St. Petersburg Hyundai Dealer: How to Make an Emergency Kit for Your Car

Apr 2, 2013

Your St. Petersburg Hyundai dealer wants to make sure that you have a car emergency kit that prepares you for the unexpected. Include these items in your kit, and you will increase your chances of staying safe in all kinds of situations.

A Cell Phone

Most people carry cell phones, so this one should be easy. There are a still a few hold-outs, however, who don’t want to carry cell phones with them daily. That’s fine! You can still keep yourself safe by keeping a pay-as-you-go phone in your car’s emergency kit.

These phones come pre-loaded with a certain number of minutes, so you don’t have to pay a monthly bill. Just make sure the battery is fully charged so the phone will work when you need it most.

A Fire Extinguisher

Your car’s engine generates a lot of heat. Given the right (or wrong) circumstances, your car could go up in flames. If you have a fire extinguisher, you can put out the fire before it consumes your entire vehicle.

Reflective Triangles

The side of the road is a dangerous place, especially when drivers can’t see you. Keep at least three reflective road triangles in your car so you can alert other drivers to danger.

If you don’t like reflective triangles, then consider battery-operated lights. Road flares can also work, but they have limited lives that might not get you through the night.

Water and Snacks

If you get stuck miles away from civilization, then it could be hours or days before you get help. Make sure you have potable water to keep everyone hydrated. Snacks will fend off hunger and give you the energy you need to think through the situation logically instead of making rash decisions that could put you in greater danger.

Jumper Cables

Don’t rely on other motorists to have jumper cables to recharge your battery. It’s smarter to carry your own equipment so you know you have the items you need. Get jumper cables that are at least 10 feet long. They should also be coated with rubber to prevent shocks.

Old Rags

Fixing a car is dirty business. Have a few old rags in the trunk so you can wipe off your hands and any parts that have become coated in oil and dirt.

A Shovel

A shovel makes it easier to dig yourself out of mud, sand, snow, and ice. Without one, you’re just spinning your wheels.