Today, many vehicle companies produce reliable cars and people say that car breakdowns are less common nowadays. Your vehicle will provide you with transportation to safety, and it may even become your shelter during a disaster. Prepping your car could save lives, and it’s critical to always have a well-prepared and well-maintained vehicle.  However, problems can still take place when on the road and this is where a vehicle survival kit comes in.

Having a survival kit in your car can make a great difference between being stranded or getting back on the road. Problems can happen with no warning and if you are not prepared with a survival kit, finding a solution can be difficult.

The things to include in your car’s survival kit depend on your personal requirements or the type of car you have. If you have an electric car, it is important to understand top electric cars and their features. These will break down as well and it might be quite difficult to put them back on the road.

The following are ten things to put in your vehicle survival kit.

#1: Flashlight

This is a crucial item you should have in your car’s emergency kit. Having a flashlight can help you a lot when you are changing tires or fixing other things in your car. Remember to carry extra batteries for the flashlight just in case the ones in use get drained. Another alternative would be to use a led lamp, preferably a solar one. In case you will need to use both your hands for car repairs you can hang the lamp or place it wherever is needed.

#2: First aid kit

When you are on the road, you might experience minor collisions or major accidents. Ensure that you have a first aid kit to help you in times of emergencies. Some of the things you should include in your first aid kit include gauze, pain relievers, trailhead, bandages and antiseptics.

There are many commercial kits available and they don’t cost a fortune. However, if you want to make sure your first aid kit fits your needs perfectly you can make your own. This step by step guide will teach you how to make a first aid kit and you will be able to customize it according to your needs.

#3: Fire extinguisher

During an accident, you may have to deal with a fire that can take place in your car. The reasons behind such misfortune may vary and it’s all a matter of circumstance. It could be because of a car crash that damages the electrical system or due to having combustibles such as gasoline stored inside the car.

If you have a car fire extinguisher, then it will be easy to stop the spread of fire. Even though this item can help you put out small fires in your vehicle, preventing greater damage and loss, you still need to properly assess the situation. If you think gasoline is involved, you should keep your distance from a vehicle on fire.

Related article: Vehicle Preparedness Essentials You Need To Cover

#4: Reflector

At times, you might find yourself stuck on the roadside especially when the weather is bad. To avoid collision with other passing vehicles, it is important to carry a reflector in your car trunk. If you place a reflector a distance behind your vehicle, you will alert other drivers and they will be more careful on the road.

In general, any signaling items should do a great job of showing your presence and road flares and reflective signs should be part of any vehicle survival kit. Some people decide to keep in their cars only road flares since they have a double role, fire starter and signaling item. However, flares last only so long

#5: Spare parts

There are different types of spare parts that you should include in your car survival kit. You can carry a spare tire, a tire lever, jack, tire gauge and a pump. You can keep the spare tire inflated at the boot of your car so it will be easy to change when you experience a flat tire.

#6: Jumper cables

At times, you might forget to switch off internal and external lights hence drain your car battery. If you are in a place where it is difficult to get roadside assistance, having jumper cables can help you start your car and keep moving.

In isolated areas, think about getting a jump-starter power bank. If you are forced to deal with a dead battery and there is no living soul around to jump it for you, you will need to rely on a stand-alone power supply. Such a device can jump your battery, but it also provides charging capabilities for multiple devices.

#7: Tow straps

Mud, snow and icy conditions can leave you stuck if you are driving during winter. It is great to include a tow strap in your survival kit. Even if you do not use it, you can help another driver who needs assistance.

These tow straps can have multiple uses and if used in conjunction with a tarp, you could make a decent shelter.

#8: Money

Do you really need money in your car’s survival kit? Yes, it is a great idea to have some little cash between $60-$100. You should keep the money in a hidden place so that it doesn’t attract the attention of thieves.

Such amount of money can help you if you want to pay for a taxi in case of an emergency. You also know that when you are on the road, it is hard to access an ATM, so carry some cash. This rule stands for any type of survival kit and you should know that cash is king during an emergency.

#9: Toolkit

You don’t have to be an experienced mechanic to carry a toolkit in your car. At one point or the other, you will find yourself doing some car maintenance chores. Some of the tools that you should have in your toolbox may include:

• Vice grips
• Work gloves
• Screwdriver with changeable bits
• Electrical tape
• Spark plugs
• Extra fluids and much more

However, a word of warning is required here. Before you make a complete toolkit, you should at least take the time and learn a thing or two about how to fix your car. You should know at least the basics. Otherwise, you will just carry dead weight.

#10: Food and Water

Many people hardly carry spare food and water in their cars. You should have at least 10-liter container with water and snacks or power bars with high expiration days. Having more spare food and water can be life-saving especially if you are in a remote place. Even more, you can use some of the water for the radiator, cleaning wounds and general car cleaning.

Other things to include in your survival kit may vary depending on your region. Consider this as well:

• Blankets
• Light sticks
• Poncho
• Sleeping bag
• Tube tent
• Duct tape
• Gravel, sand or kitty litter that can be used for traction on icy road spots
• Compass
• Folding shovel and much more

Final Words

If you were wondering what items to include in your vehicle’s survival kit, I have given you top ten items that are a must for every car kit. These are crucial items that will help you when you get stranded or when you experience an emergency outside the city limits.

Prepping your car is something you have to do even when you go on a long trip and not just for an emergency escape. Keeping a well-prepared and well-maintained vehicle will save you a lot of trouble, and you will have a reliable solution to make it out alive.

Useful resources to check out:

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