Key Items You Should Keep in Your Car in Case of an Emergency
While no one ever anticipates getting stranded on the side of the road in the middle of the night or in a remote location, emergencies do happen, and they are quite common. This is why it is important to always be prepared for any eventualities while driving.
Circumstances such as getting a flat tire, drained battery, running out of gas, getting stuck in mud or snow, being involved in a collision, or your car breaking down are just but a few of the scenarios that can leave you vulnerable and feeling helpless while out on the road. However, with the right items and tools, you can make an emergency situation less stressful. Fortunately, this article takes a look at the key items you should keep in your car in case of an emergency.
If you are looking to invest in some quality emergency car supplies, 1800 Prepare is here for you. 1800 Prepare deals with all kinds of emergency car supplies that come safely packaged in a durable auto bag. Regardless of what your requirements are, you will find an auto emergency kit that suits your needs and budget.
Below are the key items that you should always have in your car in case of an emergency.
Jumper Cables
If you accidentally leave your lights on for an extended period of time or fail to properly maintain your car, there is a high risk of your battery draining out on you. This is why it is always important to have jumper cables in your car. At some point in time, you will have to deal with a dead battery or be asked to help out another motorist. Having jumper cables will sure come in handy.
Key things to note here is that:
- You need to ensure you have the right jumper cable gauge for your vehicle
- Both car's ignition should be off when jump-starting a car
- Connect the red clip to the positive terminals and the black clip to the negative terminals
Spare Tire, Tire Iron and Car Jack
If there is one thing that you should always be prepared for is a flat tire. This is perhaps the most common issue faced by drivers. In case you get a flat tire, you need the right tire-changing gear to get the job done. First of all, you obviously need a spare tire in good condition, which is why it is always important to get a flat tire repaired as soon as possible after it has been removed. Next, you need to ensure that you have a car jack that can support the weight of the car when replacing the wheel. You should also have a tire iron to help you work with the tire.
Blanket or Sleeping Bag
It will be essential to keep yourself warm in case you are forced to spend the night in your car. This is especially so during winter or in colder climates. A warm blanket or sleeping bag will be very useful in such situations. It is also prudent to have a sleeping bag or blanket for each seat as you may find yourself stranded with company. A blanket can also be very beneficial when dealing with certain medical emergencies.
Drinking-Water and Non-Perishable Food
The last thing you want to deal with when stranded for a long period of time is hunger and dehydration. While you can survive longer without, you can only survive a few days without water. However, you still need enough food to boost your energy as you'll need it. Make a habit of keeping non-perishable foods and at least one gallon of clean drinking water in your car. Carry more water if you are going on a long trip, especially in hot climates, or if you are travelling with others. Ensure that there is enough food and water for everyone travelling with you.
1800 Prepare's Ultimate Auto Kit comes with food and water that has a 5-year shelf life.
Mobile Phone and Charger
Your best chances of getting help when facing an emergency often lie with you having a fully operational phone. However, despite the many advancements in mobile technology, our phone batteries tend to run out when most needed. Having a fully charged and operational spare phone and charger in your car can be significantly helpful in such a situation.
Emergency Lighting
Having a flashlight or any sort of emergency lighting in case you happen to be stranded at night is extremely useful. Not only will it be able to help you carry out repairs, but it will also enable you to see everything that is going on around you.
Get Your Auto Emergency Kit Today
If you haven't yet stocked up on your emergency car supplies, then it is high time that you do so. Considering the unpredictability of life, it helps to always be prepared. With these essentials, you will be able to effectively handle a wide range of car emergencies and also get the help you need.
Visit 1800prepare.com or call 1-800-773-7273 today to get in touch with 1800 Prepare.