What Is in Your Car Emergency Kit?

jellykingdom on 17/02/2021 - 12:46

I had an annoying battery failure this morning (accidentally left headlights on) which caused me some hassle.

I only have 1 set of jumper cables…they were in my wife's car and she had already left for work. I went across to the 1st nearby mechanic that was open at the time, and borrowed cables. I used my mother-in-laws car (she happened to be staying with us for a couple weeks) and tried to jump start the car. No luck. I reset the cables and tried again. Still no luck. I then went back to the mechanic to buy a new battery. He gave me the battery for free but obviously needed to pay after it was fitted. While i was in the process of taking the old battery terminals off, the 2nd nearby mechanic happened to walk past with his breakfast and told me to wait and he would grab his portable jump start kit. That worked straight away, and i went and returned the battery……………….No clue WHY that didn't work when i hooked up the leads (possibly the metal wasn't stripped back enough for the black lead?), but let's ignore that for now.

It's all got me thinking, what do people recommend to have in an emergency kit in the car or the garage?

  1. Portable jump start kit. Most of my issues with cars have been flat tyre or flat battery
  2. Portable tire inflator, battery and/or runs off 12V supply. As above
  3. Basic little tool kit. I have plenty of tools but don't have a single one in the car. I really should at least keep a shifter….
  4. ……….?
Automotive

Comments

  • darshu on 17/02/2021 - 12:51
    +71

    In my car, a Bible. I pray for God to not happen an emergency. So far it worked well.

    • jellykingdom on 17/02/2021 - 12:53
      +5

      Oy vey!

      • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 03:50
        +7

        Not all jumper cables are equal. Some are thin and can't carry enough current.

        • fenric on 20/02/2021 - 18:11
          +1

          From someone who has set 2 pairs of jumper cables on fire….this man speaks the truth.

    • Euphemistic on 17/02/2021 - 17:38
      -5

      I pray for God to not happen

      After seeing what some Christians appear to stand for, I do the same. (Yes, I’m thinking Bible Belt republicans in the USA as a big problem)

    • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 03:47
      +1

      So far it worked well.

      Have you conducted a double blind test?

    • CalmLemons on 19/02/2021 - 10:18
      +1

      Crowbar. When, you know, sh*t goes down.

  • NatoTomato on 17/02/2021 - 12:54
    +17

    I just have a 2l bottle of water, coolant, oil, a shifter, and some toilet paper for the real emergencies.

    • abb on 17/02/2021 - 13:41
      +14

      toilet paper is good to have for checking car oil level as well as for the biological emergencies

      • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 03:48

        I could make a Bible joke here but I'd get banned.

        • SydneySwan on 18/02/2021 - 08:06

          I hope not. I love bible jokes!

        • CocaKoala on 18/02/2021 - 19:06

          Please pm me the joke? :-)

          • OzBrogains on 19/02/2021 - 09:11

            @CocaKoala: Have you ever noticed that men always leave the toilet seat up?

            That’s the joke.

      • monkeyfood on 19/02/2021 - 14:25

        just wipe it on your pants

    • DoctorCalculon on 17/02/2021 - 19:48
      +2

      a shifter

      WTH is this? A shape shifter?

      • ECE on 17/02/2021 - 20:09
        +4

        An adjustable wrench 😷😂

      • apsilon on 17/02/2021 - 20:09
        +10

        Adjustable spanner.

        • ECE on 17/02/2021 - 20:10

          Same

          • apsilon on 18/02/2021 - 17:57
            +3

            @ECE: Same item but wrench is the American term.

        • abb on 19/02/2021 - 15:12
          +1

          You could even say a shifting spanner ;)

      • ConsumerAffairs on 18/02/2021 - 21:59
        +2

        Nut stripper

        • JimB on 19/02/2021 - 14:22
          +1

          Nutrounder

        • Euphemistic on 19/02/2021 - 15:30
          +1

          Knuckle fu….r

      • Zachary on 19/02/2021 - 19:11
        +1

        Shape shifter….hahahahaha….but I wouldn't mind having one or being able to shape shift any body part of myself into tools…saves carrying tools on me when I can just transform into the correct tool without needing to go and pick it up…

    • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 03:52
      +1

      What about duck tape?

