Make Your Own Vehicle Emergency Kit

As the temperatures start to drop the road conditions often worsen. During winter you are often dealing with snow and ice on the road that can lead to accidents. Even if the roads are clear, the temperatures can make something like a car not starting more dangerous. It's a good idea to have a vehicle emergency kit in your car.

You can make your own vehicle emergency kit without spending a lot of money. There are a few things that are nice to have with you if you get stranded, some of which you may already have around your house. Start with a large bag or backpack that you can easily store in the back of the car. Make sure it is big enough to fit everything in your emergency kit.

Food

Your food doesn't need to be anything fancy. Just place some granola bars, or better yet meal replacement bars. I have some Balance bars that I picked up on a sale. I know my family will eat them if we need them.

Water

Just a couple of bottles of water in the backpack will be enough for an emergency. If it is extremely cold where you live you may want to dump out some of the water in each of the bottles so they don't freeze in your car.

Blanket

Place an old blanket that you don't use anymore in the back of your car. It's great to have in an emergency. Even if your car won't start you will be happy to have it while you are waiting for help.

Cell Phone Charger

I love this emergency charger that my hubby got me for Christmas last year. If for some reason my car won't start and my cell phone is dead I can get a quick charge to make a call. It has also come in handy plenty of times at swim meets when I use up all of my battery.

First Aid Kit

You don't need a fancy first aid kit. You can buy one at the store or you can easily put together one yourself. I would recommend having bandages, gauze, gloves, antibiotic ointment, cold compress, and maybe some aspirin.

Tire Sealant

I have always heard that fix a flat isn't a good thing to use on your tires. Tires will often need to be thrown out instead of just plugged if you use the tire sealant. But, if I am by myself and I can't change the tire, the sealant is my next best bet. I think it's easy and cheap to have one in your car, just in case.

Flashlight

A flashlight can be a lifesaver if it's night out. I love the hand crank flashlights so you don't have to worry about the batteries going dead or worse yet the batteries leaking. Plus, my son has a great time cranking it up when he is bored. 🙂

Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are a must to have in your car all year long. You never know when your battery might go dead. Having a set of jumper cables in your car could save you a lot of time and money. I keep mine in the area with my spare tire. They have more than paid for themselves over the years.

With just a bit of time and money you can put together a vehicle emergency kit that can keep you safe all winter long.

Check out these car cleaning hacks to help keep your car clean all winter long.