10 Essential Tools for Your Car Emergency Kit
Modern cars are versatile, feature-rich and a lot of fun to drive. For example, we used to buy separate GPS systems or phone holders to navigate around, but now there are many cars that come with a navigation system as standard. Some cars even have screens that show the status of your car, and you can even use them as typical monitors and watch films on them.
However, despite the plethora of fun and useful additions to modern cars, there are just some things that we can’t rely on our cars for. Most people neglect to have a handy emergency car kit in their vehicles and when their vehicle breaks down they can feel hopeless and lost. To prevent that from happening to you, here are some of the most invaluable tools to keep in your car boot.
First-Aid Kit
An assortment of various sized band-aids, some painkillers, antiseptic wipes, ointments and a pair of scissors are good items to start with. You can buy first-aid kits pre-assembled for you, but if you have an excess supply of first-aid supplies at home then you can place them in a bag or a box and keep it safe in the boot of your car.
Fire Extinguisher
Make sure the fire extinguisher is rated for Class B (flammable or combustible liquids) and Class C (electrical equipment). In the event that you do crash or see a collision, you could potentially save lives by having a fire extinguisher ready to put out any flames before the damage spreads.
Warning Triangles
These need to be placed around 50 feet apart behind your vehicle when you’ve had an accident or you need to make an emergency stop. The exact distance depends on your country or state, so it’s best to take a look in a driver’s manual. These are used to warn drivers that your car has stopped so that they have ample time to slow down.
Duct Tape
You’d be surprised at how many uses a roll of duct tape has. From temporarily fixing cracks or chips around your car to holding down doors and hoods, it’s a universal fix for the hundreds of minor and major problems a car owner can encounter.
Spare Tire
This is easier if you have a large car or a truck since you have more room, but it’s essential to carry a spare tire in the boot of your car in case you need an emergency replacement. It would be wise to
have a bit of practice on how to switch your tires, and it doesn’t hurt to carry a tire gauge to check the air pressure in your spare tire so that it’s always ready to go as a replacement.
Jumper Cables
In the event that you need to jump start your car, a set of jumper cables will save the day. You can also carry a jump starter booster pack to get your engine running during an emergency. Many booster packs also come with handy tire inflators.
Spare Phone and Emergency Contacts List
A cheap disposable phone is handy for when your phone battery is dead and you need to contact an emergency service such as http://towingofelpaso.com/ to come and tow your car back home or fill your tank with gas. Make sure to keep it switched off to save the battery and charge it once a week to ensure it works when you most need it. Having other emergency numbers, such as your insurance company, is also a good idea in the event that you are in a car accident.
Portable Power Bank
Alternatively, you could carry a power bank instead of a spare phone. A power bank has more uses than just charging up a phone so they’re universal and handy tools to carry in your emergency box. Just remember to keep it charged up and purchase a model with a fairly large battery so that it can charge your phone several times. You can keep a power bank at the front of your car so that your passengers can use it as well.
A Toolbox
A car repair toolbox is essential for repairing issues on the go. It should contain the basics such as a wrench, screwdriver and pliers. These can be bought pre-assembled in handy carry cases, but you could just place a few tools in a box and store it safely in your boot.
A Flashlight with Extra Batteries
If you can find a USB powered flashlight then it makes a nice pairing with the portable power bank. During the late hours, it can be difficult to navigate around your car without a source of light. It can be helpful with diagnosing engine problems and replacing tires during the night. Carry extra batteries so that you can ensure it will always work when you need it.