      • ccrap on 18/02/2021 - 17:38
        +10

        Oh Scrooge… it’s Duct tape :)

        • Euphemistic on 20/02/2021 - 06:20
          +1

          You haven’t seen Duck brand duct tape?

    • ausginnygin on 19/02/2021 - 18:56

      Just keep water . It can replace oil , coolant and also real deal emergency

      • SDPwecjkln on 27/06/2021 - 01:40

        It cannot replace oil lol

  • Porker on 17/02/2021 - 12:57
    +4

    In addition to the car standard items, I have a fluro vest and a collapsible 'witches' hat and a telescopic tyre lever. Also gloves and wet wipes.

    Been caught out a few times with flat tyre where the standard cross-bar tyre lever just doesn't give enough torque to budge the wheel nuts, and also happened in the dark and next to passing traffic.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 03:53

      Perhaps you need some elbow grease.

      • Zachary on 19/02/2021 - 19:14

        aint no elbow grease in a twig.

  • idonteven on 17/02/2021 - 13:01
    +35

    A shovel, garbage bags, gloves, bleach and an alibi.

    • holdenmg on 17/02/2021 - 13:05
      +3

      I was on OzB at the time (honest).

    • Jugganautx on 17/02/2021 - 13:54
      +3

      You forgot the lime.

      • AdosHouse on 17/02/2021 - 15:01
        +3

        The lime is in the coconut.

    • Blue Cat on 18/02/2021 - 19:31

      You forgot the rope?

      Uhhhh, to help tow someones car in an emergency…

      • Gribbles on 19/02/2021 - 21:20

        And cable ties come in handy too.

  • ECE on 17/02/2021 - 13:03
    +1

    You need a jumsparter kit.
    Moral of the story is not to leave the headlights on.Always check if it is ON or buy a newer model car that shuts all the electrics off when you exit the vehicle with your key 😷

    • Dean29 on 17/02/2021 - 13:47
      +5

      My car made in 1992 makes this really annoying buzzing sound if i leave them on

      • ATTS on 17/02/2021 - 14:13

        pretty, cool feature, just wondering is it possible to aftermarket install the buzzing feature? and possible costs?

        • mapax on 17/02/2021 - 14:46

          An after market headlight buzzer can likely be found for $5-$30 depending on type and should take 20-60mins to install depending on your level of competency.

      • md333 on 18/02/2021 - 12:22

        Really annoying feature if you ask me. Demonstrates the manufacturer knows you don't want to leave the headlights on, but instead of designing it properly so they go off with the ignition, they wire an annoying buzzer in.

        • samfisher5986 on 19/02/2021 - 10:09

          That would be a stupid feature and would be very dangerous at night if you have an issue with you car, especially going down a mountain or similar.

    • jellykingdom on 17/02/2021 - 15:58

      Yeah i'm honestly not sure how they got left on. My car is 2014 but it's a little odd with the auto on/off function. mostly it automatically shuts off the lights, hence why i didn't even notice. I suspect there maybe a slight glitch in the system that controls that function

      • loropy9 on 17/02/2021 - 16:55

        Sounds like Microsoft got their hands on your car software

      • ashanrath on 18/02/2021 - 21:23

        Bad electrical relay can do that, got me in the old Commodore.

  • SF3 on 17/02/2021 - 13:04
    +28

    A working phone and numbers to NRMA, RACQ, RACWA, etc…

    • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 03:59
      -5

      Why don't you just call your husband?

      • SF3 on 18/02/2021 - 09:14
        +2

        That’s where a husband works, save on buying own tools.

        • Zachary on 19/02/2021 - 19:16

          rent-a-husband

  • Muzeeb on 17/02/2021 - 13:04
    +9

    Quick set concrete, water, boot moulds, cuban cigar.

  • Hithere on 17/02/2021 - 13:07

    A few spare fuses, a selection of light globes, a couple of screwdrivers and shifters, small first aid kit, a fluro vest, and a 12volt tyre inflater

    • Muzeeb on 17/02/2021 - 13:20

      a fluro vest

      Interesting. Always move your vehicle way off the road (if possible). If it's that dangerous that you need a fluro vest it's time to abandon the car, move somewhere safe and leave it to the pros to move the car first.

