How to Make a Car Emergency Kit

Having a car emergency kit is essential if your car breaks down leaving you stranded on the side of the road with no help in sight. Basic kits are now available in stores but can be expensive and may not contain everything you need. Learn how to make a car emergency kit to save money, be prepared and prevent being stranded.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic or Cardboard Box
• Cell Phone
• Car Owners Manual
• First Aid Kit
• Small Toolkit
• Jack
• Tire Iron
• Flashlight
• Emergency LED Flashlight
• Jumper Cables
• Bungee Cords
• Oil
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Duct Tape
• Electrical Tape
• Fix a Flat
• Windshield Wiper Fluid
• Water
• Non Perishable Snacks

1. Purchase a prepaid cell phone for emergencies if you do not already own one. Keep it hidden in you car, in your pocket or purse anytime you are on the road. A cell phone can allow you to call a friend, roadside assistance, police or 911 if there is an emergency. It also provides some level of safety if you are stranded at night or in a remote area.

2. Locate a plastic or cardboard box to store your car emergency kit supplies. It needs to be large enough to store all you supplies, but small enough to fit in a safe location in your car.

3. Purchase a jack and tire iron from your local auto store. Most cars come with these components but they are often small and awkward to use when trying to change a tire. Having a small jack and standard tire iron will save you time (and a hassle) if you get a flat tire.

4. Purchase or assemble a first aid kit. It should contain everything you would need for a minor emergency such as an assortment of bandages, peroxide, antibacterial hand wash and rubbing alcohol. Add any items you may need or feel you should have in case of an emergency.

5. Purchase or prepare a small toolkit. This will help you make small repairs until you are able to arrive to a garage or home. Only use your tools and toolkit if you know what the repair is and how to fix it.

6. Collect two different types of flashlights. A traditional flashlight with fresh batteries and emergency LED flashlight. The latter flashlight has a red and yellow light on each end and can be placed in front or behind your car to warn other motorists of your disabled vehicle. They are also safer and easier to use than flares.

7. Collect jumper cables, bungee cords, duct tape, electrical tape, oil, tire pressure gauge, Fix a Flat, windshield washer fluid, water, and non perishable snacks.

8. Place all of your emergency car kit items in your plastic or cardboard box and place in the chosen location.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your owners manual in a safe place inside the car. It may give you the information you need to fix your car or check fluid levels.
• If you live in a climate that experiences cold or severe weather add blankets, hats and an emergency radio to the items you collect to make your car emergency kit.
• Consider purchasing and carrying a portable jump starter and portable tire inflator and storing them with your emergency kit.