My version of an Automotive Emergency Kit

• Your greatest asset is knowledge, and your brain
• Fixing the problem is better than just "surviving" it
• Know where help is and how to reach it

3 Gallon Water Jug $9.50 USD Why? Most every problem needs or could use a dose of water. Radiator leaking? Windshield too dirty to see? Thirsty? Dirty hands? Description and Use Buy a water jug, fill it with water, and place it in your trunk. Keep it upright and sealed shut. Use it to fill radiators that have overheated or leaked out. Wash your hands with it. Refill your wiper fluid containers. etc... Take it out during the winter. This item is first on the list because most emergency automotive kits never mention it, and I have found it to be invaluable. It doesnt mean it takes precedence over the other items (such as the cell phone, which is paramount), but it is rarely recommended, so I wanted it to be first. Where to purchase At REI: http://www.rei.com/. Item #605745 called "Reliance Desert Patol - 3 Gallon". Cost: $9.50 USD 1 to 2 Gallon Gasoline Container (Petrol) $7.00 USD Why? Your car may run out of gas, which is a somewhat common "emergency". You can carry it with you as you walk to a nearby gas station to fill it. Description and Use Buy a small gasoline container, leave it empty, and place it in the trunk of your car. It doesn't have to be big! A small one is sufficient, moreover, recommended. Where to purchase Most hardware stores, gasoline stations, or auto parts stores. ScanGauge II automotive computer $170 USD Why? It may help you find out what is wrong with your car, if the issue is not already known. Description and Use It plugs it into the computer of your car, and gets its power from there as well. It displays any trouble codes the computer contains so you can determine what is malfunctioning in your car. It also tells you dozens of other values in real time, such as coolant temperature, rpms, engine speed, battery voltage, and more! It is invaluable. To know how to decipher the ODB II codes it reads from your car's computer, use the book listed below. This is useful in situations where the breakdown of your car is not something very obvious, such as with a flat tire, overheated radiator, or dead battery. Where to purchase At Thinkgeek: http://www.thinkgeek.com/. Cost: Approximately $170 USD. OBDII Fault Codes Reference Guide - ISBN: 0971541159 $20 USD Why? To understand the codes (fault codes, OBD II) in your car's computer that describe how and where it is malfunctioning. Description and Use You need a tool, such as the Scangauge, to read the OBD II fault codes from your car's computer. This book, organized by manufacturer, lists the description of thousands of different codes! For example, if you see a fault code of P0215 it is defined as "Engine Shutoff Solenoid Malfunction". You will most likely not be able to fix the problem it describes, but it may help you in some way. For example: you can tell the mechanic what the computer said, which they will read too, and it may very well keep them honest. Where to purchase Amazon.com Bookstore: http://www.amazon.com/   ( ISBN: 0971541159 ) Barnes and Noble Bookstore: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/   ( ISBN: 0971541159 ) Pocket Guide To Auto Maintenance & Emergency Repair - ISBN: 0971100780 $12.95 USD Why? The best, pocket, auto repair book ever written and published. When your car has problems, this book is invaluable. Description and Use This little book is nearly indestructible. It's made of a strong plastic (PVC) and the ink won't run, fade or bleed. It has tabs that are attached to the pages for trips, accidents, symptoms, oil problems, starter problems, flooding of the engine, heat problems, brake problems, and lighting problems. Each resolution is easy to follow and has illustrations. This book is a must have, and is useful to those with little prior experience and time to learn. It seems to be meant for use at the time of automotive breakdown. It is small, about the size of your palm, so it won't take up much room in your glove compartment. Where to purchase Amazon.com Bookstore: http://www.amazon.com/   ( ISBN: 0971100780 ) Barnes and Noble Bookstore: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/   ( ISBN: 0971100780 ) Cellular Telephone Price Varies Why? So you can call for help, alert others of a situation, etc.. It is highly doubtful that in an emergency situation, you will not need extra help. Description and Use A miniature electronic device used to place telephone calls. Use it to handle the majority of the automotive problems you will run into, such as a dead battery, inoperable engine, car accident, or becoming stranded. Anything else on this list comes second to having a telephone, and numbers to call for help. Where to purchase Nearly anywhere Phone Numbers to call for Help Why? You will not only need to call 9-11 (emergency number in the USA for accidents and more), but highway helpers, your insurance agent, lawyer, nearby relatives, or friends. Description and Use List it on a piece of paper, written in permanent ink and/or laminated. Also place the numbers in the address book database