Must Haves for Car Emergencies

Getting stranded in the snow or driving into a ditch aren't the only kinds of car emergencies that you could experience. Even if you don't go far, you should have these items in your vehicle's emergency supply bag just in case. Highway Hero Driving Academy staff suggests some of these must-haves for car emergencies:

#1 Repair Toolbox

It's impossible to fit every single item into a car's emergency tool kit. However, your repair toolbox will include everything you need to repair an issue on the go. You'll need a travel-sized kit that contains various equipment. You'll need to prepare for situations where your car may have a flat tire, a dead battery, loose trim, or a shortage of fluids. Several pre-assembled emergency vehicle tool kits are available at auto-parts shops and on the internet. However, pre-made emergency kits often lack a few essentials, so be prepared to add items to them.

Consider including the following things in your car's emergency tool kit, if possible:

• A portable jumper pack or jumper wires

• Flat-head and Philips screws; multi-bit screwdrivers; and pliers (needle-nose and locking/vise-grip)

• An adjustable wrench, a tire wrench, a lug-nut socket, a car jack, a tire-pressure gauge, a spare tire and tire sealant, a flashlight, and emergency reflective tape

Highway Hero Driving Academy staff recommends that you have a few spare sockets, an extension bar, and a mallet if you need to loosen hard lug nuts. You may already own some of these goods. A fold-up jack, for example, may still be in your car even though it lacks a full-size spare tire.

Emergency Spare Parts

When driving long distances, it's essential to have a larger emergency vehicle tool kit. If your car is getting up there in years, it's even more critical.

• Batteries

• Fuses

• Spark plugs

• Bulbs

• Extra tire

• Duct tape

• Coolant

• Oil

• Brake fluid

• Air pump

Highway Hero Driving Academy staff suggests you include some safety glasses and gloves for extra safety and hygiene reasons.

Sound Off

How do you properly prepare for car emergencies? Let us know in the comments!