On-the-Go Guardian
If you break down in the middle of nowhere, you’re going to need an emergency roadside assistance kit to ensure your safety. In this article, you’ll learn what these kits include and where to buy them. Discover how to enjoy peace of mind on your next long journey through rural states.
What are Roadside Assistance Kits?
A roadside assistance kit is ideal for getting you out of tricky driving situations. These emergency car kits consist of all the items you might need should you experience an issue on the road. They feature tools that’ll fix mechanical problems alongside items to keep you comfortable during a vehicle breakdown.
Roadside assistance kits are the perfect solution for unpredictable roads, especially in more remote parts of the U.S. If you’re due to travel long distances, or simply travel in remote areas without much passing traffic, you may be forced to fend for yourself. With an emergency kit, you’ll be back on the road in no time.
What Items Are Often Found in Roadside Assistance Kits?
The emergency roadside kits you can buy tend to vary slightly when it comes to what’s included, but there are plenty of items that you can expect to find in most.
Jumper Cable
If you find yourself stranded in a rural area with a dead car battery, you’re going to want to have some jumper cables handy. These will quickly get your vehicle back to full charge so that you can continue your journey without further hiccups.
Hazard Sign
If your car breaks down at night, it can be tricky for other cars to spot you on the road. This is where a hazard sign comes in useful. These reflective signs can be placed around your vehicle to alert drivers to your predicament. With any luck, they may even stop to assist you in your endeavors to get back on the road.
Spare Fuses
Fuses are vital for so many of your car’s functions. Including some spares in an emergency assistance kit means you’ll never have to worry again about your dashboard lights or windscreen wipers ceasing to operate effectively.
Tire Jack and Lug Wrench
Your car likely has a spare tire in the trunk, but without a tire jack and lug wrench it’s all but useless. Including these in your tool kit is vital for replacing a damaged tire. If the tire doesn’t need replacing entirely, carrying a tire patch kit on board is great practice - enabling you to seal a puncture.
Torch
If you’re required to work on your car during the night, you’re going to want a torch. Head torches are best as these will free up your hands to work on the vehicle. Try to avoid using the torch on your phone as this will drain the battery quickly, leaving you further isolated. On that topic, remember to pack a power bank too so you can charge your phone and call for help if you require it.
Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge is a preventive tool that can be used to check your tire’s pressure levels and keep them inflated. By doing so, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of getting a puncture.
Gloves
Go to any garage and you’ll see the mechanics wearing gloves. That’s because changing tires and charging batteries is dirty work. By including a pair of gloves in your roadside assistance kit, you’ll avoid getting your hands greasy.
Snacks and Water
It may be hours before you can get your car up and running, so it’s useful to pack plenty of snacks and bottles of drinking water. Be sure to pack enough for the whole family!
Which Roadside Assistance Kit Should I Buy?
Buying a pre-made emergency car kit is the easiest way to ensure you’ll have what you need when you’re on the road. Here are our three favorites.
Justin Case Deluxe Safety Kit
This 67-piece roadside assistance kit includes plenty of the items you’ll need if you experience a breakdown or flat tire. You’ll find jumper cables, gloves, a head torch and more. By purchasing this kit you’ll also enjoy one-year roadside assistance that covers up to three incidents across 12 months.
Swiss Safe 2-in-1 Emergency Car Kit
In this kit, you’ll get jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, gloves and much more to get you back on the road without delay. There’s a mini first aid kit too, perfect for any accidents that might happen while working on your vehicle.
LifeLine AAA Severe Weather Road Kit
Designed specifically for bad weather, the AAA Severe Weather Road Kit is the perfect companion on long drives in the snow, rain or fog. In this kit, you’ll find a flashlight, folding shovel, ice scraper, survival blanket and more.