Written by Kelly Burch
Published Jan 29 | 6 minute read
No one plans to be stuck on the side of the road while running errands or commuting, but one in three U.S. drivers will experience a vehicle breakdown in any given year.
The most common types of roadside emergencies include:
Fortunately, preparing a roadside emergency kit can make a frustrating or even scary situation a little easier. These kits are especially important during winter, when slippery, icy or snowy conditions can increase your likelihood of sliding off the road and getting stuck.
Here's how to stay prepared and create your own roadside emergency kit.
A good place to start with your emergency roadside kit is tools to replace a flat tire. To change a flat, you'll need:
Get familiar with the equipment and consider practicing how to change a tire at home. You don't want your first time to be on the side of a busy highway.
Another common and easily remedied problem is a dead battery. Always have a pair of 12-foot jumper cables, and practice connecting the cables safely to jump-start your battery.
Keeping these items in your vehicle can help you prepare for emergencies:
You'll also want certain items on hand to keep you and your passengers safe, especially if you're on a long trip or traveling through remote areas. These include:
Your winter roadside emergency kit should include essentials to keep you warm during winter months and help you deal with snow or ice, including:
Your roadside kit should fit in your vehicle without taking up too much space. It should be well secured but also easily accessible. Some people prefer to store their entire emergency kit in a single container, while others choose to store items separately. For example, tire-changing equipment and jumper cables can often be stored under the floor in the trunk or cargo area. A canvas bag, plastic tote or toolbox will work for an emergency kit. Ideally, the container should be strong, waterproof and able to hold everything you want while still sealing tightly.
Group similar items together so you can quickly locate what you need in an emergency. Keep tools like a jack and jumper cables in one area, safety items such as your first aid kit in another, and winter essentials like blankets and ice scrapers in their own section. Using labeled compartments or pouches helps keep everything organized, and placing frequently used items in easy-to-reach spots saves time when it matters most.
Make sure all items are packed securely to prevent shifting or damage while driving. Cushion fragile items with padding, and fold or compress larger items to maximize space. Storing supplies in waterproof containers or ziplock bags protects them from moisture and dirt, which is especially important for electronics and important documents.
Keep your emergency kit in a spot that's easy to reach without moving other things, such as the cargo area of an SUV, under the back seat of a pickup, or the trunk of a sedan. Ensure the container fits securely and doesn't interfere with passenger comfort. Always store the kit in the same place so everyone knows where to find it quickly in an emergency.
Regularly inspect your kit by replacing expired food and water and testing battery-operated devices to ensure they work. Keep extra batteries handy as backups. Also, check the spare tire's pressure and look for any cracks or dry rot to ensure the tire is reliable when you need it.
The more prepared you are for roadside emergencies, the safer you can be. While we can't always avoid emergencies, we can do our best to respond to them carefully and confidently.
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Kelly Burch is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience writing about automotive and finance topics. Her work has appeared in national and international newspapers and magazines, and she's created messaging for well-known brands including CarMax, Trivago and Synchrony. When she's not behind the desk, Kelly can be found in the mountains and lakes that surround her New Hampshire home.
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