Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by admin_hunter
Imagine you just had an excellent road trip with your family. You’re all tired and ready to head home, and you almost make it. But a few miles from home, you get a flat tire.
So you have to call a roadside assistance service and wait for them to come help. Having a roadside emergency kit won’t solve everything, but it can keep you from having to wait for outside help.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing a roadside emergency kit for your car.
What to Include in a Roadside Emergency Kit
A roadside emergency kit may not seem necessary on an average day. You can get to your destination without any issues. But when a problem does occur, you’ll want to have something in your car.
Here are a few things you should look for when choosing a roadside emergency kit.
Jumper Cables
If your car battery dies, you can ask a friend or relative to use their car to get yours to start. You can hook the jumper cables between both vehicles before starting the car that works. Once that runs for a bit, you can start your car, and you can disconnect the jumper cables and be on your way.
Tow Strap
In case you can’t get your car to start, you should also get a roadside emergency kit with a tow strap. If you ever need someone to tow your car or vice versa, you can use the strap to connect the cars.
Car Tools
A roadside emergency kit should also include a few tools. You should also have a tire jack so that you can get to and change your tire. Other tools to have include a tire air pressure gauge and a screwdriver in case you need one to get to the battery.
Flashlight
A flashlight can come in handy at any time and in any condition. You can use a flashlight to look in your car to find your emergency tools. At night, a flashlight can help you change a tire or connect jumper cables to cars. Consider keeping batteries with your flashlight in case the current batteries die.
Blanket
If you need to wait around for help and it’s cold out, you’ll want a blanket to stay warm. A blanket is especially useful if your car (and thus the heating) won’t turn on. You can use a small throw or a cheap blanket, so you don’t need to pack your favorite blanket for your car.
First Aid Kit
Another essential for any roadside emergency kit is a first aid kit. You should have bandaids, pain medication, gauze, and other medical supplies. If you or a passenger gets hurt in an accident or while changing a tire, you can use the first aid kit to clean minor wounds.
Top Three Roadside Emergency Kits
Here are a few roadside emergency kits to consider if you don’t want to spend time making your own.
1. Roadside Rescue Emergency Assistance Kit
The Roadside Rescue Emergency Assistance Kit combines the contents of a roadside emergency kit with that of a regular car kit. You get 110 pieces, such as a tow strap, jumper cables, and roadside tools. The kit also includes a 64-piece first aid kit you can use.
If you have this kit, you can keep everything you may need in an emergency in one place. The only thing you don’t get with this is a spare tire, but you can get a spare for your car if you don’t have one. This kit comes in a convenient storage bag, so you can find the kit and its content easily.
You don’t have to worry about buying all of your emergency supplies separately. Just put the kit in your trunk or back seat, or you can give the kit to a teen driver. It works well in sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Pros
- Comprehensive kit
- Excellent storage bag
- Easy to use
- Great value
Cons
- Cheap jumper cables
- Not the best quality overall
2. Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit
Another roadside emergency kit to consider is the Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit. It comes with a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit, and the whole thing amounts to 42 pieces. You also get a poncho, batteries and a screwdriver.
Everything in the kit comes in a compact storage bag, so you can put it anywhere in your car. The red bag is easy to find when you don’t have the best lighting, and everything meets AAA standards. This kit even includes accident guidelines and a membership brochure from AAA.
You can use the kit in a mid-size car, truck, or SUV. Once you use some of the supplies, you can get sh083-20nt equipment and store it in the same bag. That way, you can always be prepared for a roadside emergency.
Pros
- Sturdy and compact
- Great value
- Suitable for different vehicles
- Room for more supplies
Cons
- Jumper cables aren’t great
- Doesn’t have as much stuff as other kits
3. Kolo Sports Roadside Emergency Kit
The Kolo Sports Roadside Emergency Kit includes 156 pieces, including jumper cables, tools, and first aid supplies. It also includes window breakers and seatbelt cutters if you need to get someone out of the car quickly.
The first aid kit comes with gauze pads, first-aid tape, and bandages. You can use the entire kit to treat minor injuries and start a dead car battery. It comes with almost everything you would need except for a spare tire.
Everything from the kit can fit in the included storage bag. You can keep the bag in your trunk for an emergency, and you will know where everything is when you need the kit. The kit is small and lightweight, too, so you can use it in almost any vehicle.
Pros
- Extensive list of supplies
- Bag has reflective tape to help you find it
- Great for use at night
- Easy to store
Cons
- Some low-quality items
- Not the best value
Creating a Roadside Emergency Kit
A roadside emergency kit is essential for any car and car owner. You never know when you might get in an accident or have a flat tire. A comprehensive kit can help you prepare for whatever might happen on the road.
So make sure you look for a roadside emergency kit with everything from jumper cables to first aid supplies. Then, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck on the side of the road.