10 Items to Have in Your Car in Case of an Emergency

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Just because you have roadside assistance, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for car emergencies.

An emergency car kit is something that all drivers should have. Why? Because emergencies and accidents can happen at any time and any place. Instead of twiddling your thumbs and waiting for help arrive, the following items could help you remedy or improve the situation. Here's a checklist for 10 essential items that you should pack in your car.

1. First Aid Kit

It’s always handy to have a first aid kit around. You can easily purchase a pre-packaged one from Guardian or Watsons. Alternatively, you could always put one together yourself. Make sure you include bandages, gauze, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, burn and antibiotic cream, painkillers, antihistamine (for allergies), cotton pads and swaps, as well as hand sanitiser.

2. Drinking Water and Snacks

Besides quenching your thirst, you can also use water to clean your windscreen, wash your hands, or top up your radiator to prevent overheating. While you’re at it, might as well throw in some snacks like energy bars, crackers, nuts and sweets. They’ll help satiate an empty stomach while waiting for help to arrive.

3. Portable Charger

In this time and age, we are overly dependant on our smartphones. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to why this item made our list. Just make sure it’s properly charged.

4. Fire Extinguisher

Car fires are pretty common, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a fire extinguisher ready to beat the flames. If you do decide to get one for your vehicle, make sure to pick up a Class B or Class C extinguisher. These are more suited for fighting vehicular fires. Oh, and avoid water extinguishers, as these can cause petroleum fires to spread.

5. Spare Tyre

A spare tyre is one of the most important items to have in your car. But without the knowledge to change one, your spare tyre is essentially useless. To learn how to change a spare tyre, read the following article. Before you go fixing a flat, make sure the spare is in good condition. Even if your spare tyre hasn't been used, it does degrade over time. As a rule of thumb, you should replace your spare tyre once every five years.

6. Tyre Repair Kit

If changing a spare isn’t an option, you could always pick up a tyre repair kit. There are several repair kits available in the market and they are quite similar in application. Although not a permanent fix, they should be able patch a puncture and buy you enough time to get to your workshop.

7. Jumper Cables

In the event of a dead car battery, you will need jumper cables to get back on the road. The cables should be long enough to connect two cars. They also must have rubber handles for safety.

8. Multipurpose Tool

A multipurpose tool such as a Swiss Army Knife could come in handy while on the road. It can be used to loosen screws, cut strings, and other quick fixes.

9. Window Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter

If you ever get caught in an accident (touch wood), and find yourself trapped in your seat, this useful device can be a lifesaver. This rescue tool is designed to cut through jammed seatbelts and break through windows, allowing you to escape safely. There are several devices in the market, so pick one that best suits your needs.

10. Working Flashlight and Spare Batteries

If your car every breaks down at night, you’ll be thankful to have a working flashlight on hand. Your handphone flashlight could technically work, but it usually isn’t as powerful as a flashlight.

What other emergency items should you pack in your car? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: 10 Bad Driving Habits That Are Actually Damaging Your Car