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Original poster

Car emergency kit

35 replies

pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 09:43

I have just got a new car and haven't had one for a while so I am trying to think what I need in a little box in the boot. So far I am thinking

2 lt water
De-icer
Blanket
Cereal bars, nutri-grain maybe?
Small 1st aid kit
High viz - this is in the back seat pocket
Little pot of change in the centre arm rest for parking

I don't tend to drive too far from home or on the motorway but my mums house is about 3 hours away and one winter she was stuck on the motorway for 5 hours in the snow because of a crash. I have a 1.5yr old DS so want to have at least enough to keep up safe.

I wanted to pick up one of those glass hammers in Homebase yesterday but DH reminded me I used to have one and never used to, but IMO that's not the point

Anything else you would add?

OP posts:
Hopful123 · 04/12/2023 09:44

I would add a foil blanket and a hat and gloves for this time of year.

for your DS, a change of clothes, nappy and snacks for him.

Original poster
pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 10:02

@Hopful123 thanks I actually have foil blankets, I got them for DS to play with when he was a few months old and 3 came in the box. So I'll put them in the car. I always have clothes in his nappy bag, with snacks. A set of clothes and a few nappies for him in the boot wont go astray though. Oh and yes I already have a few snacks for him in the glove box (fruit pouches/ bread sticks)

OP posts:
Seeline · 04/12/2023 10:12

Red triangle in case you break down
Foot pump (I've got an electric one which is great)
Collapsible snow shovel

I can't remember the last time I used change for parking. It's either contactless or via an app these days.

CMOTDibbler · 04/12/2023 10:13

Some disposable ponchos (mine are from Amazon), a powerbank for your phone (the one I keep in the car is actually able to jump start a car so does double duty), and some cash in case for whatever reason you need fuel and don't have a card/ your banking is down.
If the weather is predicted to be dubious, then I carry things like a sleeping bag, big flask of hot water plus hot choc sachets/ soup sachet, and loads of food plus boots/ thick socks/ big coat etc just so that if the snow moves I can hang out quite happily in the car. And if nothing happens, all I've wasted is a flask of hot water

lochmaree · 04/12/2023 10:15

First aid kit

lochmaree · 04/12/2023 10:16

harness for DC

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/12/2023 10:18

Blankets. Can’t believe so many unprepared people were stranded in Cumbria overnight. Do people not check weather forecasts before they travel?

Original poster
pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 10:22

@Seeline the car park nearest my dentist still has coins, and in the shopping centre last week the tap wasn't working so still handy to have a few coins. But in general I never have money. Although on @CMOTDibbler 's advice I think I will stick a note into the centre arm rest. I'm also driving to my mums this weekend so will fill the thermos we have, that's a great idea

@lochmaree harness?

Do any of ye think I should get the glass hammer? I know it is highly unlikely but the thoughts of being stuck in a car sinking in water and not being able to get out really freaks me out!

OP posts:
Original poster
pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 10:23

@MrsSkylerWhite I would say a lot of people don't or think they will miss it. I have DS's little lap blanket always in his seat along with a bigger blanket just on the back seat. But I might ask MIL if she has an old wool one we could have and fold it up for the back.

OP posts:
Hopful123 · 04/12/2023 10:27

@pontipinemum instead of a glass hammer, look at the ResQme Keyring - both my DH and I have one on our keyrings. You can cut a seatbelt or break a window with it if you need to.

Original poster
pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 10:34

@Hopful123 thanks, I've just bought 2 there now. I'll put one on DHs keys too.

OP posts:
Laffinalltheway · 04/12/2023 10:35

Compressor pump that plugs into cig lighter, jump leads (or power supply as someone else suggested, torch.

@CMOTDibbler Hot flask and soup sachets when going on a long trip is a good call...

Original poster
pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 10:45

@Laffinalltheway DH has a power supply jump lead thing. They are fairly pricey I might get some jump leads in the garage next time I'm in though. Yes I must stick in a little torch. I have a battery pack for my phone I think I'll start leaving that in the car too

OP posts:
GasPanic · 04/12/2023 10:57

Basically whatever you need to survive outside.

At a minimum I would say decent pair of boots, thick coat, torch and mini shovel if you are going anywhere where there is snow.

BurbageBrook · 04/12/2023 11:06

Definitely a glass hammer/seatbelt cutter.

Original poster
pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 11:45

@GasPanic we do live rurally, so I think I'll throw in a little shovel too. This time of year I always seem to have a collection of coats in the car. I have an old pair of boot I might throw them in. It's mostly getting stuck on a motorway going to see my mum I'd imagine we could get stuck for some time. If we got stuck on the road near home DH would come in the tractor to get us!

@BurbageBrook I bought the keyring one suggested upthread. I don't care if it is a bit pessimistic it will give me peace of mind.

OP posts:
lochmaree · 04/12/2023 13:11

sorry should have specified! a harness with reins if you're stuck anywhere you can't remain in the car and you need DC secure.

Original poster
pontipinemum · 04/12/2023 14:09

lochmaree · 04/12/2023 13:11

sorry should have specified! a harness with reins if you're stuck anywhere you can't remain in the car and you need DC secure.

ah perfect, Santa has a little one for his stocking. I've a feeling it will be in the car a lot but I must remember it. Oh God nightmare even thinking about breaking down and sitting with a 1.5yr old the far side of the safety barrier. Hopefully it doesn't happen!

OP posts:
BiddyPop · 04/12/2023 14:19

A first aid kit (just basics, few wipes and bandaids, maybe a gauze bandage, couple of pairs latex gloves, ziplock bag for waste - although I usually manage holding it all in 1 palm and rolling into glove as I remove it).

Pair of work gloves - in case you need to change type etc, avoids most of greasy finger results!

And a rag for cleaning windows, dealing with oil spills etc. Change and wash as needed.

Torch with a decent work light on it - most garages have something suitable relatively cheaply.

BiddyPop · 04/12/2023 14:22

Small notebook and pen.

Nail file (I often seem to break nails getting into car, or have time to file them at traffic lights).

Tissues.

Lip balm and hand cream. Stick of solid sun cream (less urgent until spring returns, but also useful if snowy!)

Cable and connection to recharge phone through cigarette lighter socket if no usb connections

Cotswoldbee · 04/12/2023 14:24

Do you have roadside assistance/recovery?
Been driving for 42yrs and have never left home without it. Flat battery, puncture, breakdown, accident - they get you home (or where you want to go).

MWNA · 04/12/2023 16:54

Spare phone charger.

Bernardmanning · 04/12/2023 17:02

You can get air pressure checkers/tyre inflator s that plug into the car. Those can be useful if you need to inflate before a long journey or if you get a flat.

Most emergency stuff never gets used. So, I would forgo most of it and stock up on an emergency box of kit Kat's instead.

WaitingForSunnyDays · 04/12/2023 17:08

I've got a set of those emergency road flares as well as my warning triangle. Breaking down in the countryside round a blind bend makes you realise how vulnerable you can be.

UsingChangeofName · 04/12/2023 17:10

Potty !