When Emergencies Happen in Your Car

Emergencies are nothing to take lightly especially when it comes to you experiencing one in your car. Sadly no one is exempt from vehicle emergencies no matter how on top of repairs and maintenance we are. The key to handling one of these situations with ease is being well prepared. With that being said let's dive right into what emergency items to keep in your car.

First, Pay Attention to Weather Forecasts 

When you're traveling especially over multiple states it's important to know the road risks ahead. One of the best tools to stay informed is weather forecasts to help you avoid bad situations to begin with. Your tires can be a help or a problem when the weather is at it's worst.

The Essential Emergency Items for Your Vehicle

Essential emergency items are ones that should always be kept in your car, period. These tools can help with lots of bad situations, despite the weather conditions. Make sure you keep these on hand and you'll always be ready:

Jumper cables are one of the more accessible items you can keep in your emergency kit. Winter times your battery has a higher risk of dying on you and when it's summer it's a convenient tool to have on hand.

Reflectors and/or flares are a perfect tool to ensure your safety at night or get the attention of passing drivers. You can set them around your car in the instance of a flat tire so you can safely work on changing it without having to worry about passing vehicles. Flares come in handy when you're stuck in a dark area and your vehicle can't be seen. They will help get the attention of passing drivers and let them know an emergency is happening and help is needed.

Nothing is worse than being unable to see, especially when you need to find out what is wrong with your vehicle or fix something. Keeping a flashlight and extra batteries on hand is important. Remember not to let your batteries sit unused for long periods of time to ensure they work when you need them. Just like your car battery, the ones for your flashlight can drain over winter and leave you without a working flashlight.

First aid kit including any important medications you may need for emergencies.

Small shovels are perfect for when you get stuck in snow or something else. You can dig around your tires to give traction to help get your vehicle out without the need for the help of another vehicle.

Non-perishable food and drinkable water are a must-have addition to your emergency kit. If you're stranded in a hot area, you'll have water to keep you hydrated while waiting for help or fixing your vehicle. The food will keep you sustained for prolonged periods of time in instances you are stranded in a remote area for a day or so. In those situations, these items will be an appreciated addition.

Here's a great guide on available kits for purchase.

Situational Emergency Items

What we mean by situational emergency items is ones that fit the conditions you're driving in such as winter. It's important to factor in the elements when packing your emergency kit and that's where these items come into play.

Emergency blankets or sleeping bags are great for keeping you warm if you're stranded in the cold waiting for help. One of the worst things you can do is leave your car running when you're stuck in a snowbank. Sliding into one of these situations can leave your tailpipe clogged or surrounded by snow. When this happens, you put yourself at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Hand warmers are essential for winter emergency kits. They keep your hands and toes warm in some of the worst temperatures.

Kitty litter or sandbags are great for giving your car much-needed traction on slippery roads. Perfect for getting out of snowbanks and other situations.

Warm clothing is a great inclusion for winter emergency kits. They will ensure if you've been soaked replacing a tire or trying to dig yourself out that you won't succumb to hypothermia. Always keep a pair for everyone you would normally travel with like your significant other and offspring.

With that being said, this is our list of essential emergency items for both regular conditions and winter conditions. We hope this article from Southtowne Auto Mall will keep you safe and well prepared for any emergency you may experience. If you need a more reliable or safe vehicle for Utah's ever changing conditions, come see us!