The Emergency Kit
One of the key aspects of The College Girl’s Car Guide is ensuring that young women are prepared to handle any situation that may arise on the road. To do that, it’s important to know what equipment should be kept in a vehicle for emergencies. Whether it's a dead battery or a flat tire, having a basic emergency kit in your car ensures you’re ready to handle unexpected issues. This post covers the essential and recommended items every driver should keep on hand, so you’re prepared for whatever the road brings your way.
We’ve divided this post into two parts: Essentials and Recommendations. Some items may be necessary for drivers in specific climates or those with older vehicles, while others may not be. Be sure to check your vehicle for essential items before purchasing anything—many cars come equipped with basics like a car jack.
ESSENTIALS
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ESSENTIALS ~
Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are a set of heavy-duty, insulated wires with metal clamps on each end, used to transfer power from one vehicle’s battery to another. They are essential to keep in your car because they allow you to jump-start a dead battery, saving you from being stranded in inconvenient or even unsafe situations. We cover how to use jumper cables in our battery tutorial.
Car Jack and Wrench
A car jack is a device used to lift your vehicle off the ground, allowing you to access the undercarriage or change a tire. A wrench, specifically a lug wrench, helps you loosen and tighten the nuts on your wheels, making it possible to remove and secure the tire. Together, these tools are vital for handling unexpected roadside repairs, especially a flat tire, allowing you to get back on the road quickly and safely. We cover how to use these items in our tires tutorial.
Cones
Reflective cones are portable safety markers, that are highly visible even in low-light conditions. These cones are essential to keep in a vehicle because they help create a safe perimeter around your vehicle in the event of a roadside emergency, breakdown, or accident.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is a heavy-duty adhesive tape known for its strong, waterproof properties and ability to fix almost anything in a pinch. It's essential to keep a roll in your vehicle because it can serve as an emergency repair tool in various situations.
Zip Ties
Much like duct tape, zip ties are durable plastic fasteners that can be used to make quick vehicle repairs in an emergent situation. They are especially great for keeping loose parts (like a damaged bumper) in place.
First Aid Kit
Keeping a first aid kit in your vehicle is essential, as it ensures you're prepared to handle unexpected injuries or health concerns while on the road. Whether it's a small cut or a serious injury from an accident, having a well-stocked kit can offer peace of mind and provide quick assistance until professional help is available.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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RECOMMENDATIONS ~
Emergency Blanket
An emergency blanket is a lightweight, heat-reflective sheet made from a thin plastic material, typically coated with a layer of metal. It works by trapping and reflecting the body's heat back to the user, helping to prevent hypothermia in cold conditions. Emergency blankets are highly recommended to keep in your vehicle, as they can be life-saving in situations like accidents or breakdowns in remote areas, especially if you live in an area with harsh/cold weather.
Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge is a tool used to measure the air pressure inside a vehicle's tires. Most newer vehicles will have pressure gauge readings on their dashboard. However, if you have an older vehicle keeping a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle allows you to regularly check and maintain the correct tire pressure, ensuring optimal performance and reducing the risk of accidents. We cover how to use a pressure gauge in our tires tutorial.
Tire Chains
Tire chains are devices that are attached to a vehicle’s tires to improve traction on snowy or icy roads. They are recommended to keep in a vehicle for enhanced safety during winter driving conditions, especially in areas prone to heavy snow or ice. Tire chains help prevent slipping, making it easier to drive through difficult terrain, and they can be crucial for maintaining control when road conditions are hazardous.
Portable Charger
Portable chargers are recommended to keep in your vehicle as they can provide a quick and reliable solution if your phone battery dies while traveling or in an emergency. Having one in your car ensures you stay connected and ready for any situation, whether it's for navigation, communication, or roadside assistance.
Water
In a vehicle, it’s recommended to keep a bottle of water on hand in case of emergencies, such as car breakdowns or long trips in hot weather. Having water in your car can also help you too cool your engine down in an emergency, as cover in our fluids and filters tutorial. It’s a simple yet important item to include in your emergency kit.
