Emergency road kit tools you should have at your disposal

Picture this: You’re driving home late at night when you suddenly feel a tug at the steering wheel. It’s a flat tire. You don’t have a spare, so you call roadside assistance. They’re on their way, but it’s going to be at least two hours.

When a roadside emergency strikes, keeping you and your passengers safe and comfortable is the first priority. First-aid, food, and appropriate clothing to keep everyone warm and dry can make all the difference.

Start with a standard first-aid kit (make sure it includes bandages, gauze, disinfectants, medical tape, etc.)  to ensure you can treat any minor injuries.  Stock up on non-perishable snacks like trail mix and water to stave off the threat of getting hangry at roadside assistance. And make sure to keep blankets, extra jackets, an umbrella, and other rain gear in the car in case you have to leave the vehicle.

When assembling your vehicle’s emergency kit, it’s important to consider the age and condition of your car and tailor your tools from there. It’s also important to think about your driving patterns and the weather of the region you live in. For example, if you often experience snow or freezing rain and your slightly older car doesn’t have an external warming feature like newer models, it’s smart to include warming tools like a heated windshield scraper or even a large bag of salt to help melt ice, and carrying a small, portable, lithium-ion battery with jumper cables can also be helpful in case you car's battery stalls due to dropped temps.

Pro Tip: Another great way to protect your vehicle is with a  protection plan that covers your vehicle for a wide array of emergencies like Ally’s Premier Flex Coverage.

If you find yourself in a roadside dilemma at night, a simple flashlight can make any task easier. Additionally, reflective triangles are an essential component of night-time car safety when handling a roadside emergency. It’s easy to be overlooked by larger vehicles when light is limited. If you’ve ever pulled over to the side of the road to fix a flat tire, you know it can be a dangerous undertaking. Reflective triangles help alert oncoming traffic to your presence. Flares are also a great way to caution drivers well in advance.

It’s important to react to an emergency with the proper equipment after it happens, like having a spare tire in the event of a blowout. But it’s also helpful to take preventative steps to get ahead of catastrophes, too. For example, it’s always smart to check the tire pressure on your tires with a portable tire gauge (tucked in your glove compartment) before you head out on a long drive. If your vehicle is a bit older and doesn’t provide regular health reports via dashboard alerts, this is a great way to get a heads up in advance.

As we all continue to return to the roads, it’s safety first (as always). Having a well-stocked emergency kit along for the ride is a great way to do just that. With a little bit of intuition and research, you can equip yourself to be prepared for whatever happens on the road ahead.