Car Kits

 We all spend a lot of time in our cars, we need to make sure we are prepared for whatever may come our way or even someone else's way. It is a good idea to  have a car 72 hr. kit in your vehicle.  You will likely be surprised how often you end up using it, not just for yourself, but other motorists in need.  Some things most often used are gloves, shovel, axe and portable jump starter. It's amazing how many people get stuck in the winter or have dead batteries. If you choose to carry a portable jump starter, be sure to take it out occasionally and charge it up.  Just because you have it, it does no good if you don't maintain it and make sure it is good to go when you need it.

You can find several pre-assembled car kits out there that will work in a pinch and are a great starting point, but putting your own together, so that you know for sure you have the things you will need. You can find checklists that can get you started here, here, here and here, but ultimately it is up to you because you know best what you will need, what can fit in your vehicle, and what is most reasonable for your family as a whole. Most people have more than one car so make sure you have a kit specific for each car and driver and any passengers they may have on board at any time. Another thing to consider is the weather. It's a lot of things to keep in your car at once so things that you will only need seasonally, keep them in the garage nearby and make sure to put them in (ice scrapers, umbrella, warmer gloves and clothes) when the weather starts to change and take them out when they won't be needed. Another great suggestion for a car kit is to make sure you have a "cleaning" kit of some sort in your car. You never know what might spill or happen in your car especially on long road trips. It's never fun to take long rides in a stinky car. Here is a checklist. It also includes some other ideas for emergency car kits.

Below is a list of suggested items you may want to include in a car kit.

20 ft. nylon rope
good work gloves
axe
fold-able shovel with saw edge
a roll of duct tape
small portable jump charger/phone charger/flashlight/jumper cables/air compressor (all in one case)

2 liter bottle of water

first aid kit (not a basic one)

headlamp with extra batteries

hand crank radio

food-granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, high calorie bars, candy, freeze dried meals (3), etc.

matches

poncho

emergency blanket

hand sanitizer

wipes

hand and body warmers

Swiss army knife and multi-tool

fingernail clippers

glow sticks

masks (always a good idea, pandemic or not)

a roll of trash bags 

jack and spare tire (already in trunk just make sure the tire has air or you have a way to put in air)

   

   Happy packing and safe travels!