7 Emergency Tools To Keep In Your Car

If your car breaks down, wouldn’t you want emergency tools to protect and save your vehicle, your passengers and yourself? Here is a list of the items you should carry if you are headed out on a long road trip or simply cruising around the neighborhood. While on-call emergency towing companies can offer speedy assistance, you may need these resources to stay safe until they arrive.

Multi-Tool

Multi-tools are a top pick for car emergency kits because they save space and provide a wide range of services. Multi-tools normally include pliers, a screwdriver, wire cutters, scissors, files, knives and more, depending on the brand. Keep this tool in the glove box and you will find yourself relying on it daily, not just in the case of an emergency.

Flashlight

A strong, halogen flashlight is imperative in case of a car breakdown at night. Make sure the flashlight is loaded with fresh batteries and the bulb is working each time you embark on a long trip. Flashlights assist in changing tires, viewing damage after an accident and finding other necessary tools in the dark.

Seatbelt Cutter

If you are trapped in your vehicle and cannot reach the seat belt release or the mechanism is jammed, you will need a heavy-duty seat belt cutter to slice through the thick woven polyester. Using a regular knife requires a high level of strength and it could take too much time – you might have to exit the vehicle quickly due to fire or submersion. Keep a seat belt cutter in the center console or anywhere within an arm’s length reach. It may be worth it to store one in the back seat as well, in case the driver or front-seat passenger is incapacitated and cannot execute an escape.

Window Breaker

In some accidents, the power door locks may be disabled due to water damage or fire. In this case, breaking the window is the only way out of the car. Window-breaking tools are specifically designed to shatter tempered vehicle glass, allowing passengers to exit to safety. This is one of the vital emergency tools that should be present in every car.

Wrench

An adjustable wrench can handily help tighten and repair loose nuts and bolts. This could mean all the difference if you are stranded on a remote roadside and do not expect help to arrive for hours.

Tow Strap

A powerful nylon tow strap capable of hauling thousands of pounds is another of the top emergency tools to keep on hand. Be sure to avoid tow straps with metal clips on the ends. If these are attached improperly, they can release and cause extreme and sometimes fatal injuries to people nearby.

Portable Battery Charger

A dead battery is a dead-end for motorists unless they carry a portable car battery charger as one of their helpful emergency tools. Drivers know their own car best, and if your vehicle’s battery isn’t reliable, this is an affordable solution that can keep the vehicle moving until the next stop.

Keep these emergency tools in the boot of your car and remember to call Stauffer’s Towing as soon as your vehicle needs emergency service – you will receive roadside assistance as fast as possible.