Do I Need An Emergency Roadside Tool Kit?
After years of road trips and traveling, I slowly realized that an emergency road side tool kit is very essential to an emergency when you are in the middle of no where, in town, or sometimes in your own driveway. We drive machines known as cars and trucks, which break down over time from wear and tear. So in certain events you will have to do a small repair yourself so your car can be back on the road again, taking you where you need to be going. Imagine you are traveling down a long straight highway, enjoying the drive when you notice a very loud noise coming from the back of your vehicle. You also feel something wobbling and affecting your driving as well. After pulling off the highway, you can see the rear driver side tire is flat. You don’t worry to much, because as a part of your insurance policy, you have roadside assistance. When you pick up your phone to call, you notice you have no service at all. Only then confirming you are on your own, until another vehicle comes by and hopefully stops to help you out. At this point, having an emergency side tool kit could be the difference in being stranded for minutes or being stranded for hours. Sometimes it can be a matter of life and death, when it comes to how well prepared you are in these situations.
What Does An Emergency Roadside Tool Kit Need To Have?
Having an emergency roadside tool kit could potentially save your life, there is no question to that. Especially if you drive an older vehicle, according to statistics, the older the vehicle is, the most likely it is to breaking down at some point. We have done some research, learned from our past emergency situations, and have gathered some information for you about what tools you should really have with you in your car or truck when traveling. We do recommend that you place everything into an easy to carry backpack, bag or something you can take with you from one car to another. If you own more than one vehicle, you could either move the emergency roadside tool kit from vehicle to vehicle, or purchase a kit for each one. Here are some of the most important things you should have in an emergency roadside tool kit.
First Aid Kit
A standard first aid kit is essential, and should include bandages, gauze, medical tape, burn cremes, alcohol wipes and gels. Aloe vera gels for irritations to your skin as well. If you are ever injured in a minor car accident, or during the time you are stranded, something handy like this could stop the spread of infections that could possibly hurt you even further. Taking medical precautions is a safe bet to insure driver and passenger safety at al times, and should never be ignored. We always keep first aid kits at our homes, cars , and place of business.
Jumper Cables
Sometimes during intense heat or cold weather, your vehicles car battery could easily die, or you left your headlights on by accident which could leave you stranded. A standard car engine and truck requires a specific amount of amps and volts to turn the vehicles starter, allowing the vehicle to run. The size of the jumper cables you purchase could depend on if your vehicle is a small economical car, requiring shorter style cables, or if you own a large pick up truck, that requires longer and thicker jumper cables.
Battery Jumper Packs
Sometimes you can leave your headlights on, or your battery could be weak from not getting a sufficient charge, and when you car dies you need a “jump”. If the only tool you have is jumper cables, you have to wait for another person with a vehicle to come along, so you can hook up to their battery, to charge yours enough to start back up and make it to your destination. A small or large battery jumper pack eliminates the need for another vehicle. You simply turn on the battery jumper pack, and wait 5 to 10 minutes, and your vehicle could be back on the road in no time. Most battery jumper packs are rechargeable, and should always be frequently inspected for corrosion and damage.
Lug Nut Tools and Jack Assembly
AAA reported in 2017 that the top three major roadside assistance request calls were due to a flat tire. Most manufacturers include what is called a donut or “spare tire” in the trunk of your vehicle, which can be easily replaced and use as a spare or back up until the original tire is repaired for you. However, if you don’t have the simple basic tools required, you may be forking out money to have a wrecker or roadside assistance company to help you. The lug nut and jack are usually kept together, and you should read proper instructions and labels before using.
Air Compressor & Fix-A-Flat
We recommend these tools because a simple nail or screw in your tire could take some time to remove and plug with a standard tire plug. Usually the fix-a-flat comes compressed in a can, you can connect the tube to your valve stem on your tire. Press the button releasing a chemical compound into the tire. After you are done introducing the fix-a-flat, you can use a small air compressor that is provided with most kits, and inflate the tire back to its original tire pressure. After driving back on the road, the chemical inside your tire is spread around at a fast rotation speed, coating the inner liner of the tire, sealing the leak once and for all.
Road Side Flares
If your vehicle is disabled on the side of the road, at night, using a road flare will help get another drivers attention from a very long distance, making sure they slow down, or stop of you are waving the flare around trying to get someones attention. They are also handy to start fires, deter wild animals, and can be seen for a couple of miles away as long as the visibility is good.
