An Emergency Roadside Kit Every Vehicle Should Have

by Kevin Smith Author

One of the worst feelings imaginable is when you are driving on a deserted highway and your vehicle breaks down. For major repairs, you should contact car emergency services in Decatur, but for minor issues like a punctured tire, you can handle at least getting your vehicle back to running if you have a mobile roadside emergency kit. To prepare yourself, here is what you should do.

Join a Roadside Assistance Service

There are a number of options, including AAA. Some local garages will also have a membership you can join and that will cover you if your vehicle issue is local. If you do not want to join an official roadside assistance group, you should keep a list of numbers of garage services that provide assistance or towing on your smartphone or on a paper list with your vehicle documents.

Buy a Roadside Assistance Kit

These will cover the basics including reflectors, jumper cables, a flashlight, screwdrivers, a wrench, etc. The limitation here is that there are still things you need, especially if you live in a remote area.

Build Your Own

You can build your own. Here is what you need at a minimum:

Jumper Cables or a Portable Charger: If you carry jumper cables you also need to carry a small, portable battery or you will be forced to rely on passers-by. One option is to buy a portable charger that comes with attached jumper cables.

Flares or Reflectors: Flares are more effective because they grab attention, but if you do not feel confident setting them off, a roadside reflector is a good idea.

Motor Oil and Coolant: You probably will never need to use either of these two, but if you find yourself in a situation where you do, not having them means you have no hope of getting your vehicle back on the road.

First Aid Kit: This should cover all the basic first aid necessities you may encounter, ranging from skinning a knuckle changing a tire to addressing a wound or wounds after an accident.

Tool Kit: This should include screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, etc.

Air Pressure Gauge and Sealant: To address a deflating or punctured tire.

Towels and Washer Fluid: To clean up and to clean up your windshield and windows.

Ice Scraper: If you live in an area that gets sleet, freezing rains or snow, having an ice scraper never hurts.

Energy Survival Food: Keep it hand-to-mouth simple.

Bottled Water

These are the basics for a roadside emergency kit. When possible, however, you should contact car emergency services in Decatur once you have assessed and stabilized the situation.