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20+ Must Have Things to Keep in Your Car Emergency Kit

When you’re out on the road, unexpected events can happen at any moment. Sometimes, your car sputters suddenly, loses power, and makes a screeching break. Panic sets in. You get stranded, far from home, and unsure of what to do.

But what if you were prepared?

Having a well-equipped car emergency kit can make all the difference. It can keep you and your passengers safe while waiting for help.

That’s where we come in. In this detailed guide by Perth Auto Mechanic, we’ll provide you with 20 essential items you should have in your vehicle emergency kit. It will make sure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way. Additionally, as a trusted auto repair shop in Western Australia, we offer all types of car services. So, when things go wrong, you know you can count on us to get you back on the road safely and efficiently.

Now, let’s explore the car emergency kit checklist to make sure you’re always ready.

21 Most Important Items to Put into Your Car Emergency Kit

We recommend every driver should have a well-stocked car emergency kit. It’s not just about tools and gadgets. It’s about being ready for anything.

Here’s a complete emergency items checklist.

1. Canvas Bag to Store Supplies

Organise all your emergency supplies in a durable canvas bag. This bag will ensure your tools and supplies are protected from damage. Additionally, it will keep everything together and easy to find when you need it.

2. Car Owner’s Manual

Your car’s owner’s manual has a wealth of useful information. It’s easy to forget it exists. But make sure it stays in your glove box or seat pocket all the time.

This little booklet provides step-by-step instructions for many common car issues. It also includes warranty details and troubleshooting tips which ultimately save you time and money when something goes wrong.

3. Road Maps

In this world of GPS and smartphones, it’s possible for you to skip physical maps. But when you’re out of mobile range or your phone dies. Road maps can be a lifesaver.

Always keep an updated map of your local area or any remote regions you plan to travel through.

4. Perth-Specific Safety Items

Living in Western Australia means you need to be prepared for the unique challenges of the region’s weather. Make sure your car safety kit includes these Perth essentials:

Sunscreen and Hat: The sun can be brutal, so always have protection on hand.
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs can be more than just an annoyance.
Torch with extra batteries: Having a reliable flashlight with extra batteries is important. Especially for night-time breakdowns or emergencies in remote areas. It can help you navigate in the dark, signal for help, or simply see under the bonnet.

5. Tyre Repair Kit Essentials

Flat tyres can happen to anyone. So, being ready for it is key. Here’s a quick list of essentials to include in your flat tyre repair kit. With these items on hand, you’ll be better prepared to handle any flat tyre situation:

Spare tyre
Jack & Wheel lever – to change type
Pump (manual or powered) – to inflate the tyre
Tyre pressure gauge – to check tyre pressure
Sturdy board – for uneven ground
Brick or wedge – for stability

6. Portable Phone Charger

A power bank or portable phone charger can be a lifesaver if your phone dies. Without it, you can’t call for help or navigate using GPS. Keep one fully charged in your emergency kit so you’re always able to stay connected.

7. No-Spill Gas Can (2-5 gal.)

Running out of fuel happens to the best of us, especially on long road trips. Keep a no-spill gas can in your boot to ensure you can carry or transport fuel safely if needed.

8. Seasonal Supplies

Depending on the season, different supplies can be helpful. Like:

Rain gear and umbrella – for wet weather.
Ice scraper – if you’re travelling to colder areas.
Lighter or matches – you never know when you might need to make a fire. Keep them dry, and waterproof matches are a solid choice for unpredictable weather.

9. High-Visibility Safety Vest & Reflective Triangle

If your vehicle breaks down on the road, safety is key. Wearing a high-vis safety vest makes you more visible to oncoming traffic. It reduces the risk of an accident.

Additionally, placing a reflective triangle 30-50 meters behind your car is also an effective way to alert other motorists. It gives motorists a warning to slow down.

10. First-Aid Kit

A basic first-aid kit is an absolute must for every car. It should include:

bandages
antiseptic wipes
pain relievers
personal medications

It’s helpful to have some first-aid training. But even without it, these supplies could make a huge difference in treating minor injuries while waiting for professional help.

11. Blanket

Fatigue is a common cause of road accidents. Especially in Australia where long stretches of driving can be exhausting.

Having a blanket in your car can be significant when you need to pull over and rest. It provides comfort and warmth if you decide to take a nap. This helps you refresh and recharge before continuing your journey.

Moreover, if you’re travelling with kids, a blanket can keep them cozy during long trips. But it’s not just about comfort. If you’re stuck outside your vehicle on a hot day. You can use a blanket to create some much-needed shade. In an emergency, like a minor accident, a blanket can help keep shock victims warm until help arrives.

