Going on a road trip or even just driving around town can be an enjoyable experience, but it's essential to be prepared for any unexpected situations. Car breakdowns, flat tyres or even minor accidents can happen without warning. That's why having a well-stocked emergency kit in your car is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll cover the important items you should have in your car emergency kit to stay prepared for any road-related hiccups.
5 essential things for car emergency kit
A flat tyre, a dead battery or bad weather can leave you stuck on the road. That’s why it’s smart to keep an emergency kit in your car. Here are the top 5 essentials for your car emergency kit:
A spare tyre is the only thing that can help you, when you encounter a puncture/flat tyre on the road. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.
That spare tyre is worthless when you don’t have a tyre jack to lift the car up. A jack is a mechanical device designed to lift heavy loads. With a maximum lifting capacity of 3 tonnes, it can easily lift your car up so that you can get to working on the real problem.
The jumper cable is required when the battery of a car goes dead, or runs out of charge. This problem is more common than you think. Turning off the engine and continuing to use electrical equipment requires electricity from the battery. Some people overdo this, and end up exhausting the car’s batteries.
Jumper cable is a great way to solve this issue, but you’ll need another car with a healthy battery to do a jumpstart.
Assuming all emergency measures fail, this can be your last resort. A towing rope comes with two iron hooks on each end that can be latched on to the front of the stranded vehicle, while the other end can be latched to the tow vehicle. A tow rope must be thick, of high quality and flexible with good load-lugging capacity.
Because emergencies can strike at any time during the journey, it is never a bad idea to carry a medical kit. You never know when you may need it. Make sure that it is stocked properly with antiseptic cream, aspirin, band-aid, gauze pads and adhesive tape.
Additional items to consider
Once you have the basics covered, think about adding these extra items to your kit. While they may not be necessary for every journey, having them can make a significant difference in unexpected situations. These additional tools and supplies can provide you with the extra assurance that you are fully prepared, especially during longer trips or when driving through areas where help may not be immediately available.
Puncture repair kit
If your car uses tubeless tyres, a puncture repair kit can help you fix small leaks on the spot. It includes plugs, tools and sometimes sealant. While you should still get the tyre checked later, it can help you drive to the nearest service centre safely.
Fire extinguisher
Car fires are rare but dangerous. A small, 1 kg ABC-type fire extinguisher is designed for car use and can help put out fires caused by short circuits or overheating. Keep it within easy reach, like under the driver’s seat or in the boot.
Basic tool kit
A small toolkit can help you manage minor mechanical problems on the spot, especially if you're far from a mechanic. It should include these few essential tools:
- A flathead screwdriver for removing or tightening standard screws.
- A head screwdriver (Philips) for crosshead screws, commonly found in interior panels or battery clamps.
- A pair of pliers for bending or cutting wires.
- An adjustable spanner or a small set of spanners for handling bolts and nuts, such as those on the battery or wheel clamps.
- A small wrench, preferably adjustable, for various fasteners.
- A utility knife or multipurpose tool for cutting tape, wires or packaging.
Reflective warning triangle and hi-vis jacket
If your car breaks down on a busy road or highway, it’s important to alert other drivers. A reflective warning triangle placed a short distance behind your car helps approaching vehicles see you in time. A high-visibility jacket makes sure you're seen clearly if you have to step out of the car, especially at night.
Torch with spare batteries
If your car breaks down in the dark, a torch helps you inspect or signal for help. Choose a strong LED torch and keep spare batteries or use a rechargeable one that you check regularly. Some torches also have a flashing or SOS mode for emergencies.
Tyre inflator
A portable tyre inflator is extremely useful if you get a flat tyre, especially in areas without a nearby puncture repair shop. It connects to your car’s 12v power socket and allows you to fill air quickly. This is especially handy at night or in remote areas where help might take time to arrive.
Conclusion
A car emergency kit is something every driver should have. It doesn’t need to be expensive or take up a lot of space. Being prepared means you can handle problems calmly and stay safe until help arrives.
Apart from keeping your emergency kit ready, make sure your car insurance is up to date. You can easily compare plans and renew your car insurance online in just a few minutes. Having the right coverage, be it a third-party car insurance or a comprehensive plan, ensures you remain financially protected in case of accidents, theft or damage, so you don’t have to deal with unexpected costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.