Why do you need an emergency car kit during a road trip?
An emergency road trip kit is essential for anyone deciding to plan a road trip. Whether it’s a spontaneous decision or a well thought out trip, an emergency car kit is essential for a road trip. Mainly, if you are traveling alone or with young children in dead zones without cell coverage, you may not be able to call for emergency roadside assistance. While taking your car to a certified mechanic is always the best option, it is sometimes not practical. For that reason, it is important that you always store your equipment in the trunk of your car. The contents of your survival bag will become your last line of defense against death. A momentary error in judgment, an animal on the road, or a severe storm can result in your loss of control. As a result, you may have to fend for yourself.
Minimum requirements for your emergency car kit
- A roadside emergency kit should have at least the following:
- a notebook / pencil: to write down information in the event of an accident;
- a can of fix-a-flat – to inflate and repair the tire and get back on the road;
- emergency food and water, in case you have to camp in your car;
- masking tape – to temporarily reattach broken parts or seal poisonous gas gaps and cracks;
- flashlight – to fix the rim or reattach a cable at night;
- jumper cables – so you can get back on track; and
- a shovel to dig up snow or mud.
These emergency tools for your car are essential for road trips and you should take them with you every time you leave your home.
Remember, an emergency team on the road will need enough emergency supplies and survival equipment for all passengers in the vehicle. This can include extra survival food, survival tools, and survival medical supplies.
Simple vehicle checks can also save your life.
An emergency car kit is ideal for responding to emergencies; however, you cannot look under the hood. You may also want to do a simple inspection of your vehicle before departure. This extra step can save you hundreds of dollars on vehicle and tow truck repairs. For example, check the condition of your drive belt; check for fluid leaks; check and top up all fluids; check all exterior lights and check tire pressure. These simple steps coupled with a well-built roadside emergency kit will give you the peace of mind you deserve while on the road.
Never hit the road without at least covering the basics of emergency preparedness. Bring an emergency car kit and do some simple checks. It can save you hundreds of dollars and potentially your life.
