Road trips are fun and memorable, and with renting a car so much easier today, even those who don’t have their own vehicle can go where they please. The only thing that could ruin the whole adventure is when an emergency, even a minor one, happens along the way and you are not prepared to deal with it.
Fortunately, most of these unexpected events can be resolved with just the right tools and equipment that a well-maintained car normally has. So, do take note of these car emergency must-have items to help you take care of the most common hassles that can happen during a road trip.
Fixing a Flat Tire
Did you know that instead of using a spare tire to replace a flat one, you can perform a quick and easy repair to get back on the road swiftly? There are tire sealer and inflator products readily available that can effectively address small punctures and leaks. These products typically come in a can with a tube that you attach to the tire valve. Upon pressing a button, the sealant is sprayed into the tire.
After using the sealant, drive the vehicle for 3-5 kilometers at a speed of no more than 80 kilometers per hour. This distance and speed should optimize the sealing performance. Please note that this method is not suitable for long-distance travel; rather, it's intended to get you to the nearest vulcanizing shop, where they can properly fix or replace the tire.
Jump-Starting Your Car
If your car battery runs out, let’s say because someone accidentally left the interior light on overnight while the car was parked and turned off, you don’t need to wait for another vehicle to jump-start it. If you have a portable car jump starter it will help you get your car going again. They’re like those ubiquitous power banks for cellphones and a lot of them do recharge your gadgets too, not just your car’s battery.
Checking Air Pressure
Your tire’s air pressure will deplete by roughly 1 pound per square inch each month. Your fuel efficiency, braking, handling, and tire life will all suffer from driving on underinflated tires. But if you overfill them, the same thing will also most likely occur. We recommend keeping a pencil-type tire gauge in the glove compartment or trunk of every vehicle you own. It’s portable, reliable, and easy to use.
Putting Out a Fire
Having a fire extinguisher in your car is a good safety precaution as you never know when your car will suddenly burst out in flames due to an electrical problem or something else. Get one that can put out both gasoline and electrical fires.
Changing a Flat Tire
You'll need an X-shaped lug nut wrench to remove the flat tire from your car, one that takes less room in your trunk. Make sure it also has four sockets that are roughly equivalent to 11/16 inch, 3/4 inch, 13/16 inch, and 7/8 inch, respectively, and are sized for the most typical lug nuts: 17 mm, 19 mm, 21 mm, and 23 mm.
Lifting Your Car
Bottle jacks are portable and convenient, and they are powerful enough to lift a large SUV or van in case you need to change a flat tire. Make sure you also have a jack stand to keep your car more stable. Never get under a car that’s only being supported by a jack. You shouldn't go underneath to change a tire anyway, as even high-quality jacks may occasionally slip or malfunction.
If you’re on the market for a new jack, make sure to get a heavy-duty hydraulic bottle jack. The best ones are simple to use and don't require many handle pumps to lift a car off the ground.
Topping Off the Engine Oil
Periodically check the oil level in your engine. If it's low, you need to fill it up to the right level before using your car again to prevent damage to your engine. Keep at least a quart of the oil (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, etc.) specified by the owner's manual of your car.
If you don’t have the manual anymore, go for an all-purpose oil that will work with most engines and in most circumstances. Keep some paper towels on hand as well so you can clean the dipstick before measuring the oil level. Keep in mind that having too much oil in the engine is bad as well.
Cleaning or Brushing Your Windows
It’s always best to keep your car windows squeaky clean, whether you’re going on a long journey or just a quick drive so that you will have an unimpeded view of the road. Do this using a multi-purpose car glass and home window cleaner that comes with a retractable sponge that allows you to reach the roofs of even tall vehicles.
Refilling the Coolant
Frequent coolant (antifreeze) level checks are highly advised. You risk damaging the engine if you drive while it's low. On extended journeys and during heat waves, bring a spare gallon so you may top off your car’s coolant level wherever you are.
Any antifreeze you currently have in the cooling system of your car can be combined with green-dyed antifreeze. If you purchase the concentrated bottle of coolant, you will need to mix it with a gallon of distilled water. For less hassle, get the premixed coolant that says "50/50" on it.
Warning Fellow Motorists
A traffic warning triangle kit in your car is something you need there but hope you don’t use at all. Of course, emergencies on the road can happen at any time, and you may need to park on the side. You don't want to put other motorists at risk on the road especially when your flashers are off. The warning triangle placed a couple of meters away from your car in front and at the back would warn others and give you a wide berth.
Lighting Up Dark Places
Your vehicle won’t always malfunction in the presence of light, whether natural or artificial. Thus, it’s always good to have an LED flashlight in your glove compartment to help you see in the dark. Find one that is durable enough to withstand any kind of jarring in your trunk or the unavoidable fall to the sidewalk.
Durable Storage for the Essentials
It can be quite annoying if all these things were to keep rolling around your floorboards or trunk. Pack them inside a water-resistant duffel bag to keep them all together and tidy. Look for one that has a thick fabric that can hold sharp-edged tools. It should also have zippered external pockets that can be used to store small items such as the folding lug wrench and tire pencil gauge.
Extra Food for Long Trips
Pack enough drinking water for every passenger if you're going through bad weather or heading to a remote destination. Bringing extra food will cheer and nourish everyone if you're on a long section of the road without any gasoline station or roadside sari-sari store.
Other Useful Car Essentials
If you neglect your automobile for a long time, it will give you a lot of headaches, so better to follow the recommended service intervals listed in your car's owner's manual.
Take your automobile to the technician before going on long journeys to find out if you need the steering adjusted, the fuel system tuned up or cleaned, or the tires rotated or replaced. Checking your tire pressure once a month and before major travels is something you can easily do on your own. You can use the air pump at most gas stations.
Make sure to also include the following in your car essential stash:
Final Thoughts
Equipping your vehicle with an emergency kit is essential for efficiently handling unexpected road situations, ensuring you can get back on the road swiftly, and showing consideration for fellow travelers. These car emergency supplies can truly be lifesavers, both in a literal and figurative sense, especially during challenging moments on the road.
Additionally, when you're part of the DOON community, you can enjoy the added security of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance through our partnership with the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). This valuable service provides an extra layer of support, so you can travel with confidence, knowing that expert help is just a call away.
For more valuable vehicle care guides and travel tips, stay connected with us at DOON, your innovative peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace. Be sure to follow us on our social media pages — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to stay informed and engaged with our community of car enthusiasts and travelers.
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