Emergency Roadside Lights
Setting up traffic safety lights is important at night or during weather with poor visibility. They can help you see as well as let other drivers know you are there. Keep at least one in your kit and set it up facing oncoming traffic.
Jumper Cables and Emergency Car Battery Charger
You never know when you or a friend might need their car battery jumped. Sometimes there isn’t a fellow motorist around, and you’ll need to have a portable battery charger. If you’re setting this kit up for a family member who is less familiar with cars, make sure to add an instruction sheet or show them how to use the charger and jumper cables.
Flashlight or Lantern
Always keep at least one flashlight handy in your car. Store one in your center console and another in the trunk. Keep a carabiner or s-hook to hang the light up in case you need some hands-free illumination.
Tire Inflator
Dips in temperature will cause the air in your tires to fluctuate. To get the best gas mileage and keep your tires in prime condition, make sure to keep an eye on tire pressure. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the optimal PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and inflate accordingly.
Spare Tire and Jack
Having a tire blowout will slow you down if you’re caught without these. This is especially true if your drive is through a rural area with few tow services. Make sure to drive slowly (usually under 40 MPH) on a spare tire and to keep your flashers on if you’re on a major highway/interstate. If you haven’t changed a tire before, ask a knowledgeable friend or family member to walk you through the process. This can give you confidence that you can handle an emergency situation on your own. In the moment, you can also find video tutorials online if you have service. Be sure to give yourself a refresher on best practices for safely changing a tire or making repairs when adjacent to a road.
No-Spill Gas Can (2-5 gal.)
Running out of gas is a pain. However, having an empty gas can will make it easier. Walk to the nearest gas station and fill up enough to get your car there. Remember – two to five gallons doesn’t sound like much, but walking a mile with it won’t be fun. Fill up the can with the bare minimum so you don’t overexert yourself.
Car Fire Extinguisher
A car fire is different from one in a home and requires a different kind of extinguisher. Avoid water, foam, and CO2 models. You can often find auto fire extinguishers that are compact and designed to be stored in your vehicle.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is great for everything from small scrapes to more serious injuries. You can make your own with bandages, gauze, ointments, medicine, and other essential items. Make sure to keep it well stocked and that the ointments haven’t expired.
Tool Kit
A good tool kit will help you make mechanical adjustments that’ll get you back on the road quickly.
- Philips Head + Slotted Screwdriver
- Socket Set
- Pliers
- Pocket Knife/Multi-Tool
- Electrical Tape (Duck Tape)
Additional Items to Include in Your Car Emergency Kit
- Bottled Water
- Solar Phone Charger + Radio
- Emergency Blanket
- Rain Pancho
- Extra Pair of Shoes, Gloves, Etc.
- Granola Bars and Other Snacks
When making a DIY car emergency kit, keep everything organized and easy to locate quickly. Start with a cargo organizer for bigger items. Collect smaller items in a tote bag and place it within the organizer to keep it from toppling over.
Be prepared for when the unexpected happens, and consider buying an emergency road kit instead of putting one together on your own. Shop first aid kits, emergency car kits, and more online at INFINITI Parts & Accessories today.