      • Hithere on 17/02/2021 - 13:29
        +1

        a fluro vest

        Never needed it but when you travel in regional Victoria often after dark and 2 hours or so from the nearest town and even mobile phone coverage is weak it doesn't hurt - just in case.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 04:17
          +5

          Same with glowsticks in case of a doof.

      • ChocStrawberries on 17/02/2021 - 13:41
        +1

        In some countries it's illegal to NOT carry a hi-vis vest for each passenger, plus at least one reflective triangle. We bought our own set last time we went to Europe (the hire car place charges a stupid amount to rent them!) and we now keep them in the car all the time. We've never had to use them, but hearing stories of people getting hit and killed while changing a tyre or just getting out of their car on a dark road, we'll be using them the next time we need to pull over in the dark.

    • aranciata-oz on 18/02/2021 - 08:12
      +1

      A good list - but I’d say add to the list:
      - an LED head torch
      - a second (old) 4G-capable phone with an Aldi $5 SIM card that will have enough credit for 20mins for calls last for a year ($15 to renew for another year). Often one can leave main mobile phone at home or lose the phone when out and about. ALDI’s use of the Telstra network gives decent remote coverage outside metro areas too.
      Leave both items charge-connected in your car so it’s always ready.

      • dust on 20/02/2021 - 13:16
        +1

        +1 on the head torch/flash light.

  • perhaps on 17/02/2021 - 13:20
    +16

    Got a spare driveshaft in the glovebox

  • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2021 - 13:22
    +1
    1. Make sure the spare is always properly inflated, check pressure on all tires once a week.
    2. Jump starter.
    3. Small tool kit, screw driver, spanner, etc.
    4. Bottled water for drinking. Usually about 6 or so small bottles.
    5. Re-used big bottle of hose water for the car. Useful for washing off bird poop, etc.
    6. Roll of paper towels.
    7. Dog poop bags, minus the dog poop.

    Car has a small storage compartment next to the spare tire, everything just sits in there out of the way.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2021 - 15:05
      +8

      Who the f checks their tyre pressures once a week? Anyway, most cars check tyre pressures by themselves, but I have literally check spare wheel tyre pressures exactly zero times.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2021 - 17:18

        Who the f checks their tyre pressures once a week?

        Uhm… Me.

        In the before times, it used to coincide with refueling the car once a week at the servo 200m from home. Check oil, fuel up, wash windows, refill windscreen washer water, check air.

        Takes like 30 seconds, and I'll never be stuck with a flat spare tire when I really need the spare tire.

        Anyway, most cars check tyre pressures by themselves

        Some new cars, sure. Far from all, or even most.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2021 - 22:54
          -7

          This is just weird dude. This isn't 1935.

          • [Deactivated] on 18/02/2021 - 01:12
            +8

            @[Deactivated]: 25% of cars have underinflated tires.

            The air is free. I get better economy, my tires last longer, and I stay just that little bit safer.

            You're obviously an amateur bargainer

            • samfisher5986 on 19/02/2021 - 10:11
              +2

              @[Deactivated]: Time is not free though, you don't live forever.

              • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2021 - 20:18

                @samfisher5986: I dunno man, I think I can spare the 30 seconds every 7 or so days.

      • Euphemistic on 17/02/2021 - 17:41
        +4

        most cars check tyre pressures by themselves

        Most? Not a chance. Not many more likely.

        I hardly check my tyre pressure, because modern tyres don’t seem to drop much pressure.

          • Euphemistic on 18/02/2021 - 07:20
            +7

            @[Deactivated]: Maybe if you have a new car, from the last couple of years. Given the industry was calling for mandatory TPMS in Aus a couple of years ago and the average age of an Aussie car is around 13yo saying MOST cars have TPMS is talking out your butt.

            The ozbargain way isn’t buying top of the range new cars, so stop denigrating those of us who choose to spend our money more wisely than on new depreciating assets by calling older cars a piece of sh@&. Older cars are perfectly serviceable for he majorly of us.

