Automobile.com Blog

Man, do you need one of these – a car survival kit!

By: Nathan D. Adlen

It is not just a question of when you going to break down – it’s where… Even if you have a brand new car with a huge warranty, 24 hour road-side assistance and a fantastic cellular plan, becoming stranded is a real possibility. Even if you’re not stranded, you could find yourself in a situation where a few assorted items could be an immense help to someone.

Now, some scoff at the thought that they need anything more than their old first aid box kept under some junk in the trunk. Others have had the idea after reading a horrific story of stranding that they would/definitely/possibly/might make a kit – real soon. And yet another group of people have the kit, but it is either too unsightly or too bulky and, hence; remains at home.

You could keep it simple and find a well prepared, pre-made pack that has the essentials from $20 - $200.

The items I listed below are guidelines for various kits. Despite the amount of items listed below, you should be able to stuff these items into a small duffel bag or a good size backpack. Even having just a few of these items can truly help in a survival situation, however; none of these things will do any good if they are not in your car!

My wife removed her kit when she was cleaning out her car – I found it in the garage a few months later. She even had a great stash place for it, (in a storage bin under one of the rear seats) but forgot about it. One of her coworkers needed a jump and it was then that she realized the kit was missing. AAA took care of the jump and that initiated the search for the missing kit.

This brought me to ask family, friends and associates about having a kit in their car. I would say that 80% of them had nothing. Many stated that it would take up too much room. I began looking for places where you can place parts if not all of the kit.

Check out your spare tire and see if there is space above or below it. Many cars have a special compartment for the spare tire, tire iron and jack – this could make an excellent space for a kit. Some cars with a trunk have some extra space near and around the rear deck (rear bulkhead) where the rear seats connect to the back of the car.

The truck-lid might work too, as long as the weight is kept down. Tie-wraps, snaps or rope could secure a small pack on the underside of your trunk, just make sure it doesn’t overwhelm the supports – you don’t want a trunk that won’t open.

Trucks and vans tend to have hollow bumpers, though not an ideal location, if you insulate and tire-wrap your kit (and make sure it’s well secured & hidden) it’s better than nothing. If you have a roof rack, various companies make several types of roof baskets that could work too. External spare tires on some SUVs (and the swing out rig they hang on) could provide excellent potential for storage.

A list of items commonly found in fist aid packs, car repair kits and personal survival equipment for individual drivers is listed below. Consider this a guideline or merely reference as there are many things you may or may not need. Take into account your personal situation before buying or packing your own (climate, kids, physical/medical needs etc.)

• First Aid (as suggested by the Red Cross): 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches), 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes),1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch), 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram), 5 antiseptic wipe packets, 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each), 1 blanket (space blanket/Mylar/foil), 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve), 1 instant cold compress, 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large), 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each), Scissors, 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide), 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide), 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches), 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches), Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass), 2 triangular bandages, Tweezers, First aid instruction booklet

• Car Survival Gear: Heavy duty jumper cables, a roll of gaffer’s or duct tape, tire patch kit w/ a can of tire sealant and inflator, “CALL HELP/POLICE DISTRESS” flag/window banner, flashlight (preferably a wind-up LED) emergency signal(s) flares/reflectors/flags, utility tool (w/screw drivers, pliers, knives, saws, - or get them separately) and/or Swiss Army type knife, tie-wraps (various sizes) glow sticks, rubber hose (good for siphoning, binding & replacing other hoses), nylon rope, work gloves, wind-up am-fm radio, small hammer and a repair guide.

• Personal Survival Gear: Water-proof/wind-proof matches (or strike anywhere kitchen matches) w/ magnesium fire starter, compass, long storage water (bags of water that are treated for a long shelf life) & MRE (Meal – Ready to – Eat/ration pack, or other pre-made, long shelf-life food), nutrition/protein bars 5 – 7 days worth & water purification tablets, blankets (wool and solar/foil/Mylar are a good combo), warm change of cloths, boots, backpack (which can hold most of the basics), small mirror, plastic zipper bags, a few dollars in quarters, soap, paper towels and a metal bowl/cup/pot.

As for me, I learned a neat trick from my father regarding a great way to carry my emergency equipment. Old ammunition boxes can be purchased for a few bucks and make great storage. I added a bright coat of paint (Army green might give people the wrong idea when pulling it out) which helps for visibility. Then, I cut apart a floor mat I got for a few bucks and glued it to the inside walls; this keeps the items from making a racket when bouncing around. Keeping the most commonly used things near the top, (gloves & jumper cables) my .50 caliber ammo case holds everything I need.

I am a big proponent for removing crap from the car to keep it as light as possible, however; an emergency kit is a smart bet and worth the few additional pounds of weight. The chances of having to use your kit for survival is remote; but ask yourself this: “What if you did need it.”

Tags: General //