It’s essential always to be prepared when on the road, especially if you’re going on a longer trip. Read this post by OilWerx in Mandan, ND, to learn what you should pack in your emergency car kit. 

Why Should You Pack an Emergency Car Kit?

Even if you’ve taken steps to make sure your car is in the best shape possible and you’ve made sure to plan your trip, things can still go wrong. That’s why it’s essential to keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a longer trip than usual. Having an emergency kit can not only save you in dire situations, but it can also make you comfortable in others where you'll need to wait for assistance. Keep reading to know what you should always keep in your vehicle in an emergency.

Having an emergency car kit is an excellent way to stay safe on the road. Using the best products for your engine is another way. Call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 for advice on the best products for your engine, or visit AMSOIL’s online shop to place an order anytime.

What to Keep in a First-Aid Kit

It’s a reality that emergencies like injuries, accidents, and other situations can happen when on the road. Having a first aid kit in your car can help you address many of these scenarios. We suggest you keep basics like band-aids, gauze, antibiotics, alcohol, and analgesics. Once you’ve packed your first aid kit, it’s essential to keep an eye on the expiration dates on medicine to ensure it will be effective if you ever need it.

Other Emergency Items

When creating an emergency car kit, it’s also essential to have other emergency supplies to keep you safe in different situations. Some examples of these are having a fire extinguisher, an extra phone battery, non-perishable food, blankets, and a flashlight with extra batteries.

Tools and Equipment

The best way to keep yourself safe on the road is indeed by having a regular maintenance routine for your vehicle. But even if you’ve done this, some situations could delay your trips, like an overheating engine, a popped tire, or a dead battery. By having the right equipment in your car, you’ll be able to fix basic car issues and get back on the road. Some of these tools should be:

• A spare tire in good condition.
• A tire jack
• A tire iron
• A siphon pump
• A bottle of coolant
• Jumper cables
• A gas can
• Reflective triangles.

Once you have the right tools in your trunk, you’ll need to know how to use them. The basics are knowing how to change a tire, how to jumpstart your car’s battery, and roughly knowing your way around your engine (for example, knowing where the coolant tank is located). There are many online and local mechanic courses you can take to learn the basics. Lastly, you should inspect your equipment every few months to ensure they’re in good condition and that it won’t let you down in case of an emergency.

Keep your engine well lubricated with products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil to keep your engine working properly. Contact Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 for more information on the best products for your engine, or visit their online store to place an order 24/7.

Car Information and Important Paperwork

Another critical thing to have in your vehicle, especially in case of an accident, is updated papers and information. These are important to have in your glove box if a police officer stops you or in case you are in an accident. Some of the documents you should carry daily are:

• Your car’s registration.
• Your driver’s license
• Your car owner's manual
• Insurance papers
• The number of a trusted mechanic
• The information of your emergency contact

Having these things can save you from delays and prevent issues with law enforcement or with calling your insurance company if necessary.

Non-Essential Items

Lastly, some items might not be considered emergency items, but that can help you be more comfortable in different situations. It doesn’t hurt to plan a small space in your car to pack them, and it could prove handy. Some ideas of what to keep in your vehicle are:

• An umbrella or a poncho
• A box of tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• A jacket
• A pair of scissors
• A change of clothes.

The best way to stay safe on the road is by keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance. If you need guidance on what products to use in your car’s maintenance routine, call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 or place an order at AMSOIL’s online store anytime.