of your cell phone. Laminated Folding Maps $8.00 USD Why? Just in case you get lost, or need to get somewhere in a hurry. Description and Use You need maps of the states, provinces, or mini-countries that surround where you live, in addition to the one you live in. Make sure they are laminated (covered in a permanent, clear plastic protector) and can fold. A recommended choice is the Rand McNally Easyfinder series. If you dont want to buy too many maps, at least get one that covers the area you live in, and a second one that is a nearby state, or province, where you will most likely drive to. For example, if you have family or friends that live there, you own a cabin there, or it is in a path of escape that you have decided to use in case of a future catastrophe. Where to purchase Wherever they sell folding, laminated travel maps. In the USA, at the Rand McNally Store: http://www.randmcnally.com/ Rag or Towel $8.00 USD Why? To cover the radiator cap as you remove it, to clean the oil stick when you check the oil levels, to wipe dirt from a windshield, to clean your hands, the uses are endless. Oddly, most people don't carry a towel in their car, which is a big mistake. Description and Use Any cotton towel will do. Use it as needed. Where to purchase Anywhere. Or, take an old mens t-shirt and cut it up into a large rectangle. LED Headlamp $30.00 USD Why? It may be nighttime when you need to fix your car, or handle an emergency. Having something to illuminate your field of view is essential. Instead of using a regular flashlight, I recommend a headlamp. Why? You may very well be alone, and you may need both hands to fix the car. Description and Use Using a headlamp frees up both hands. LED headlamps are very bright, the bulbs last quite a long time, and they use up less energy. Place it on your head, turn it on, and continue to work on handling the emergency, read the map, or whatever you need to do. Where to purchase REI: http://www.rei.com/. Some recommended brands of headlamps are Petzl, Princeton, and Black Diamond. Tape, electrical and/or duct tape. Price Varies Why? You may need to haphazardly repair something, and tape is a good, temporary solution for such repairs. You can tape a garbage bag where a window used to be, hold together electrical wiring, and much more. Description and Use The use varies, and is numerous. Having tape is a valuable item. You may want to have various rolls, and of different types. I recommend one roll of duct tape, and a second roll of electrical tape. Where to purchase Most hardware stores, gasoline stations, or auto parts stores. Leather Gloves Price Varies Why? I havent seen many recommended emergency kits that contain work gloves. I do not know why. Most cars get very hot during operation, and why touch a hot engine with your bare hands? You may also need protection from other things; whatever you may need to touch during an emergency. Description and Use They should be made of good leather, leather that is meant for protection, not for looks, or be made of kevlar. Put them on before you try to lift any items, or anyone. Before you touch a hot radiator, muffler, or engine part. You should also wear them while working around broken glass, sharp metal, or acidic liquids. Where to purchase Most hardware stores or auto parts stores. Blanket $15.00 USD Why? Oh, the reasons are many. You may get stranded and need to sleep in your car, you may need to carry an injured person, etc.. Description and Use It doesnt have to be too big, but should be large enough to cover one, or one and a half adults. It should be made of wool or Polar Fleece. Where to purchase Camping Stores, such as REI. http://www.rei.com/ Automotive First Aid Kit ~$15.00 USD Why? To disinfect and cover minor cuts, abrasions and scratches. Such minor wounds are common and a kit to handle them is essential. Description and Use Use or learn some common knowledge of first aid along with this kit to help yourself or others with their minor wounds. Where to purchase Various places. Here is an example: http://www.SafetyCentral.com Basic Automotive Tool Kit Range of prices: $30 to $70 USD Why? Though the odds are small that you will be able to fix your own car, with your own tools, using what you have on hand, you may still be able to help with some small issue, using only a few basic tools. I have had little use for such a kit while on the road, but it may actually come in handy one day. Description and Use These kits vary widely. Some claim to have hundreds of pieces, and therefore, everything you may need. But, try to stick to the basics, and make sure it has a Philips head screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver, adjustable wrench, socket wrench, needle-nose pliers, and a pair of jumper cables. It is my general opinion that most people wouldn't know how to use the tools included, nor would they have replacement parts for their car anyways. But, if I didnt include a tool kit in this list, it may seem negligent. Where to purchase Amazon.com sells a variety of Kits. http://www.amazon.com/ such as the "Allied 49029 175 Piece Automotive Tool Set ", though it may be going overboard.