When you’re stuck on the side of the road due to engine problems or bad weather, a car emergency kit is a valuable asset to have. However, many of us don’t have an emergency kit in our cars. Sure, you can buy one from the store, but you can also make one yourself. What do you put in a car emergency kit? Let’s find out.

What to Put in a Car Emergency Kit

What you put in a car emergency kit will depend on your needs. Got a kid? Make sure to include extra diapers, wet wipes, and snacks. Got a pet? Make sure to pack some pet food just in case. Visiting a snowy area? Pack a foldable shovel, cat litter or sand, and snow chains. Go offroading a lot? You get the idea.

Whatever the specifics are for your kit, make sure you have these items at the bare minimum:

• Flashlight: You could use your phone, you might say, but you would be draining precious battery life this way. Flashlights come in all shapes and sizes, so you are sure to find the perfect to put in a car emergency kit.
• First aid kit: You never know when a bandaid, alcohol wipe, gauze, or tweezers could come in handy!
• Blanket: Blankets are an essential part of a car emergency kit – and not just for Sleeping purposes! Blankets can help keep you warm, provide shelter, or even cushion your knees while you replace a tire. Consider a camping blanket for your kit – they’re small, foldable, and the perfect size for a compact space.
• Water: There are many uses for water, making it especially valuable to have on hand. You can drink it or in a pinch to rinse out a wound. Water can also help with an overheating car. You can also rinse off corrosion from car parts easily. You can even use it to wash off your hands after making unexpected car repairs.
• Flares/safety triangle: You need to stay visible when on the side of the road. Flares are great for when it’s dark, while a foldable and reflective triangle, as well as a reflective safety vest, help other drivers see and avoid you.
• Jumper cables: Whether you use these on your car or someone else’s, jumper cables can help make sure you get home when your battery unexpectedly gives up the ghost.

Other items you can put in a car emergency kit include:

• Toolkit
• Wet wipes
• Snacks
• Pet food
• Baby supplies
• Snow chains
• Cat litter or sand
• A foldable shovel
• Tire repair kit
• Extra gasoline
• A towel
• Duct tape

If Your Car Breaks Down…

Okay, so the worst possible scenario has happened and your car has broken down on the side of the road. Whether you’re on the highway or on a city street, the most important thing you can do (aside from turning on your hazard lights and calling the tow truck, of course) is to stay safe. It’s the perfect time to grab out your road flares and reflective triangles. Reflective triangles are especially useful if you happen to be stuck at night or on a blind corner so you can give fellow drivers plenty of warning before they see you.

Where should you go to wait for the tow truck to arrive? Unless your car is on fire, has gone off the road, or is seriously damaged, the safest place you can be is inside your vehicle. If you have to be outside of your vehicle, find a secure spot to wait for help, such as higher ground or behind a barrier or tree.

If you’re stuck on the side of the road when the weather is bad, such as during one of Atlanta’s ice storms, it’s important to stay warm while you wait for help. Stay inside your car and run the heater at intervals in order to conserve fuel.

When you’re stuck on the side of the highway and the weather is bad, you’ll need to stay warm while you wait for help. Keep your doors closed and only run the heater, if your car will turn on, about ten minutes every hour as a way to conserve fuel.

Preventative Maintenance With T3 Atlanta

Of course, we hope that you never have to use your car emergency kit. But in case you ever do, you’ll be prepared! The best thing you can do to keep from getting stuck on the side of the road is preventative maintenance. Keeping your car on its maintenance schedule can extend its life and reduce maintenance costs. T3 Atlanta can help. With our two convenient metro Atlanta locations, we’ll ensure your vehicle stays in great shape for years.