5 Things You Should Always Have in Your Car Emergency Kit

You never know when bad weather might hit, a tire might go flat, or other problems will occur. In the event you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, you want to be prepared. Here are 5 things you should always have in your car in case of an emergency. 

Emergencies 

An emergency is something that happens suddenly without warning, and puts you in a serious or dangerous situation. Though we don’t know if or when they’ll happen, taking the time to prepare now could be lifesaving in the future. 

The first step when developing an emergency response plan is to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential emergency scenarios, according to Ready.gov. Thinking ahead of scenarios that could happen will help you better determine what to keep your car’s emergency kit. While we’re providing suggestions below, it’s important to note that someone who lives in the mountains might need different items in their kits than someone who lives on the coast. 

If you’re planning on taking a trip of town in your car, it’s also important to plan ahead so you will know what the weather and road conditions are like where you’re going. In case you’re stranded, you’ll need to have appropriate items in your car to keep you safe and stable until help arrives. 

5 Things You Should Always Have in Your Car Emergency Kit 

If you find yourself stranded on the highway or in the middle of nowhere, having these items on hand could help your situation turn out better than if you don’t. 

1. Car Maintenance Supplies

If you’re going to be traveling in an area you’re unfamiliar with, be sure you have extra car supplies readily available. This includes having jumper cables, an extra gas can, flat tire repair kit, a spare, and a small tool kit. Having these items in your car when you embark on a new journey can save you a headache if a problem arises. 

2. Phone Charger

We never leave home without our cell phones, do we? However, sometimes we can forget a spare charger. If you don’t already keep a spare phone charger in your car, you should consider adding that now. Having this readily available to use will help keep your phone charged before you find yourself in an emergency situation. You can’t call for help if your phone has no battery left. 

3. Water and First Aid

We recommend always having bottled water in your car before you go somewhere. Make sure you pack enough for every passenger in your car, just in case something happens. Additionally, you can also use this water to:

• Wash your hands
• Clean up injuries
• Cool an overheated engine 

So, be sure you have plenty of water on hand! Further, keeping a small first aid kit will help clean up any cuts and minor bleeding that might occur. 

4. Map

Whether your phone runs out of battery or you get stuck in an area with no signal, it’s nice to have an old-fashioned paper map in your car at all times. Though most of us rely on our phones to get us from point A to point B these days, you’ll want to have a map to get to your destination safely in case you don’t have access to cell service or power. 

5. Seasonal supplies

This is why it’s important to research where you’re traveling to, so you know just what to pack. If it’s rainy the time of year you’re going, be sure to pack rain gear. Icy? Have an ice scraper and blanket handy. Do your research, then pack your kit accordingly.  

Bonus tip: Have a car emergency fund 

We don’t know when car emergencies are going to happen. In the event you have an unexpected situation with your car, you’ll be glad if you had an emergency fund specifically dedicated to car maintenance and issues. To better help your future self in case of a car mishap, save up now! 

Call Scott’s Auto

If you’re about to head off on a road trip, or if it has just been a while since your car has had a checkup, call Scott’s Auto. One of the best things you can do to try and prevent emergencies is making sure your car is well-equipped for the road. With two convenient locations, we’re here for you. Call today for an appointment (or just stop on by!)

Fort Collins – (970)-682-4204 

Loveland – (970)-541-4404