What Should Be in Every Driver’s Emergency Kit
As the Boy Scouts’ motto goes, “Be prepared.” But you don’t have to be a Boy Scout to take preparedness to heart before hitting the highway. Too many drivers believe that a smartphone can get them out of any jam. In some cases, they can. But you should still prepare for the worst. Here’s what should be in every driver’s emergency kit—starting with the fundamentals and including some additional items for special situations.
The Basics
No matter where you’re going, get your kit started with these essentials:
- Jumper cables to restore a dead battery
- A flashlight, to check out what’s under the hood and provide illumination at night
- A cell phone charger to make sure you don’t take yourself off the grid
- A first aid kit to take care of any small injuries
For Winter Drivers
In the heart of summertime, winter driving hazards are the last thing on your mind. We don’t want to think about the air getting colder and the nights getting longer, but summer has a funny way of flying by, and before you know it, you’ll need to equip your ride for everything a harsh winter can throw at you. In addition to the usual fare, you’ll want to include the following:
- Gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm if the heat fails
- A snow broom to keep snow from accumulating on the windshield
- Blankets to stay warm while waiting for help
- Extra windshield fluid for deicing
For Off-Roaders
Drivers who slip the bonds of our highway system enjoy some thrills the rest of us don’t. Of course, they also take on some additional risks that aren’t present on the pavement. Failing to prepare for the worst-case scenario is one of the biggest mistakes an off-roader can make. If you’re exploring the trails, plan accordingly by stocking:
- A few gallons of gas if you run empty far from a gas station
- A shovel to dig your tires out of some thick mud
- A sleeping bag and blankets in case you have to wait overnight for assistance
- Water bottles and high-calorie snacks to tide you over and keep you hydrated
For Long Road Trips
You can find yourself on some long stretches of highway in the middle of nowhere. Here’s what should be in every driver’s emergency kit when setting out for a long road trip through some low-density regions:
- Spare headlights, just in case. If you’re driving down a long stretch of road through the night but you lose a headlight, you can switch the dead light for one that will keep your car safe and legal through the rest of the night
- A can of motor oil to top off a car that needs it in the absence of gas stations or auto shops between towns
