Have you ever experienced a roadside emergency? It’s a real bump in the road. When a pleasant trip gets turned upside down, it’s hard to shake off the delay or inconvenience. Sometimes you get delayed due to a flat tire. Other times it’s due to some irksome maintenance issue. Your first instinct might be to panic, but if your vehicle is well-equipped with these must-have items, you won’t have to worry.
We’ve got you covered on all the roadside emergency essentials. Not only are they affordable, these items are easy to tow in your trunk. Before you embark on your next endeavor, make sure to have these must-have items with you (at all times).
Create your own roadside emergency kit
Family road trips are meant for pleasure. Therefore, don’t let a roadside emergency stop the fun. Before you make your way out of the driveway, make sure you have these must-have items in your car. In fact, make an effort to keep these items there at all times.
- Car manual
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Tire gauge
- Tire inflator
- Leatherman tool
- flares
- WD-40
- Map (if you don’t rely on your phone)
- Raincoat
- flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Towel or blanket
- First aid kit
The previously mentioned must-haves offer the quickest assistance when a roadside emergency occurs. It is important to familiarize yourself with these items before use. For example, take a day to learn how to change a tire using the spare tire, jack, and tire gauge. All items are relatively easy to use, it just takes some practice. Let’s just hope you don’t have to use them, and safe driving is a regular thing.
For extra coverage, check out these highly-rated road trip apps that will improve your driving experience. Moreover, you can download them to your phone in a matter of seconds.
What’s in your glove department? Add these must-have items
Consider the glove compartment your bonus space. Also, the space that is most easily accessible when things go awry. That cubby of storage in front of the passenger is often big enough to store a number of items. Hence, a pair of sunglasses or napkins for your lunch break. Take advantage of this space, its designed to keep must-have items that will keep you safe, or covered, if something happens.
If you don’t keep napkins in the glove compartment you can’t be trusted
— 𝕄𝕠𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕒 𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕖 🧪 (@Justme_DJ3) April 23, 2021
More importantly, it’s the perfect spot to keep all your important documents. When a roadside emergency happens, you’ll want to have these items on hand:
- Copies of registration and insurance
- Window breaker
- AAA membership or travel insurance card
- Disinfecting wipes
- Emergency contacts
Whatever scenario you consider a roadside emergency, these items will keep you covered. In addition, who doesn’t love the feeling of being prepared when things take a turn for the worse?
Preparedness is a virtue
Sometimes it’s fun to just wing it. But when it comes to your family’s safety, it is never worth the risk. In short, keeping your vehicle stocked with must-have items will make your experience on the road that much safer. Also, it will help you navigate any unexpected turns. Remember to keep tabs on these items before you leave the house. A roadside emergency will hit you when you least expect it.
Do you carry these must-have items in your car? Comment below.