What’s Worth Having in Your Vehicle in Case of an Emergency?

Living in Los Angeles County is a dream for many.  We get to enjoy the beaches, the mountains, and a short drive from the snow and the desert.  We are truly spoiled here, but it comes at a price, the traffic.  We must admit that the freeways here are no joke.  A short trip, which in ideal conditions should only take around 15 to 20 minutes, can end up being anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or more.  The 405, the 101, and the 5 freeways are notorious for traffic at almost all times of day.  Sometimes it seems we’re in our cars almost as much as we’re at home.

Better Safe Than Sorry!

But what would happen if you ran out of gas?  With the prices of gas going through the roof it is understandable to see many cars on the side of the road for this reason.  Or what if you are driving and “The Big One” hits.  Southern California is earthquake territory, it wouldn’t be a surprise to be in the middle of a tremor while on the road.  Or maybe you have 4X4 and drive on a road less traveled aka a dirt path, and after a couple of miles, you’re lost.  You can’t seem to find your way back to civilization.  Maybe the scenarios mentioned before seem out of the ordinary, but you can expect that sooner or later your auto will have a mechanical issue, be involved in a car crash or get a flat tire. What should you have in your car in case of (almost) any emergency?

40 Items You Should Always Have In Your Auto

If money and space are not an issue, here is our top list of 40 recommended must haves for your ride.  

1. Backpack
2. Blanket
3. Bungee Rope/Rope
4. Car Sun Shades
5. Cell Phone Charger
6. Compact Air Compressor
7. Compass (in case your phone doesn’t have one and the battery runs out)
8. Disposable Spoons/Forks/Cups/Plates
9. Duct Tape
10. Emergency Kit
11. Emergency Phone Numbers on Paper (in case your cell runs out of battery and have to use a different phone)
12. Emergency Road Flares
13. Extra Clothes/Tennis Shoes
14. Extra Tire
15. Flash Light
16. Flat Fix*
17. Glow Sticks
18. Hand Sanitizer
19. Heavy Duty Trash Bags
20. Jump Start Car Cables
21. Lighter
22. Map (in case you lose wifi)
23. Mini Portable Charger
24. Napkins/Tissue Paper/Rags
25. Non-Perishable Food Bars
26. Nuts/Dried Fruits
27. Pad and Pencil/Pen
28. Small Chemical Fire Extinguisher
29. Small Foldable Shovel
30. Small Knife/Swiss Army Knife
31. Sunblock
32. Tire Pressure Gauge
33. Travel Size Games
34. Vaseline
35. Vehicle Owner’s Manual
36. Water
37. Wet Wipes
38. Wrenched/Screwdrivers/Hammer
39. Zip Ties
40. Ziplock Bags

*Item not sponsored.

Remember before any trip, a good rule of thumb is to check all the fluid levels of your vehicle, the air on the tires, and make sure your vehicle’s tank is full.  Let close family or friends know where you are going and when you expect to leave your home and arrive to your destination.  Agree on who and what time a call will be made to check on you.  Do the same for your return.

If you are involved in an auto accident you can read our car crash checklist to help you navigate that situation.  If you don’t know how to fix a flat tire or have FlatFix handy, now is the time to go on youtube “university” and learn how to change the tire of your car.  If you’re a hands-on learner ask a family, friend or neighbor who knows about mechanics to guide you.

Did I miss any items you feel should be on our list of must haves, let me know in the comments below.  As always, thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  If there is something you want me to write about let me know, I will do my best to write about it.  If you ever need any minor auto body or paint mobile work and you live in the Greater Los Angeles area call or text me 818.793.7728.

Safe Travels!

-Jaider, West Coast Body and Paint owner