As cars age, they are more likely to experience hiccups in their reliability and performance, despite your best maintenance and foresight. Here are a few emergency items to keep in your car or trunk for a quick fix on the side of the road or in your driveway, and some bonus items every driver should have with them.
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If you have an older car, you may already know the value of having a few supplies with you in case something happens. As cars age, they are more likely to experience hiccups in their reliability and performance, despite your best maintenance and foresight. Here are a few supplies that you can keep in your trunk for a quick fix on the side of the road or in your driveway, and some bonus items every driver should have with them.
Emergency Vehicle Kit Essentials
Spare Tire
This is arguably the most important item on this list. Every car on the road should have a fully operational spare tire, as well as the equipment needed to change a tire in an emergency. Many car owners forget to check the air pressure of their spare regularly, putting them at risk of having TWO flat tires instead of one! You should also make sure you know how to change your tire. You never know when the nearest help will be 20 miles away!
Insurance/AAA Card
Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance. Does your policy include it? If so, make sure you keep that number on hand in case you’re stranded along the road one day. Popular auto club AAA also offers roadside assistance for members, for a relatively low annual fee. Having your insurance documentation is also important in case you’re in an accident, need a tow, or are pulled over by an officer (in some states-such as California- you can be cited for not having proof of insurance).
Jumper Cables
If you’re getting your car inspected at regular intervals, your mechanic will typically check the condition of your battery and charging system. But sometimes, especially in older vehicles, a part can fail or your battery can unexpectedly lose charge. Or, you could forget and leave the lights on all night! In any of these scenarios, having a set of jumper cables will help you get back on the road faster!
Other Emergency Items to Keep in Your Car
You should also make sure you have water, a flashlight, a basic first aid kit, and a blanket in your car at all times to be prepared for a number of emergencies. The water can come in handy for vehicle overheating as well as physical emergencies, the flashlight can be a boon in more situations than you’d think, and the blanket can work as a towel, a seat protector, and more in case an emergency never arises for it!