What is the best emergency kit for keeping in the car?
A good fire extinguisher under the seat, where you can reach it if you are trapped in a crash. halon
Some way to cut yourself loose and break glass, also in easy reach. gerber hinderer
A good first aid kit, and some Celox for arterial bleeding: celox
For cold weather, a wool blanket. surplus blanket
For cold weather, a way to heat and hold water that won't freeze up. swiss ranger stove
For cold weather, a tow strap without hooks. how to use one
If you never pop the hood of your vehicle, a good emergency CB and/or tracphone that can dial 911 even with being activated. CB
If you know how to check and add fluids, I like to keep them organized in a five-gallon bucket on long trips. One bucket will hold:
- jug of 100% antifreeze
- oil
- transmission fluid
- power steering fluid
- brake fluid
- half roll of paper towels
- clean rags
- window cleaner
- rubber gloves
If you can turn a wrench, you likely knew all this already and didn't even read this far. But here are a couple of things that saved my butt:
- hose clamps
- hose tape
- male-male barbed hose connectors
- extra serpentine belt
- jumper cables
- extra fuses
- wire and black tape
- make sure the spare has air
- a piece of pipe for lug wrench breaker
- tool kit with adjustable wrench and vise grips
7 Answers
First thing would be a cigarette lighter charger for your cellphone. Then a flashlight, small shop towels with Purell. A blanket or emergency wrap. A good multitool , some cash and coins, water, oil, fuses, pen and paper.
The best kit is the one you make yourself. To go all-out, I would get a Pelican case w/:
-space blanket
-2 bottles of water
-multi-tool w/ knife
-road flares
-2 powerbars
-flashlight
-walkie talkie w/ NOAA radio
-2 packs of AA batteries
-extra pair of socks
-altoids tin with cash and quarters inside
-fischer space pen
...and then whatever else you can fit, depending on your climate/location etc.
Well it really depends how extensive you want it to be. If you're going all out I would include:
-basic red cross first aid kit
-basic car fluids (brake fluid, oil, antifreeze etc.)
-flashlight with extra batteries
-flares
-basic tools or any multi-tool
-cans of tuna, or any other non-perishable food you enjoy
-Duct Tape
-$5 in quarters and $20 cash
-emergency blanket
-two trash bags (they have countless uses)
-a jug of water
-small container of soap
-extra pair of clothes
-small amount of any medication you are taking
-a good book to read while waiting for the tow truck
That covers the essentials, and a bit more. If you're wanting an emergency kit that will get you through a zombie apocalypse include everything you would normally take while backpacking.
A good fire extinguisher under the seat, where you can reach it if you are trapped in a crash. halon
Some way to cut yourself loose and break glass, also in easy reach. gerber hinderer
A good first aid kit, and some Celox for arterial bleeding: celox
For cold weather, a wool blanket. surplus blanket
For cold weather, a way to heat and hold water that won't freeze up. swiss ranger stove
For cold weather, a tow strap without hooks. how to use one
If you never pop the hood of your vehicle, a good emergency CB and/or tracphone that can dial 911 even with being activated. CB
If you know how to check and add fluids, I like to keep them organized in a five-gallon bucket on long trips. One bucket will hold:
- jug of 100% antifreeze
- oil
- transmission fluid
- power steering fluid
- brake fluid
- half roll of paper towels
- clean rags
- window cleaner
- rubber gloves
If you can turn a wrench, you likely knew all this already and didn't even read this far. But here are a couple of things that saved my butt:
- hose clamps
- hose tape
- male-male barbed hose connectors
- extra serpentine belt
- jumper cables
- extra fuses
- wire and black tape
- make sure the spare has air
- a piece of pipe for lug wrench breaker
- tool kit with adjustable wrench and vise grips
Great answers above, so I'll just add:
Portabe jump starter
http://www.nextag.com/jump-starter-portable/search-html
Essentially just a portable battery with cables, higher end models often have various plugs and lights attached to the unit for a mulitude of situations.
I was at the gas station and this lady's car died in front of me, couple minutes and she was back on her way.
When the shittith hittith the fanith, I suggest a blanket, MRE's and a bottle of Jack. A dashboard Jesus wouldn't hurt either.
There was actually an article on ITSTactical.com about this exact question. The only thing not discussed was a first aid kit, but it is a given you should have one with you.
Here is the link