Fail to plan. Plan to fail. This simple axiom applies to every aspect of life, including vehicle safety. Part of being a safe driver is preparing for any situation you could encounter on the road. This includes equipping your vehicle with the type of essential equipment you may need in a crisis by packing a DIY car emergency kit.
In a worst-case scenario, such as when inclement weather strands you on a highway or a flat tire happens on a dark back road with no cell service, you need to ensure you have the essential equipment to handle the situation and keep your family and car safe until help can arrive. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to build your own emergency car kit. In fact, you may already own most of the items you need.
If you break it down by category, you can easily build a high-quality, useful emergency car kit in a day or two that is equipped with all the items you need to make a quick repair to your vehicle, perform first aid, and protect yourself and passengers from the elements. Let’s take a look at each of these categories more closely.
What to Put in a DIY Emergency Car Kit: Vehicle Repair
Of all the risks we encounter every day on the road, the most common is vehicle malfunction. It’s hard to find a regular commuter or long-distance driver who hasn’t dealt with a roadside flat tire, a dead battery, or an overheated engine. Many drivers have encountered all three.
That’s why it’s so important to plan for emergency vehicle repairs by equipping your DIY emergency kit with the basic tools and supplies you need for simple repairs. Here’s a breakdown of the items you need to patch up your car in a pinch:
- Antifreeze
- Basic tools (socket wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.)
- Can of tire inflater or sealant
- Coolant (at least a gallon)
- Flares and reflective triangles
- Jumper cables
- Motor oil (1-2 quarts)
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Spare tire (properly inflated)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tripod jack
- Towing strap
- Washer fluid (1 gallon)
What to Put in a DIY Emergency Car Kit: First Aid
A first aid kit is one of the most used — and useful — elements in a good car emergency kit. Not only does it ensure that you can provide care for yourself and your loved ones in a roadside emergency, but it is also helpful during everyday outings when someone gets a splinter or a scraped elbow at the park or on a family hike.
The best DIY car first aid kits include the basics for caring for simple injuries as well as a few key items that can make a huge difference in the event of a more serious situation. Be sure to include the following in your DIY kit:
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages of various sizes
- Compress dressings
- Disposable, non-latex gloves (3-4 pairs)
- Insect bite cream or spray
- Instant ice and heat packs
- Pain relievers
- Scissors
- Sterile gauze
- Tweezers
What to Put in a DIY Emergency Car Kit: Weather Protection
The final major concern for drivers, particularly long-distance commuters and those who travel extensively by car, is traveling in inclement weather. Depending on where you live and where you drive, bad weather could range from blizzards that shut down highways to flash floods that make roadways impassable.
No matter the specific weather-related risk, you can prepare for an event that could leave you stranded or unable to move in your car for long periods of time. Make sure these survival items go into your emergency car kit:
- Air horn
- Bottled water
- Blankets
- Cash (at least $20 in small bills)
- Compass
- Energy bars or other nonperishable food items
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Ice scraper
- Outerwear, such as hats and gloves
- Paper towels or rags
- Portable radio and extra batteries
- Waterproof matches
Keeping Your Car (and Yourself) Safe
Once you have gathered all the items needed for your DIY car emergency kit, the final step is to store them securely. Most people put all their items in a box, bag, or backpack and store them in the trunk. However, make sure you don’t just store it and forget it. Remember to do an inventory of the items in your emergency kit seasonally to make sure you still have the items you need for potential hazards, and they are still in good working order.
It’s also important to keep less tangible elements of road safety in mind. Protecting yourself, your vehicle, and those you love with quality insurance that takes care of everyone and everything when disaster strikes is essential. At HRCCU Insurance Agency, we work with motorists to help them find the best possible insurance solutions for their situations and budgets. We partner with dozens of insurance carriers to help you find that ideal match and make it easy to get a quote online. Check it out today!
