Emergency car kit supplies every teenage driver needs

Are you finally past the scary hurdles of going on the freeway or (gasp) parallel parking for the first time? Are you about to pose for your first ever driver’s license picture and maybe even buy your very first car? Are you ready to take yourself to the movies and listen to your favorite tunes without a backseat driver? So sorry, parents. 

If so, it’s time to gather the most important things you’ll put in your ride. KSL Cars knows there are obvious choices, like hanging polaroids of you and your besties on the sun visors, stashing snacks in the center console, mounting a Marvel character figurine on the dash and hanging a disco ball ornament on the rear view mirror. After you put the fun things in your car, it’s time to get practical.

Keep a portable phone charger to make sure you're always able to call for help if needed.

It’s hip to be prepared 

Even cooler than cute decor is safety galore. Stay on top of any car maintenance to prevent a breakdown on a road trip and always keep an emergency tool kit for your car. It’s no buzzkill to be ready for things like an unexpected snowstorm, a dead battery, flat tires or getting trapped in gridlocked traffic for hours. But what is a buzzkill is getting caught in a situation totally unprepared and unawares. 

Keep a map in your car (and learn how to read it) if you're headed into an area without cell service.

You can buy a premade kit or build your own. Keep your emergency car kit in your trunk so nothing gets bounced around the cab if you hit one of Utah’s everlasting potholes. (Did we say that?) KSL Cars and Keys to Success have a list of essentials that’ll come in handy if something goes wrong while out driving.

Essentials: come check this

First aid and survival

• First aid kit with gauze, bandaids, scissors, tweezers, ice packs and medications

• Water bottles and electrolyte drinks

• Non-perishable food like beef jerky or protein bars

• Hard candy for any diabetic emergency for you, friends or strangers

Tools

• Jumper cables

• Multi-tool

• Knife

• Bungee cords

• Heavy duty gloves

• Seatbelt cutter (keep in center console or dash)

• Tire pressure gauge

Winter or bad weather

• Chains for your tires

• Emergency foil blanket and a regular blanket 

• Foldable shovel

• Ice scraper

• Hand warmers

• Rain poncho

Lights

• Flashlight 

• Headlamp

• Batteries

• Road flares

Hygiene 

• Toilet paper 

• Wet wipes 

• Baggies

• Hand sanitizer

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

Other items to consider

• Maps of your area in case you lose cell service

• Cat litter or sand for traction if you get stuck somewhere

• Hand crank radio that you know how to use

• Portable phone charger and cables

Keep tools in your car that can help you in any weather condition.

While that may seem like a lot, you probably won’t need to use most of those things. But it’s always good to be prepared, especially with snacks and water. 

Ready to hit the road? KSL Cars is a great place to find affordable used cars that you can decorate with accessories and add practical items like your emergency car kit. Check out our Resources page to read more about owning your first car.