January 2021: Life doesn’t always go according to plan and no one ever plans to be stuck on the side of the road with car problems. Whether it’s on the way to your family vacation or a work meeting, there is never a good time to have car trouble. While you can’t know when or where you will have car problems, you can be prepared for emergencies by having the proper tools with you. When an emergency happens, having a roadside toolkit can make the difference between delay and danger.
Driving somewhere for the holidays? Make sure your vehicle is prepared
Did you know that the average age of cars in America is 11.6 years?1 With those extra years comes higher mileage and it’s common for higher mileage cars to break down unexpectedly, as older parts fail with natural wear and tear. According to AAA, half the vehicles on the road are 10 years or older and those cars are four times as likely to require roadside repair.2 Even with new vehicles, car issues can occur at any time and create an emergency situation.
Some of the most common roadside emergencies include flat tires, dead battery, empty gas tank, overheating, and engine failure.3 When these emergencies occur, having the right roadside emergency kit can make the difference between a slight delay and a few uncomfortable hours waiting for assistance to arrive. The most important emergency auto tool is likely your cell phone and charger. Calling for assistance is always a good first step and making sure you have a portable charger can make you feel confident when it’s time to use your phone.
Joining an emergency road service is another good option. The National Automobile Club, AAA (American Automobile Association), and numerous other roadside services are popular choices.4 If you often travel by car, membership to roadside assistance services can be a wise investment. However, even with roadside assistance services, having your own roadside emergency kit is important when it comes to being prepared for unexpected car troubles.
Know when to repair the brakes on your car
Building your emergency roadside kit doesn’t take long and having a DIY emergency kit for your car can save you time and headache when you’re stranded with car problems. A good place to start with your emergency roadside kit is having tools to replace a flat tire since flat tires are the most common problem when it comes to needing a roadside emergency kit.5
In order to replace a flat tire, you’ll need to make sure you have a lug wrench, jack, wheel wedges, gloves, and a flashlight in your roadside emergency kit. You’ll also need to have a spare tire ready to replace the flat tire. Before changing your tire, you should make sure you are in a safe location off the road and have your hazard lights turned on.
Read our complete guide for changing your tire in 5 steps
If you want to build your own DIY emergency roadside kit for your car so that you can customize exactly what tools you have, the items listed below will provide you with a good base to choose from:
- Heavy Duty Booster (jumper) Cables
- Tire Gauge
- Roadside Emergency Lights
- First Aid Kit
- Gloves
- Screwdrivers, Adjustable Wrenches and Pliers, Socket Wrench Set
- Tow Strap
- Air Compressor
- Tire Repair kit and Foam Tire Sealant
- Reflective Triangles, Flares
- Safety Vest for High Visibility at Night
- Empty Gas Can
If you would rather not build your own emergency roadside kit, there are also many kits that are premade and available to purchase. These kits include tools that are essential for getting you back on the road during an emergency. Each premade kit can include different tools, so make sure you read carefully what each kit comes with to ensure you have the right items available for your needs.6
Since a roadside emergency kit can include many different items, it’s a good idea to purchase a container or bin that can house all of the tools you have to keep it organized. Once you have a container, you can keep it in your trunk so that all of your items are in one place and easy to access.
When it comes to building your emergency roadside kit, you should prepare for as many situations as possible. If you live in a climate with unpredictable weather or travel to areas with colder weather, you might want to pack these items that will help keep you protected from the elements:7
- A Thermal Blanket
- Handwarmers
- A Fire Starter
- Extra Hats
- Snow Shovel
- Ice Scraper
Feel confident every time you’re on the road by building your car emergency kit today. You won’t be able to predict emergencies, but you can be prepared for them and give yourself peace of mind when you’re behind the wheel.
Click here to download a printable emergency roadside toolkit checklist. When you’re ready to check these items off the list and complete your roadside emergency kit, you can use your Synchrony Car Care Credit Card nationwide—find a location today!