you a lot of time and effort if you find yourself in a difficult spot that requires outside help. Make sure to keep contact information for your insurance company and auto repair shop as well in case you need to make a claim or have your car towed.
Cellphone and Charger
Last but not least, having a cellphone at the ready can be absolutely essential if you find yourself stranded or in need of help. Make sure your phone is charged and that you have some way to recharge it if needed, like a car charger or spare battery or power bank. Having contact information for emergency services stored in your contacts list can save time if you’re stranded and need to make a distress call quickly. Additionally keeping the numbers of family and friends stored can be useful if you need to let someone know that you’re safe, or ask for a ride in case of an emergency.
No one likes dealing with emergencies but being prepared makes them much easier to manage when they do occur. Keeping the items listed above (and more!) will ensure that you have everything necessary for dealing with potential emergencies while out driving. So take some time today to go through your car and make sure everything is up-to-date—it could end up saving your life someday!
