How to prepare for that Just in case Event

What you need to carry all the time in your vehicle for breakdowns/emergencies

Modern vehicles have become so reliable that in most cases we don’t envisage the thought of ‘Just in case there’s an emergency?’ or ‘what if I my car breaks down in the middle of no where?’

You would agree with me that you have had a flat tire while driving, or you have had a breakdown in the middle of the road. To avoid such situations, you should carry an emergency kit in your vehicle with you at all times.

Although most vehicles come with a spare tire, car jack, inflator kit, essential tools and the likes, however, there are a lot more to add to your emergency tool kit to make sure that you are prepared as best as you can for ‘just in case’ in case situations.

What you need to carry with you at all time Just in Case your Vehicle breakdown

Ten things to pack in an emergency kit

First Aid Kit

You or your passenger might be in an emergency need of a first aid treatment while you’re on a road trip. Having a first aid box containing gauze, antiseptics, pain relievers, antibiotics, cotton swabs, hand sanitizers, family medications, etc. can go a long way in providing emergency treatment in the case of accidents, or other emergency health conditions requiring first aid treatment.

Self-powered Jumper cable/Car Jump-starter

The self-powered jumper cable comes in handy when you are trapped in a lonely rural road with not much usage. The self-powered jumper cable is reliable enough to give your vehicle a jolt when you’re far from help. You can also use it to charge your phones to keep you continually in touch with the outside world.

Tool kit

A tool kit can be a lifesaver when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. You might need to change a flat tire, top a brake fluid, etc. your emergency toolkit should include a cross-spanner for changing flat tires, screwdrivers, pliers, brake fluid, pocket knife, etc.

Tow straps

What if you got stuck in a snow-filled/muddy rural road? Or your vehicle develops a significant fault beyond any emergency repair? A tow strap is just what you might need to pull your vehicle out or to tow to the nearest repair shop. Including it as part of your emergency kit assures you of getting help when you’re in a helpless situation.

Fire extinguisher

If you crashed your car, you suffered a head-on collision, or your vehicle spontaneously erupted into flames. A fire extinguisher will be handy enough to put out any burning fire before it gets out of hand.

Reflectors

You wouldn’t want another vehicle ramming into you while battling with your vehicle. Placing reflectors at considerable distances ahead and behind your vehicle will do the work of warning other road users of your helpless status and also gives you ample working space to fix your vehicle.

Flashlight

A flashlight should make the list of your emergency toolkit. You might need to change a flat tire, check out the issue with your vehicle in the middle of the night, or flag down other road users for help. Having a rechargeable, water-resistant, heavy-duty flashlight should be able to help you get your vehicle back on the road, attract help, or warn other road users of your presence.

Water

Water can be like gold, especially when you’re driving through desert-like regions. Water can quench your thirst, top-up your radiator if your car is overheating, or prepare a basic meal while on the road. Having a few bottles of water should be enough to sustain you when you have to make a long and arduous journey.

GPS unit

A GPS unit is an important device to have with you, especially when navigating a less familiar, or unknown terrain. You may find yourself in areas with poor network connection which renders your phone GPS useless. But having a GPS unit ensures that you find your way through unfamiliar terrain.

A car jack

There’s no way you’re gonna be able to change a flat tire with using a car jack! You’ll be needing a car jack to lift that part of the car closest to the flat tire. However, while using a car jack, ensure that you place it on flat, solid ground before jacking up your vehicle. You can also carry a solid board with an even surface along with you just in case you might need to use your jack.

Conclusion

Carrying along with you these items I have recommended can go a long way in making sure that you’re prepared for ‘what if’ situations.

You can also add other items I have not stated to your list of ‘must-have’ items in your vehicle to ensure that you stay safe and alive while on the wheel alone or with passengers.