6 Essential Items to Put in Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit

Owning a vehcile emergency kit is one of the things that many people overlook until it is too late. Do not take comfort solely in the fact that you are a member of an auto club or that you have free roadside call assistance coverage. The possibility of your car breaking down in an area that lacks good phone reception and is not well-lit shows the essence of always being prepared. Using a roadside emergency kit can help ease your burden when your car breaks down.

It is good to note that the model or newness of your vehicle does not determine the good health of the car. Maintenance does not guarantee against car break downs such as engine failure and low tire pressure. The emergency kit helps the driver maintain the status of the car until the roadside assistance personnel arrive at the scene, and there are many kits on the market to choose from.  Nevertheless, these retail kits are not exhaustive. Some of them lack some essential materials, so it can be a good idea to add to an existing kit or make your own. Below are some essential items that are necessary for every vehicle emergency kit.

1. First aid kit

The first aid kit is handy when the driver, passenger, or a passer-by is injured. A good first aid kit should contain an assortment of band-aids, ointment, antiseptic cream, antiseptic wipes, gauze, aspirin, pads, gloves, cotton balls, and adhesive tape. In addition to this, the owner could include some other additional items that are particular to him or her or their close family and friends. Some of these personalized items include inhalers and specific medicines, among other things.

2. Fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is an essential part of every emergency kit, yet most retail emergency kits fail to include them in their kits. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) should rate the extinguisher either class “B” or “C”. Class B extinguishers are specific to class B fires such as those by flammable fluids like gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel. On the other hand, Class C extinguishers are specific to class C fires, which are from electrical equipment that is energized. An example of such includes batteries, switches, and panel boxes, among others.

3. Fully charged mobile phone

This simple device can determine the possibility of you spending the night at the car breakdown location or you getting immediate help. This device is only helpful in instances whereby the breakdown location has good network reception. It will also aid the situation if the emergency numbers are set on speed dial to save time on locating an emergency contact on the phone list.

4. Flashlight

This device will help you at night and in misty weather conditions. It will help the situation if the flashlight is waterproof, and if you have extra batteries.

5. Warning triangles

When the car breaks down on a busy road, it is advisable that the driver warns oncoming drivers about the situation of their vehicle. This should be through turning on the hazard lights of the car.  Also, the driver may need to place warning triangles at about a fifty-foot distance from the vehicle. This helps reduce the chances of causing an accident or traffic jam on the road. Most emergency kits fail to provide for a sufficient number of hazard triangles. Experts advocate for the presence of a standard number of three triangles.

6. Tire gauge

The tire gauge helps to check the spare tire air pressure. It is essential that every car have a properly inflated spare tire. Most people fail to check the tire pressure of their spare tires and fail to realize that they have a spare tire with low pressure.

We at Jan’s Towing strongly promote and encourage safe driving. We also know that sometimes things go wrong and you may need roadside assistance in the future. When you need help with your vehicle while on the road, Jan’s Towing offers fast & reliable towing and roadside assistance – everywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, such as Azusa, Glendora, Covina, West Covina, Arcadia, Irwindale, City of Industry, Rowland Heights, and beyond. In Inland Empire, we service the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Bloomington, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and surrounding cities. We will respond immediately on a 24/7 basis, so give us a call right now at (626) 914-1841 if you are in need of towing or any roadside assistance!