DIY Emergency Car Kit
It doesn’t often snow in our area of Southern California, but on very rare occasions it has. We’ve more often encountered harsher winter weather while on the road in other climes. Rain is winter’s usual gift to us, drought conditions notwithstanding. Having our vehicle prepared for winter, or for any type of weather, is of utmost importance. And a DIY Emergency Car Kit enhances that preparedness.
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It was Greek philosopher Heraclitus that said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” With constant weather changes and recent weather events making headlines, this old adage has certainly weathered the test of time. Summer will soon be in the rear view mirror making way for destination winter. To be prepared for what may lie ahead, there’s no time like the present to make preparations for any extremes winter may reach. A great place to start is with your vehicle. Different parts of the country are subject to a variety of weather conditions. Whatever the forecast, be it rain, sleet, snow, or full sun, the right Emergency Car Kit can be a life-saver!
Start with a sturdy carrying bag. We chose backpacks because they’re easier to carry in the event you may need to evacuate your vehicle. We’re sharing our DIY tutorial for a basic emergency kit and recommend you include items that fit your needs, needs of your particular vehicle, and family needs.
The backpack we use as an Emergency Car Kit filled with items we’ve deemed essential for us. Below are some of the items including emergency water, bottled water, a water filter bottle, LED and traditional flares, snack/protein bars, and an emergency poncho, among others.
A list of items that works for us:
- Backpack
- Work gloves
- Jumper/booster cable
- Auto escape tool
- Multi-purpose tool
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Crank flashlight (no batteries required)
- Clean cloth
- Duct tape
- Ice Scraper
- Poncho
- Emergency Blanket
- Tire sealant
- Tire air gauge
- Zip ties
- Bungee Strap
- First aid kit
- Emergency whistle
- Compass
- Water – We have both light weight emergency packets and bottles
- A gallon of water in your trunk for your car engine
- Water filter bottle
- Snack/protein bars
- MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
First aid items, battery and non-battery flashlights, jumper cables, etc., shown above. Gloves, compass, lighter, all-purpose tool, etc., shown below. Mix and match contents that may meet your emergency needs while on the road away from home.
An additional recommendation is to also include a change of clothes, boots/sneakers and a jacket. You just never know what your emergency might be and what kind of weather you may be exposed to.
And there you have it. Your own personalized DIY Emergency Car Kit!
Be as safe as you can be on the road with a DIY Emergency Car Kit, in the rare instance it may be needed. Rain, sleet or snow may come between you and your destination. But you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve done all you can to help yourself arrive safely.
robin rue says
You never know, so it is always a good idea to be prepared. It sounds like you thought of everything!
David says
Tried to think of every possible situation and what might come in handy.
Melissa Chapman says
It always pays to be ready for an emergency. I have to admit that I don’t have an emergency kit and would have a lot of trouble changing a tire if I needed to. I will keep these emergency tips in mind to prepare myself.
David says
It really does pay to be prepared. And the peace of mind being prepared brings can be priceless.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I need to get over to Sam’s Club. We shop there for everything we can, and we only use Goodyear tires. It seems perfect to me.
David says
Cathi and I are so glad we’re members of Sam’s Club. And the exact Goodyear and tire size needed was in stock! A win win for us!
Jeni Hawkins says
Goodyear always has the BEST tires! I’ve never purchased them from Sam’s Club, but love those discounts. Great tips for an emergency kit, too!
David says
You’re so right about Goodyear having the best tires. And with the instant $80 off, and Sam’s Club already great prices, you can’t go wrong. And with an emergency kit you’ve got your bases covered.
Claudia Krusch says
It is so important to have an emergency kit for your car. I need to check mine over and update a few things.
David says
Having an emergency kit is very important. And keeping it updated is key. We’re always updating it to keep it current.
Jenn says
Excellent tips. Nothing worse than being stuck in winter weather. We know a thing or two about that here in New England. Goodyear are a tried and true product.
David says
Goodyear has built up a great reputation over the years. Bet you know a thing or two … or three or four and more living in New England! Beautiful part of the country. And winter weather to match!
Vanessa Delia says
You never know when winter weather will hit or what emergency may happen in the middle of it. Having good tires AND emergency items to back you up is always a plus.
David says
So true! Winter weather can be harsh and unpredictable at times. The right tires can be a tremendous help. And emergency items make for excellent backup.
krystal says
That’s a great deal on tires! It is important to prepare your car for the weather ahead.
David says
As the saying goes, one can never be too prepared. Great tires and emergency backup go along way in being prepared for whatever the weather.
Randi says
An emergency car kit is so important for winter weather. We don’t get much winter at all but I do keep some of those things in my car for other situations.
David says
Totally agree. We don’t get much winter weather either. But, like you, we try to be prepared for whatever the situation on the road may be.
Amy Desrosiers says
I could so use some new tires. The air light on my car keeps coming on and scaring me!
David says
Hopefully it’s just a false reading of your air light. Otherwise you may need to get some new Goodyear tires for peace of mind and to keep you safe on the road.
kristin says
This is s important especially as we head into fall. Staying prepared is so important.
David says
So true. Winter, spring, summer and fall all seem to have their own unique weather surprises from time to time.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Really helpful tips! It’s always great to be prepared for winter. Thanks for sharing these ideas!
Jeanette says
Emergency kits in cars are one of THE most important things you need! When you are stuck somewhere that could be the difference between life and death! Great tips here.
Crystal says
We’ve had two failed road trips this year. It sure does dampen a vacation when there’s car trouble. Your car kit is a great thing to have on hand to make sure your trip stills feels like vacation.
reesa says
Living in NJ, having good tires for the winter is a must for us! We have Goodyear tires on both of our cars and just love them!
Hali says
It’s that time of year I guess, this will be my first year as a driver. Lots to learn, thanks for sharing.
Stacie says
Goodyear is a brand of tire that I trust. I need to double check my emergency kit for my car. Winter isn’t too far away.
Sherry says
Being prepared for winter is a must here in Canada. We have three vehicles we have to stock for emergencies. This list will come in handy.
amanda goodenough says
What good tips! We need an emergency kit in our car! And we always buy goodyear!
Ashwin says
Nothing worse than being stuck in winter weather. Having an emergency kit is very important. And keeping it updated is key.
disc brakes says
Car kits are really good to have for emergencies, Better be prepared. You’ll never know when you’ll gonna need them.