How to Make a Road Emergency Kit

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Carry it with you always! 
Most of us never think about having a road emergency kit… until we need one. When you actually need such a kit, it can literally mean the difference between life and death. We've all heard stories of people getting stuck in a blizzard or stranded in the desert in the middle of nowhere, but even in the event of a simple flat tire, having a road emergency kit in your car or truck can be a true lifesaver. 

"No worries," you say. "I have roadside assistance." Well, sure, but what if you are in the exact middle of nowhere, have no cell phone service and can't call AAA? Keeping a road emergency kit in your trunk gives you an extra layer of protection when things go wrong. With such a kit, you can set out road flares and signs for help. If you have a flat tire and no spare, a can of sealant might get you down the road. If you find yourself stuck in your vehicle all night, at least you'll have food, water and a warm blanket. 

Emergency Road Kit

 If your car breaks down, remember to:
  • Pull over, well off the road. 
  • Put the car in park and turn on your emergency flashers. 
  • If you have roadside assistance, call with your cell phone and wait inside the car for assistance. 
If you are stranded by the side of the road without a phone or assistance, rely on your roadside emergency kit. 

 A quick search on Amazon will present you with any number of excellent pre-made kits, but we thought you'd like to know what you really need in a road emergency kit and why. If you make your own, you'll be sure of the quality of each item and add peace of mind to your next road adventure. Plus, all of the following will fit in a backpack. 

Grab and Go Kit

Besides keeping your road emergency kit in the trunk of your car, another good idea is to create a Grab and Go Kit for natural emergencies such as a wild fire, earthquake or tornado. Keep a travel bag packed in your house in a place that is easy to get to. In the event of a disaster, you can grab that bag and run out the door if you have to. Make sure it contains the following: 

  • Your passport and other important documents 
  • A change of clothes, underwear and socks 
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant 
  • Hand sanitizer, clean wipes and small trash bags 
  • Phone charger 
Check your Kit 
Once you have assembled your emergency kit, go through it and become familiar with everything, especially the first aid kit. Make sure you know how everything works, from the Fix-a-flat and road flares to your faithful jumper cables. Check the kit every six months and replace expired items.

At Lithia Motors, we hope you never need to use your road emergency kit, but you'll be ready if you do.
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