            • lew380 on 18/02/2021 - 10:11
              +8

              @Euphemistic: We appreciate the defense, but we do drive pieces of shit. I'm proud of my shit.

            • macfudd on 19/02/2021 - 10:10

              @Euphemistic: Discovered this morning that TPMS is in our 2012 second hand skoda. First I knew of it.

              Pretty handy actually, seems my partner didn't use the right setting when she topped up the tyres yesterday evening and so up pops a warning when I turned the car on.

          • samfisher5986 on 19/02/2021 - 10:12
            +2

            @[Deactivated]: Are you trying to pretend you are a billionaire that assumes everyone drives a 2020 $60,000 car?

            Whats next, you think bananas are $10 each?

            I assume you are a troll.

          • smartazz104 on 19/02/2021 - 12:23
            +2

            @[Deactivated]: You really do live in some sort of alternate reality don't you.

      • deme on 18/02/2021 - 08:25
        +3

        🤦‍♀️ as pointed out you are wrong, most cars cars do not check tyres pressure.

        I'm curious what car you have that also checks the spare tyre pressure too.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/02/2021 - 21:25
          -2

          My cars don't check the spare pressure. Just the driving wheels. But as previously mentioned the LC200 does.

    • What is rrp on 17/02/2021 - 15:05
      1. Make sure the spare is always properly inflated,

      cries in Ford Fiesta

      • Muzeeb on 17/02/2021 - 16:01
        +3

        cries in Ford Fiesta

        1. Ensure goo has not expired
  • RM on 17/02/2021 - 13:37

    Masks

  • apsilon on 17/02/2021 - 13:47
    +1

    First aid kit, small tarp (lay/sit/kneel on if you need to do anything like change a wheel), jumper pack, fire extinguisher, reflective safety vest, 2l water, jacking plate, headlamp, LED flashing marker thing, small tool kit and leather gloves are the things I'd classify as emergency but I carry a lot more comfort/convenience stuff as well. Also have my roadside assist details which is all 99% of people need anyway.

  • life is suffering on 17/02/2021 - 14:31
    +1

    jackets to keep you warm and a bottle of water for emergencies

    • Scrooge McDuck on 18/02/2021 - 04:18
      +6

      OK Mum.

      • pegasusx on 20/02/2021 - 19:09

        This had me lol. :`D
        Its exactly what my mum does ~ in any situation. And I am a grown ass man. Bless mums'

  • Seraphin7 on 17/02/2021 - 14:33
    +2

    A mobile phone and a credit card.

  • AdosHouse on 17/02/2021 - 15:02
    +2

    Fire extinguisher, med kit, window breaker, seat-belt cutter, torch. I'm ready if shit goes down.

    • ATTS on 18/02/2021 - 14:42

      where did you buy window breaker from? is it the one with the strong pin that easily break window?

      • apsilon on 18/02/2021 - 14:55

        You can buy automatic punches at Bunnings etc if it's that style. I have a Res Q Me (which is both a punch and belt cutter) on each set of car keys so I know it'll be in the ignition rather than hoping I can reach the glove box or that it stays where ever I stash it following a roll over etc.

        • ATTS on 18/02/2021 - 15:33

          cheers!

          • apsilon on 18/02/2021 - 16:50

            @ATTS: Seems Bunnings only have a $40 auto punch these days. You'll get cheaper at other tools stores or Amazon, ebay etc.

        • SDPwecjkln on 27/06/2021 - 01:45

          Just know that these types of glass breakers don’t work very well on laminated glass, which is the windscreen and (generally) the front 2 windows in modern cars

          • apsilon on 27/06/2021 - 07:20

            @SDPwecjkln: AFAIK it's really only higher end luxury cars that are using laminated on the side windows so likely only an issue for those that have made such a high yield investment.

            Should be able to work out what you have by checking the markings in the bottom corner of the window.

      • AdosHouse on 18/02/2021 - 21:30

        $10 tool from Repco that does both. Not an automatic punch, just with the tip. If I ever need to use it, trust me, I'll have the motivation to break glass with it.

    • frewer on 18/02/2021 - 21:48

      I'm ready if shit goes down.

      May needs some baby wipes too

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