Looking after your car and keeping it safe should be an absolute priority.
But often it’s just enough. No matter what you do, sometimes you can’t escape breaking down.
When this happens it’s so important to be prepared, meaning you should ALWAYS have an emergency kit stored in the trunk of your car. This kit will be your absolute lifeline in case of a breakdown, and will ensure that everyone in your car is kept safe until help arrives.
With that in mind, here are 7 things you should definitely be packing in your car’s emergency kit:
#1: Warm Clothes
If you break down during winter it’s incredibly important that you’re able to stay warm. Conditions can be severe in certain areas of the country and standing outside in the cold for hours is not good for your health. To help avoid this keep spare coats, hats, gloves and blankets in your car. Although you don’t have to provide spares for anyone else that travels in your car, it might be worth packing a few extras just in case.
#2: Non-Perishable Food And Bottles Of Water
Although roadside assistance promise they’ll be with you no later than two hours, this isn’t always the case. If you’re going to waiting at the side of a road for a long time any non-perishable food and drinks you can keep stored in your car will be a great help – especially if you’re travelling with kids or during extreme heat.
#3: A Flashlight With Extra Batteries
You never know when and where you’re going to break down so having a flashlight handy is important. Pack extra batteries just in case!
#4: A Portable Phone Charger
If you’re only popping out to run a quick errand or make a short journey, you may not think it’s important to charge your phone. If you then break down you may find that your battery isn’t going to last long enough to call roadside assistance and anyone else that may be able to help. Having a portable charger and a charge cable in your car will ensure you’re able to keep your phone battery topped up whilst you wait for help.
#5: A Handy Tool Kit
Although you may not be able to fix the issue with your car yourself, having a toolkit handy will mean you’ll be able to do everything you can before roadside assistance arrives. Don’t try to do anything too complicated, as it could end up being even more detrimental to the repair of your car.
If you’re unsure how to fix parts of your car after a breakdown, you can contact places like Radiators Salt Lake City.
#6: Jumper Cables
If you know how to jump-start a car and can get back on the road without calling assistance, keeping jumper cables in your car is the perfect way to avoid a long wait.
#7: A Small Foldable Shovel
You never know the conditions you’re going to break down in so having a small foldable shovel in your trunk could be the difference between getting yourself back on the road or having to call for help.
What do you have in your cars emergency kit? Let me know in the comment section below!
