The same heat that causes vehicles to break down can also be dangerous for summer drivers and passengers. That’s why it’s important to prepare your vehicle and yourself for high summer temperatures, especially when heading out on that summer vacation.
To prepare yourself, you need an emergency car kit specially equipped for summer. If you have a winter kit, you’ll already have many of these items in your vehicle. But pull out that snow shovel and windshield scraper to make room for everything you need to beat the summer heat.
Summer Emergency Car Kit
- Clear plastic bin
- Water – one gallon plus one bottle per person
- Phone charger – this one stays in the bin for emergencies
- Snacks – energy bars, unsalted nuts, dried fruit
- Sunscreen and/or wide-brim hat
- Reflective emergency blanket – can be used for shade
- First aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp (hand-crank flashlights are ideal for emergencies)
- Pocket knife/multi-tool
- Visibility equipment (flares or reflective hazard triangles)
- Jumper cables or portable battery charger (also called “jump box” – be sure it’s fully charged)
- Tire sealant (or the following three items)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tow strap
- Fuses
- Tool kit (assemble a kit with commonly used tools like screwdrivers, pliers and a few wrenches)
- Duct tape
- Rag
- Gloves