BMW All Season Emergency Kit Donut

We spend a ton of time in our cars. We drive to work, to school, to the grocery store, sometimes we’ll even go to different parts of the country. But have you ever thought about what could happen to your car on these trips? No matter where you’re going, a flat tire or large scrape can happen in an instant. It’s always better to prepare for the unexpected than to face an issue without a solution. To avoid feeling caught off-guard, we recommend keeping the following essentials in a vehicle emergency kit inside your car.

Basic tools

Out of all the things to have in your car, this may be the most important. We understand that not everyone is a mechanic, and that’s okay. However, a basic tool kit is absolutely vital for small repairs. Including pliers, screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench in your kit will save you time and money down the road. To make your life a little easier, you can also find pre-assembled mechanic and homeowner tool kits online.

Don’t let a small issue ruin your trip, and don’t forget a pair of gloves and some rags—you’ll need them!

Ice scraper and snow brush

When you’re traveling in harsh winter conditions, you’ll immediately regret leaving home without one of these. Letting the snow pile up on your windshield isn’t going to do you or your car any good. Since scraping off your windshield can be tedious, clear off snow as soon as you’re able to, so you can prevent ice buildup.

If you want to expand this portion of your vehicle emergency kit and fully prepare for snow, keep a compact shovel in your trunk. You never know when you’ll need to dig yourself out!

Wiper fluid

On a related note, you don’t want to get caught with a dirty windshield. It’s never a good feeling when dirt, grime, dust, pollen, and bugs get kicked up onto your windshield and you can’t trigger your wiper fluid.

Here are our recommendations to ensure you’re getting the most out of your wiper fluid system:

  • Always make sure you have a full tank of windshield wiper fluid.
  • If your windshield sprayer is clogged, try using a pin or toothpick to clean out the buildup.
  • There may be a crack in your fluid tank or in the tank’s tubes. Replace them as necessary.

Continuously activating your wiper fluid system when there’s no fluid in it can damage the pump. This system is pretty delicate and can wear out easily, so take care of it the best you can.

Touch-up paint

You can never predict when pebbles, a tree branch, or an open car door will scratch your vehicle. In these instances, opt for a convenient touch-up paint kit. You can repair small spots and scratches the moment you see them, so you won’t have to worry about rust later. The best part about our touch-up paints is their formulation; they perfectly match OEM colors—guaranteed.

We also offer a variety of other scratch repair products to refresh your car’s exterior. No matter how you like to paint your vehicle, we have an item in our inventory that’ll suit your needs.

Jumper cables

Dead battery? No problem. Whether you need to revive your car or you want to help a stranger revive theirs, jumper cables should do the trick.

Be sure to buy the right pair; we suggest #4 or #6 gauge cables. Also, longer, thicker cables with heavy clamps are going to work best.

We also suggest considering a self-powered jumper cable kit. There won’t always be a fellow driver in the middle of nowhere to help you. Stay prepared, do yourself a favor, and buy a portable jump starter.

Tire

Tire pressure gauge and sealant

Keeping your tires in check is essential. Tires allow your car to grip the road, safely taking your car from one place to another. Plus, tires that are in good condition provide you with better gas mileage.

A tire pressure gauge will let you know when it’s time to fill up your tires. Make sure you fill each tire to the recommended PSI, and check them at least once a month.

Tire sealant instantly repairs punctures in your tread. It’s not as ideal as replacing the tire entirely, but if you need to hold out for whatever reason, tire sealant gets the job done.

In addition to these tools, make sure you have a tire iron, a portable car jack, and lubricant for lug nuts. You should also have a spare tire, whether it’s in your trunk or underneath your vehicle.

Phone charger

Okay, this isn’t necessarily for your car, but it’s absolutely going to help in emergency situations.

We’re not talking about the charger your can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter receptacle, though. You need an external portable charger.

Portable power banks are popular, so if you’re stranded and absolutely need to charge your phone, you can easily buy one from a big-box store.

Don’t let your phone die before you can flag down help or call the towing company.

Breakdown

Flashlight

Speaking of flagging down some help, you should always keep a flashlight in your car.

If your car breaks down at night, and you don’t have a hazard triangle, a flashlight is going to be one of the easiest ways to let other drivers know that you need a hand.

A flashlight will also help you precisely repair your vehicle. You’re going to need a little light to see everything, especially if you’re looking beneath your car or under the hood. Need to use both hands for your repairs? Include a headlamp in your kit.

You could use a glowstick or roadside flares to signal other drivers, but a flashlight’s multiple uses make it a strong choice. The best place to store your flashlight is probably going to be in your glove compartment or center console, so you don’t have to waste any time looking for it.

 

That’s it—the essentials we believe you should always have on hand. While you should customize your vehicle emergency kit to suit you, your car, and your surroundings, almost any driver can benefit from these items. Anything can happen in a moment’s notice, and staying prepared is a must. Begin assembling your emergency kit today.

When it comes to the things to have in your car, if you’re not sure where to start, Scratch Wizard offers an abundance of accessories for your vehicle, including interior and exterior paints and primers. Shop our wide inventory of products now.