12. Toiletries

Sometimes, nature calls at the most inconvenient times. Keeping a roll of toilet paper and soap in your breakdown safety kit is always a smart idea.

Toilet paper is handy for cleaning up small spills, wiping down foggy windows, or dusting off your dashboard. A roll of decent-quality, soft paper will come in handy more times than you’d think.

13. Sanitary Items

In addition to toilet paper, include some sanitary essentials in your kit, like:

hand sanitiser
towelettes
small trash bags

Hand sanitiser keeps your hands clean. Especially after handling dirty tools or performing a quick roadside repair. Towelettes are great for wiping down surfaces or freshening up after a long drive. Trash bags help you keep the car tidy after snack breaks or emergency cleanups.

14. Bottled Water and Non-Perishable Food

You never know how long you might be stuck on the side of the road. Having a supply of clean drinking water is important.

Keep a few bottles or a large container of water in your vehicle. If you’re heading into the outback or a remote location, pack even more. Additionally, it can also be used to clean wounds, cool down an overheating radiator, or wash off any debris from your car.

Moreover, pair your water supply with some non-perishable food items like energy bars or nuts to keep you fueled up if you’re stuck for a long time.

Pro Tip: Avoid storing water in plastic bottles for extended periods. As heat can cause chemicals from the plastic to leach into the water.

15. Car Fire Extinguisher

Every car should have a compact fire extinguisher designed for vehicle use. You can easily find one at an auto repair shop.

It’s important to put out small fires before they escalate. Especially those that can occur in the engine or around electrical components. This small investment can save your car and your life, in an emergency.

16. Jumper Cables / Leads

It’s incredibly easy to drain a car battery without even realising it.

Something as simple as leaving your headlights on can leave you stranded. Having jumper cables in your car emergency kit allows you to jump-start your vehicle if you get stuck with a dead battery. They’re lightweight, easy to store, and could save you hours of waiting for roadside assistance.

Pro Tip: Remember to read your car’s manual before attempting a jump-start. It will avoid causing any damage to your vehicle. But if your battery is completely worn out, it’s recommended to get it replaced by an expert auto repairer.

17. Emergency Tool Kit

Whether you need car repairs or not, a basic tool kit can help you handle simple fixes. Your kit should include:

Gloves
Screwdrivers
Pliers and wrenches
WD-40
Socket, spanner and shifter set
Spare light bulbs, fuses,
Spark plugs
Extra fluids (Oil or Coolant)

You can find ready-made emergency & safety kits at your local auto repairs as well.

18. Roll of Duct Tape

Duct tape is a miracle tool when it comes to quick fixes. It’s strong, versatile, and takes up minimal space in your car.

It can be used for:

securing a loose side mirror
patching a broken hose
holding something in place temporarily

19. Car Escape Tool

Car escape tools can be lifesaving in accidents where you need to escape the car. Keep it within reach of the driver’s seat for easy access. This small device usually includes:

a seatbelt cutter
a window breaker

20. Money

You might not think about it often. But having some cash tucked away in your car can be very useful in an emergency.

Stash about $70-$80 in a hidden spot for unexpected expenses like a taxi fare, a tow truck, or minor car repairs. Be sure to keep it well-concealed to avoid attracting thieves. You never know when you can find yourself in a situation where an ATM or card reader isn’t available.

21. Contact Details for Roadside Assistance

Finally, keep a list of important phone numbers in your car.

This should include contacts for your insurance provider, local auto repair shops, emergency services, and a trusted roadside assistance company. Having these numbers easily accessible means that when trouble strikes, you won’t waste time searching for help.

Perth Auto Mechanic Is Your Best Friend in Auto Safety

At Perth Auto Mechanic, we’re more than just a service provider. We’re your partner in ensuring your car is always safe and reliable. Our services include:

And when you need advice on preparing the right car emergency kit, our experts are here to help guide you.

Facing car trouble? Searching for ‘auto repair near me’?

Contact Perth Auto Mechanic for Quick and Reliable Car Service & Roadside Assistance in WA

Whether it’s a simple brake check or major engine repairs, we have you covered.

At Perth Auto Mechanic, we provide expert, affordable car repair services with a guarantee of quality. Our friendly and experienced mechanics will diagnose your car’s problems quickly and efficiently, getting you back on the road in no time.

Don’t wait until you’re stranded—schedule a check-up today.

Call us at 08 9452 7899

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