Being prepared for anything when you’re a driver is always important. An emergency can happen even with the best vehicle maintained to the highest level. While we hope this never happens to you, we’d advise you to keep a car emergency kit in your trunk should you need it. We’ve listed a variety of items that will help deal with many different situations that may occur.
Jumper Cables
A car battery can potentially let you down, and you’ll need jumper cables to be on the move again. There are a wide variety of cables available, but we recommend choosing a high-quality set of heavy-duty cables. Good quality cables may seem expensive, but they won’t let you down when needed. We also recommend choosing 16′ cables, as these will even allow you to get a charge from a vehicle parked behind you.
Flashlight
Emergencies can happen anytime, and a flashlight is essential to help you see in the dark. You may be in a rural area with poor lighting, or you might need to see something up close, and this additional light source will be of immense help. We advise choosing a good quality LED flashlight, as it will last a long time, and you don’t have to worry about replacing a blown bulb.
Water
Water is essential, and you may have to wait for a tow or other assistance. If this happens in hot weather, you’ll start to get thirsty. To be safe, we recommend storing at least a gallon of water. A sealed water container will last at least six months or even longer. The water will get warm in your trunk, but it will still quench your thirst and refresh you.
Fire Extinguisher
We hope you’ll never be faced with a fire, but if you are, a small fire extinguisher is essential. As with emergency supplies, it’s better to have them available just in case. The three types of fire you could encounter are:
- Class A – ordinary combustibles like plastic and cloth
- Class B – flammable liquids like gasoline and oil
- Class C – electrical fires
We recommend a small class ABC extinguisher as it will effectively prevent any possible fires in your car.
Spare Tire
Many drivers, unfortunately, don’t pay much attention to their spare tires. Your spare tire must be checked regularly, as it can lose air. This doesn’t mean it leaks, but your tire pressure will equalize the air pressure outside. If you need to change a tire, it’s essential to know that it’s always in perfect condition.
Many other items can be included in an emergency kit, including tire sealant, a multitool, and emergency food. If you’d like more advice on additional emergency kits or to check out our excellent range of used vehicles, come in and see us at DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick.
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