No matter how new your car is or how reliable it is there can be unforseen emergencies that can pop up and require you to fix or repair something on the side of the road. No matter the age of your car we think everyone should have an emergency repair kit in their vehicle. We cover some of our top picks of Eastwood tools and supplies for your emergency kit below.
- Ratchet Bit Set- An emergency kit should be as compact as possible and maximizing the space is a must. A small ratchet bit set will give you most of the small bits needed to take interior and small exterior things apart. From specialty fasteners like torx or allen head bolts you can tackle most small jobs with this compact kit.
- 3/8 Ratchet and Socket Kit- A ratchet and socket kit is handy to have in case you need to fix something on the side of the road. Most cars made today use metric sockets but older cars may use standard or a mix. A small kit like this will get you the majority of sizes and ratchets you need to do most common repairs you’d need to do on the side of the road. If you’re handy you could even use this kit to change a alternator or water pump on the side of the road and save a tow bill!
- Pry Bar- A pry bar can be handy to use in an emergency. From prying bent or damaged metal away from a tire to get a damaged car off the road or to pop a center cap or hubcap off to change a flat tire it can be handy. Having a universal metal pry bar is extremely valuable to have in your emergency kit.
- Rechargeable Headlamp- It never fails you’ll have an emergency in your car at night or when it’s getting dark. We suggest keeping a couple of rechargeable headlamps in your car for repairing your vehicle in the dark. These can keep your hands free to work and the light shined right where you need it.
- Jump Starter- A good battery pack or jump starter can save you a tow or AAA jump start bill. We suggest getting a new compact lithium technology jump starter. Most of the modern versions come with multiple functions like a trouble light, charge socket for small decives, and leads to jumpstart your car.
- Jack Stands- Most vehicles come with a small jack for emergency repairs but these jacks can be easy to tip and if you’re not jacking on level ground they can be quite dangerous. We suggest keeping a set of quality jack stands in your vehicle for road side repairs that are safe.
- Pig Mat- Keeping some sort of oil absorbent mats in your car will be good for roadside repairs or if in a accident to soak up and hazardous fluids. These small tablets of Pig Mat can soak up a lot of liquids and take up little space.
- Reusable Gloves- Having a set of cut proof, reusable gloves will help save your hands in a repair and if you get a set that are insulated it will help give a barrier between hot and cold environments. Throw a pair of gloves in your emergency kit and use them anytime you will be working on your vehicle or filling with fuel.
- Safety Glasses/Goggles- Keep your eyes safe when working on your vehicle in an emergency situation. A roadside repair isn’t a time to put your eyes at risk. Put on a set of safety goggles anytime you’re planning to work on your vehicle.
- Heavy Hammer- Believe it or not a hammer may be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. Break glass to get into a vehicle after crash, crudely knock out body damage to get a car off the side of the road or knock a wheel loose off the hub of your vehicle. Keep a heavy 5lb sledge hammer in your emergency kit.