How To Make a Basic Emergency Car Kit

We are in our cars a lot (Erruns, traveling to families’ houses, running kids around, going back and forth to work, ect…).

To ensure our safety, comfort, and well-being during an emergency, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan in place.

In this guide, we will provide valuable tips and guidance on how to make a car kit in case of an emergency.

In my case my spouse and I were traveling one winter day to work and hit a deer. The deer did a lot of damage to the car and it would not start. We were stranded a long way from home and a city.

It was very early in the morning and cold. We had to walk a bit to get some cell service and call a tow truck to help us. (And with we I mean my Husband I stayed in the car.) They said that it would be a bit before they could get to us.

We waited in the car for 4 hours.

We didn’t have a blanket or any way to keep us warm but the coats that we were wearing. I didn’t even have gloves. Not smart on my part.

This is where a car kit would have been nice.

What is a Car Kit?

A car kit typically refers to a collection of items or tools that are assembled and kept in a vehicle to address various needs and situations.

Car kits can serve different purposes, and their contents may vary depending on the owner’s preferences, the intended use, and the type of vehicle.

Here are a few common types of car kits:

Emergency Kit: This type of kit is designed to help you deal with unexpected situations and emergencies. It may include items like a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, emergency blanket, reflective triangles or flares, a multi-tool, and basic medical supplies.
Roadside Assistance Kit: Geared towards addressing common vehicle breakdowns, a roadside assistance kit might include jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a tire inflator or sealant, basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench), and a tow rope or strap.
Survival Kit: For those who may travel in remote or challenging environments, a survival kit could include additional items such as water purification tablets, non-perishable food, a compact shovel, and a fire starter.
Maintenance Kit: Focused on vehicle maintenance, this kit might contain essential fluids like motor oil, coolant, and brake fluid, along with a funnel, spare fuses, and other items for basic repairs.
Travel Comfort Kit: Tailored for long journeys, this kit may include comfort items like travel pillows, snacks, a thermos, and entertainment (books, games, etc.).
Cleanliness Kit: Designed to keep your vehicle clean, this kit could include items like paper towels, wet wipes, a trash bag, and a small broom or brush.
Winter Kit: If you live in a cold climate, a winter car kit may include an ice scraper, snow brush, snow shovel, and other items to help you navigate snowy or icy conditions.
Personal Essentials Kit: Including items you might need on the road, such as sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any other personal items you’d like to have handy.

Do I need an Emergency Car Kit?

The Choice is always yours but I would Have to say Yes!

AAA recommends having one in your vehicle also.

It is important to be prepared for emergencies because unexpected things can happen.

We were hiking one day and my daughter fell into some cactus. I had to pull the barbs out.

Our first aid kit really came in handy that day.

What should I keep in my car kit?

Now this is just some basics but this will help you feel better knowing that you are prepared for something to happen. Lets pray nothing happens

A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
Jumper cables
Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool
Flashlight and extra batteries or hand-crank flashlight
Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
Food, this could be high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits, hard candy, and non -perishable food
Drinking water
Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
Car charger for your cell phone
Fire extinguisher
Duct tape
Rain poncho / Tarp
Snow brush
Shovel
Windshield washer fluid
Warm clothing with gloves (let not forget those again)
Cat litter for traction or sand
Blankets
Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio

How to Make an Emergency Car Kit?

Car kits can vary in price and size. You can make your own or buy one. Amazon has a bunch to purchase.

We are going to focus on how to make our very Basic emergency car kit.

First find a bag. Any old bag or container will work.

You can pick a box for now just to keep things contained.

I picked nothing fancy because the chance they could get stolen could be good.

Next I went around my house and grabbed some things to put in there.

Small first aid kit – bandaids and neosporine
Toilet paper
Ziploc bags
Wetwipes or baby wipes
Blanket
ect…

This is just to get something in there right now to make myself feel better that I have something just in case.

Here are some links to more exclusive lists to get a great car kit for your vehicles

Link

When creating a car kit, it’s essential to consider your personal needs, the climate of your region, and the type of driving you do. Regularly check and update the contents of your car kit to ensure that everything is in working order and has not expired.

Having a well-prepared car kit can be invaluable in various situations, providing peace of mind and assistance during unexpected events.

Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk or somewhere. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly.

It’s also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your phone or in your glove compartment.

Did this help?

Let me know if you created a car kit. Leave a comment below.

And please check out the other links for more information in helping you build your own kits for your car. I’m here to help you. You got this!