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Did you know that a whopping 60% of people in the U.S. don’t know how to change a tire? And if we can’t change tires, we’re probably not prepared for other common car-related emergencies.
There are generally two types of vehicle-related emergencies: mechanical/recovery and emergency/survival. Emergencies don’t discriminate and can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. Make sure you’re prepared for the unknown and keep these must-have emergency supplies in your car.
Mechanical And Recovery Car Kit Items
Most car trouble falls under mechanical or accident-recovery issues. Most of these emergencies can be fixed or even avoided with proper preparation.
But the truth is that emergencies happen, even when you’ve done your due diligence and maintained your car. A broken windshield, engine trouble, flat tire, or even running out of gas could all leave you stranded without warning.
With a little bit of know-how, you can fix most mechanical or recovery emergencies on your own—that is, if you have the right tools.
We’ve highlighted a few specific items with some tips on what to look for to tackle different mechanical or recovery roadside emergencies.
Car Jack And Spare Tire
A flat tire is, without a doubt, one of the most common roadside emergencies. To change your tire, you’ll need the right tools. Check your vehicle and make sure you know how to access the spare tire and the jack—and that there is one. Most spare tires and jacks can be found inside the trunk or your car. If you happen to have a used car that’s missing the jack or if you’ve maybe misplaced it, buy a replacement jack that can support the weight of your vehicle.
We also suggest having an air compressor or a tire inflator and some tire sealant as an alternative way to fix a flat.
Jumper Cables
What if you accidentally leave your car lights on overnight and come out the next day to find your battery drained? Good news: if you have jumper cables—also known as booster cables—in your car, you can awkwardly ask your neighbor to help you resurrect your dead battery.
Your jumper cables should be long enough—at least twenty feet—to connect to any car, truck, or SUV. Also, be sure to double-check and make sure you have the right gauge of cable for your vehicle.
Jumper cables are important to keep on hand, but in order for them to work, you’ll need to ask for help, which can sometimes be challenging if no one is around. That’s why we love the Battery ResQ from Stealth Angel Survival—a portable battery jump starter that is so powerful; it can quickly bring life back to your dead battery in your car, truck, motorcycle, or boat.
Replacement Fuses
Fuses are the culprit in many mysterious car problems. When you think you might have blown a fuse, it’s a simply DIY fix. Just people open the hood of your car and use a pair of pliers to remove and examine each engine fuse. If one of your fuses looks like it’s burned, you can easily replace it.
We suggest keeping replacement fuses on hand. Just make sure that the fuses you are buying work with your specific engine.
Other Common Mechanical Car Emergency Kit Items
Some car emergency kit items are pretty self-explanatory. Here is a list of tools that you should pack in your car at all times:
- Flashlight (and extra batteries)
- Reflective vest
- Duct tape
- Utility gloves
- Tow strap
- Multipurpose utility tool
- Window scraper
- Snow shovel
- Tire pressure gauge
- Mechanic rags
- Small tool kit
If you don’t want to assemble a collection of emergency tools, you can buy a great premade Auto Emergency Kit from Stealth Angel Survival.
Emergency And Survival Car Kit Items
Sometimes you try everything, but you just can’t get back on the road. In that case, you need to prepare yourself for the possibility of being stranded until help arrives.
Be ready for anything from extreme weather to serious accident recovery by keeping these crucial items in your car at all times.
Car Escape Tool Or Pocket Knife
Some safety features inside your car, like airbags, windshields, and seatbelts, can be a hindrance after an accident. Many accidents make it so you can’t unbuckle your best or even open your door when you need to. And in some extreme cases, you may need to get out very quickly.
Keep a car escape tool or pocket knife in a place where you can easily reach them from the driver’s seat. That way, you can break a window or cut through your seatbelt if you need to get out. It might be a good idea to keep an extra tool on the passenger side as well.
Fire Extinguisher
In an auto accident, a fire is definitely a possibility. Vehicle fires generally fall into Class B (flammable liquids like diesel fuel or gasoline) or Class C (electrical) fires, so you will need a fire extinguisher that can handle both.
Two-Way Radio
Play it safe and keep a two-way radio in your car at all times. You may never have to use it in this age of cellphones, but in an emergency situation, if your cellphone happens to die, gets destroyed in an accident, or is simply out of range for cell service—you’ll need a backup plan.
Find a two-way radio with a range of over twenty miles and a long battery life. Also, look for one that includes weather channels, so you can prepare for the weather while you wait for assistance. We love the Stealth Angel Portable Emergency Radio because it can be charged three ways—solar, crank, and D.C.—and comes with weather band stations.
Cat Litter
No, we are not recommending kitty litter for cat bathroom purposes (although it is handy for those situations too). If you drive into some unexpected snow or ice, you can easily use the litter to sop up the moisture and get traction. Simple yet effective!
Other Common Car Emergency Kit Items For Survival
In a vehicle emergency, you are sometimes stuck waiting for help to arrive for a long time. Here are a few more things to pack in your car kit—just in case.
- Emergency blanket
- First aid kit
- Cell Phone charger
- Water
- Non Perishable snacks like granola bars
- Rain poncho
A car is a very useful place to stash your emergency kit. If you’re not home in the event of an emergency, your kit is already in reach. Be sure to put together these items or simply purchase a great emergency kit like the ones found at Stealth Angel Survival. These kits contain everything you’ll need in the event of an emergency.
Recap
With any luck, you won’t ever need to use any of these items, but if you do happen to find yourself in an emergency situation—you’ll be glad you had these supplies easily accessible in your car.
An emergency kit like the one found at Stealth Angel Survival could save your life.
Sources:
https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/top-12-most-common-car-problems-and-issues
