What happens if you have a car emergency in the middle of nowhere? It’s always fun going on outdoor adventures in the great outdoors. It’s wonderful getting away into nature and far from the business. It is much fun to breathe in fresh air and adventure into the great outdoors. But a car emergency can ruin anything.
So many things can go wrong. You can get in a crash, or the car won’t start, or maybe you have a flat. Here are some quick tips in case of a car emergency that have helped me over the years when I have had car problems. These tips aren’t just for camping but are practical tips for road-tripping or any car emergency.
6 Things to Know for a Car Emergency in the Great Outdoors
Here are some of the best tips to be prepared for car trouble when you are away from home or driving long distances. I have learned to always be prepared.
1. Mile Markers
When we would go road-tripping as a family when I was younger, my dad would often point out the mile markers. I thought it was a game but it was a very practical skill that he taught me. Whenever I have needed roadside assistance, I have been able to quickly tell them where I am because I keep track of the mile markers. It’s a skill that I also taught my children this last summer.
2. Keep an Emergency Kit in the Car
Always be prepared in case of an emergency. A small emergency kit can be helpful if you get stranded on the side of the road, especially when there is a storm. I have often used items from mine, and always replace them afterwards. Most of the emergency roadside kits you can buy online have many helpful items, but I always add to mine. Usually, I have my hiking gear with me, but I have duplicates with my emergency kit. Here is a list of items I like to have in my emergency kit:
- water
- food like a freeze-dried meal (and a way to cook it)
- emergency poncho/ blanket
- headlamp
- multi-tool
- an extra change of clothes
- batteries
3. Always Have a Spare Tire and Jack
The most common roadside emergency that I have had, is a flat tire. After having to use a donut, I chose to pay extra and have an actual tire instead. This made more sense especially if I’m miles from where I need to be and a donut is so limited. I always make sure that I have a tire jack and an air compressor as well. I prefer a portable jump starter with the included air compressor.
4. Know Where the Closest Service or Emergency Call Box Is
Most of the places I go have no service, often for many miles. I will keep track of when I lose service and note the mile marker. I also am always watching for the emergency telephone boxes that they have on the side of the road. I know that when I go to my family’s ranch, the closest service is 5.7 miles from the gate. And on one of our favorite trails, I know I spot that has service halfway to the top of the mountain, that the emergency phone is 9.6 miles from the campsite, and the closest service besides up the mountain is 17.6 miles.
5. Emergency Infomation Should Go in the Glove Box
Maybe you take it for granted but in case you need to get towed or get into a wreck, you should always have available your emergency contact information, your health insurance information, your auto insurance information, and even the contact information of a personal injury lawyer. You never know what you re going to need in case of a car wreck, but it’s better to be over-prepared than not prepared at all.
6. Know Where You are Going and Where You Are
Do you remember printing out MapQuest or having a road atlas in the car? In this day and age when everyone has GPS on their phone, I still have paper maps in the car. And I download a copy of the map before I leave. because I still use them and they are very practical especially when you don’t have service or if your phone isn’t working. I also make sure I check in with someone every time I have service to let them know where I am at.
I had a flat tire when I was seven months pregnant with no service on the side of a desolate highway. We have had medical emergencies when we were in the mountains with no service. And I can’t even begin to tell you the number of times that something has been broken or stuck, especially big trucks and campers stuck in the mud. But, I have always been prepared so it was always quickly resolved. I hope you find these tips helpful. Did I miss any? What are some other tips you have found helpful in case of emergencies when you are in your car? Let me know in the comments below.
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