Preppers stay ahead of emergencies by anticipating common survival scenarios. The same thing applies when you're on the road. But do you know what kinds of items and gear you need to pack in a car emergency kit? (h/t to SurvivalJar.com)
Your car is the perfect place to store crucial survival tools because it has a lot of hiding spots. Keep a car emergency kit in your vehicle at all times so you can easily fix car troubles when SHTF.
Preparing a car emergency kit
Keep a suitcase or toolbox stocked with everyday essentials in your car so you can survive for several days while you're on the road. Don't forget to include some self-defense items in it so you can protect yourself. (Related: How to prep your vehicle for emergency situations.)
Start with a sturdy and waterproof container so the items in it can stay dry even in harsh weather conditions.
- Clothing – Your car emergency kit must contain spare sets of light and warm clothing. If your bag is too small or you want to keep the kit light, select the appropriate clothing based on the weather.
- Money – Hide some spare cash in your car emergency kit. About $100 will do, which is enough for the essentials like extra food or lodging when you're bugging out.
- Nutrition – It's always a good idea to keep some food supplies in your car, but don't store anything that will melt. Instead, keep something like crackers and other packed foods that can be kept for longer than one year such as food products called Meals Ready to Eat (MRE). Made for military use, MREs can last for years when stored in a cool, dry place. Rotate MREs stored in your car every several months to avoid spoilage.
- Personal hygiene products – Even personal hygiene products are useful in an emergency. For example, if your car breaks down and you need to spend somewhere overnight, you can at least freshen up. Include items like a brush, comb, dental floss, deodorant, soap, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush, and toothpaste in a small pouch.
Battery solutions
To resolve a flat battery problem, you'll need a portable battery jump starter so you can drive to a safe destination and replace the dead battery. If your budget permits, change out your car battery every three years. This will come in handy since batteries may have a high failure rate after three years, especially if you own a 4×4 truck.
Emergency gadgets for your car
When traveling on the road, you'll need accessories that can keep your gadgets running even during emergencies. Some essential emergency gadgets for your vehicle include car battery jump starters, flashlights, phone chargers, and portable chargers/power banks. Hide a phone charger and an adapter in your car so you can stay in touch when SHTF.
Tire Repair
Keep a spare tire in your car so you can keep going even if you get a flat tire. Your spare tire must be filled and ready to go. Bring along a puncture repair kit, which comes with a rubber or felt plug that's inserted with a special tool in the kit. With a puncture repair kit, you won't have to wait for help if your tires get punctured while you're driving in the middle of nowhere. You'll also need a 12v tire pump.
Tools to keep in your car
When dealing with car emergencies, the right tool can help you escape a sticky situation. Always get a full tank of gas when going on a long trip, and get your engine checked properly before you start your journey.
Other tools you may need in your car include
- Cable ties
- Carjack and wheel nut wrench
- Electrical multimeter
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers of various sizes
- Seatbelt cutter and window breaker
- Shifter
- Socket set
- Spare parts (e.g., electrical tape, engine oil, fan belts, fuses, radiator fluid, and spark plugs)
- Spark plug socket and wrench
Keep a winter survival kit in your car
If you're traveling with kids, you'll need the following items to keep them safe in an emergency:
- Blankets or sleeping bags – When SHTF and you need to spend the night outdoors, or in the car, your kids can sleep comfortably if you have a blanket or sleeping bag.
- A change of clothes – This is a must, especially for very long trips.
- A winter emergency car kit – The kit must include items such as antifreeze coolant, CB radio (when traveling in an area without mobile phone reception), an LED flashlight, a plastic ice scraper, spare oil, tarp or rug (so you don't have to lie down on the ground if you need to change a tire), tire chains, tow rope and shackle/snatch strap, and weatherproof gloves.
Regardless of the items you decide to include in your car emergency kit, make sure you hide everything to deter thieves who might target your supplies. Use a dark towel to hide your kit or bags. Never overload your car. Pack methodically so you can still travel light while bringing supplies that you might need when SHTF.
With a car emergency kit, you can get through a survival scenario even if you're lost in the middle of nowhere.
Prepare for driving mishaps by reading up on the proper survival gear that you'll need to address any car emergencies at Gear.news.
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