Travel is often full of uncertainty. Mechanical failures, drowsiness, construction, etc can alter plans considerably. Getting stranded can be a miserable and dangerous experience. Having vehicle emergency gear in your vehicle can make a huge difference.
Vehicle emergency kits should contain tools for basic vehicle repair, devices for communicating with other vehicles (cones, flares, lights), jumper cables, tow ropes. They should also include first aid supplies. It's surprising how often first aid is administered while traveling. Medications should also be included. We go through a lot of nausea meds when we travel with people who get car sick. We also use Tylenol quite often.
Experience: War Saved the Day
We broke down in the mountains one time. My dad walked up the road to a farmhouse we passed to call for help. When he returned he mentioned it would be hours before Mom arrived. He pulled out the emergency kit in the truck glove box and grabbed a deck of playing cards. We played War the entire time. We turned an emergency situation into one of my favorite memories because we had a simple creature comfort.
Most vehicles have trunks, consoles, glove boxes, or other storage compartments. Start with portable container like backpacks, or small duffles to fill with the right gear.
Content:
Scope:
Difficulty:
Auto kits (car kits) are a must for every vehicle. You don't want to be stranded, stuck or broken down without the right gear. Stowing an auto kit in your glove box, trunk or other storage compartment is crutial.
Make sure you buy quality gear. You don't want to rely on equipment only to have it fail.
Car batteries can fail for a number of reasons. A set of jumper cables can be used to get your car started to get you on your way.
Reasons a car battery fails:
Tips for using jumper cables:
Make sure you get a quality pair of cables in your car kit.
Icy or snowy roads can be a bit trecherous for anyone. Keeping a tow rope in your kit can help you get unstuck.
Tips for using a tow rope:
Working on a car in the dark is miserable and can be dangerous. Be sure you have a flashlight or better yet a headlamp so you can see what you're doing. Also make sure you have working batteries or a crankable light so the batteries last for some time.
Ultra bright, rechargeable 6000 lumen LED head lamp for hands free survival
Buy on AmazonDurable, rechargeable 450 lumen LED head lamp for hands free survival
Buy on AmazonEmergency hand crank/solar powered energy source, radio, LED flashlight
Buy on AmazonRechargeable hand crank and solar powered LED flashlight for survival
Buy on AmazonHeavy duty, high quality road emergency kit 90-piece with 48-piece first aid kit
Buy on AmazonSmall injuries and illnesses are common during travel. Handling cuts and scrapes or allergies, stomach problems, etc. should be easy first aid solutions. Every vehicle should have a first aid kit and you should know how to use the supplies within.
Some people will want more robust supplies in case of trauma in an accident. Some kits come with a tourniquet, etc.
Here are the supplies we recommend for every first aid kit. You may need to add items to your kit if it's incomplete:
Having the supplies is one thing, knowing how to use them is another. Be sure you get some first aid training to know how to treat your passengers.
Most trunks and trucks have ample storage space. If your car has space we recommend stowing some extra gear in your vehicle.
For winters:
The goal is to be ready for an emergency. Accidents, break downs, and other events can require this extra gear.
It's surprising how often we have had to use these items. Often we're helping someone else. I've probably jump started 30 cars over the years and pulled dozens out of snow and mud.
L, 66 x 90 in
Full, 1-person
Generic military wool blanket for emergencies and the outdoors
Buy on AmazonTake out your phone right now and schedule quarterly notifications to check your auto supplies. Here are the items you should check quarterly:
1This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
2 As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
3 Most reviews are based on personal experience from one of our content editors. Some are based on research and the opinions of other reviewers.