Flashlight or Head Band Lights
Having a flashlight will help you at night time, assisting you to see properly, so you can find or repair the problem that caused you to break down in the first place. Having a head band light will allow both of your hands to be free, and make the job even quicker and easier for yourself. You should also see what type of batteries the lights use, so you have spares in case you ever need them.
Socket Set
A standard socket set to remove or replace smaller bolts that are placed on your vehicle. Depending on the make of your vehicle you may need to get a standard size or metric size tool kit, with a simple 3/8 ratchet, socket extension and shallow style sockets. You do not need to have a full professional kit, just a simple small kit to have at all times.
Adjustable Wrench
Instead of taking up valuable space, keeping all different sizes or open and closed wrenches around, get a decent style adjustable wrench. These tools can come in handy when you are in an awkward space where a socket and ratchet will not fit. This gives you the ability to remove fasteners, bolts and nuts any size.
Screw Driver Set
We advise you to keep a few of each types, the flat head style, and a Phillips size style. Another good idea would be to get a screw driver bit holder, and keep various sized and styled bits around. Giving you the upper hand to insuring you do not strip or damage bolts that could be a smaller or bigger size.
Emergency Blankets
If you are not able to get your vehicle back on the road after being broken down, and need to wait until morning, emergency blankets will provide you adequate heat, or if you decide to camp out side the car. This will help fight off hypothermia and protect you from the elements as well. Due to the reflective surface, you can even use them to set up a temporary shelter if you needed to.
Emergency Water or LifeStraw
Water is essential to our very own existence, and we need it to survive. Most people try to keep a few water bottles or a large containers full or water in their vehicles at all times. Another valuable resource is the LifeStraw, which is a “straw like” water filter, that makes unsafe water, drinkable. This is huge and important, because if you breakdown somewhere, and are going to be stuck there for some time, you now how a way to drink water if you are able to find a source.
Multi-Tool Pliers
Known as the modern “Swiss army knife”, a multi tool such as a knife or pliers can be very helpful because of the tools within this tool. Pliers, knife, small saw blade, can openers, filet knife, and many other possibilities will make survival or repairs go without a hitch.
Tow Straps/Chains
A very important part of your Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit would be a tow strap or chain. These come in all kinds of different strength and styles. They also come folded and stitched, or have metal clamps or hooks attached. You need to take the total Gross Vehicle Weight of your car or truck, and get a tow strap or chain that is made to handle more than your vehicles weight.
Heavy Duty Mechanics Gloves
Certain parts of a vehicle can be extremely cold, or extremely hot in certain weather and life situations. ITs always a good idea to purchase a nice pair of mechanics gloves, because they will protect from the elements, extreme cold and heat, and help you work on parts that are sometimes dirty and greasy. Having a better grip on your tools, and protecting you from hitting your knuckles when you have to remove/tighten a bolt or nut. They can also protect from hazardous chemicals as well that could cause damage to the skin on your hands.
Should I keep Any Other Tools In My Emergency Roadside Tool Kit?
Another tool that you should keep in your vehicle, is duct “duck” tape. Use it to perform a quick patch, or to hold a window up, that has fallen off of its track, or door mirror that is dangling after accidentally hitting a deer. It serves as a temporary “patch” or fix until you can perform the proper repair. Another handy item I usually keep in my truck are heavy duty zip ties. Duct tape can hold things together up to a certain weight, however, I remember one night I was on my way home, hit a deer, and half of my front bumper was hanging off of my car. I didn’t want to take all the time it would have taken to remove the bumper, so I found the holes in the bumper and frame, that had missing fasteners and screws, and held everything together with zip ties. It held very well, and for a long time before I was able to properly repair the truck. Something else to think about, is to maybe keep some emergency meals ready to eat in your trunk. If you don’t have the space, its fine, however, it could come in handy, if you are ever stranded for a long period of time.
Conclusion
Emergency Roadside Tool Kits are an amazing investment, and could possibly save you hundreds of dollars from towing companies, or even save your life. There are some people who keep the bare minimum, or some who simply do not feel the need for any type of emergency roadside tool kit at all. Being prepared is half the battle when it comes to an emergency situation, and having a simple kit or tools like this is essential. Most of the items listed above can be purchased individually, or they can be purchased as Emergency Roadside Assistance Tool Kits online at Amazon.com. Some of the tools you will need to purchase separately, and if you can’t afford to get everything all at once, try to at least get the essentials first. Simple repairs to flat tires, light bulbs, or changing a tire that is bent, could save you money. The average tow now is around $100 within 30 miles. It can skyrocket in price from there. Stay safe!