How To Make an Emergency Roadside Kit for Your Car

One of the best ways to travel is in the comfort of your own vehicle. You have total control over where you go, when you go, and what route you take—unless you break down. Don’t fret too much. A flat tire or empty gas tank doesn’t have to ruin your trip. By packing a few essentials, you can stay safe and get out of a stressful situation with ease. Learn how to make an emergency roadside kit for your car with this guide.

First Aid Supplies

You should never travel without a first aid kit. A basic first aid kit will have a lot of what you need, but double check its contents to make sure you have everything. Bandages and antibiotics are a must. You should also have ibuprofen or other over-the-counter painkillers on hand. To be truly prepared, make sure you have a thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold compresses.

Tools for Car Maintenance

Even if you’re not a car expert, it helps to have a few essential maintenance items on hand. Always travel with jumper cables. Jumping a car is easy—most cable sets come with easy-to-follow instructions—and it can get you out of a tight spot. You should also keep a car repair tool set in your vehicle. This should include pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and other essentials for quick repairs.

Blankets, Coats, and More

Avoid getting stuck out in the cold by packing cold-weather gear. You should always keep a blanket and a jacket in the car, even in the summer. You’ll be thankful when you don’t have to sit out a chilly night in nothing but shorts and a T-shirt. If you know you’ll be traveling through colder climates, make sure you pack spare coats, gloves, hats, and scarves for everyone.

Atlas and Other Navigational Tools

Navigational tools are a crucial part of how to make an emergency roadside kit for your car. While you’re on a road trip, there’s a good chance you won’t be familiar with the area you’re driving through. While a GPS and other digital navigation tools are helpful, you don’t want to be empty-handed if the signal fails. Always keep a physical atlas in your vehicle. If you can, pick up road maps in places you travel to, especially if you’ll be wandering around parks, preserves, and other natural areas where a signal is harder to come by.