Car Emergency kit
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AA/RAC membership, food and water is all you need in the UK really. Whatever else you think might help is up to you, based on where you’ll be going. (i.e. snow shovel for snow)
I followed a couple of threads on this from a while back:
bushcraftuk.com
Really comprehensive list to start this one:
bushcraftuk.com
We are probably a bit more minimal: there’s a blanket, picnic blanket and tarp in the boot, one of those greenflag (or similar) kits, a bit more first aid kit than the minimal one that was in that, we don’t tend to leave food in the car, but would have snacks if we were going anywhere. I think the “emergency” water bottle has not been replaced after last time the kids couldn’t wait for a tap, I think there’s a couple of candles and a lighter too. It sounds like it will be pretty cold still next week, so de-icer and a scraper might come in useful.
Edit: Agreed with the above though, probably wouldn’t need too much, maybe add a back up battery for your phone and a flask of tea.
Tools for the Car.
So what tools do people suggest or keep in their Cars ? Beyond HiViz jacket, Gloves, Headtorch, Jumper Cables and an Emergency air inflator what else would you say is a prudent inclusion for not just 4x4 but your everyday get around car. Space tends to be limited in many cars so the suggestion...
bushcraftuk.com
Really comprehensive list to start this one:
My Car Kit
I was reading the thread Ready made kit for Car travel? & it got me thinking about the kit I carry in my car. This is the stuff I carry every day, its stowed in our car, either to be forgotten about until needed or used regularly. Anyway, here’s a breakdown of my complete kit. I hope it will...
bushcraftuk.com
We are probably a bit more minimal: there’s a blanket, picnic blanket and tarp in the boot, one of those greenflag (or similar) kits, a bit more first aid kit than the minimal one that was in that, we don’t tend to leave food in the car, but would have snacks if we were going anywhere. I think the “emergency” water bottle has not been replaced after last time the kids couldn’t wait for a tap, I think there’s a couple of candles and a lighter too. It sounds like it will be pretty cold still next week, so de-icer and a scraper might come in useful.
Edit: Agreed with the above though, probably wouldn’t need too much, maybe add a back up battery for your phone and a flask of tea.
Depending on your car, if it’s really cold weather the screen wash nozzles may freeze so use undiluted screen wash in the tank and keep some more in a sports water bottle for roadside cleaning.
A warm sleeping bag can be useful.
Food and snacks.
A decent torch too
A warm sleeping bag can be useful.
Food and snacks.
A decent torch too
I'd also have a small stove, and a couple of litres of water, hot choc sachets and tea bags, peanuts and choice bars, a box of cuppa soups, and some instant noodles, to make hot drinks, and snacks if you have a problem, and need to wait a while for rescue.and a couple of emergency blankets, on top of a WINTER sleeping bag and extra woolen blanket. Yellow emergency jacket or slip over is useful to so that you can be seen.
A warning triangle, and a flashing lamp is always essential too.
RAC , AA, OR OTHER RECOVERY SERVICE ESSENTIAL!
Travelling solo, my "rescue box" was always in the passenger footwell, so I didn't need to exit the car.. providing I was in a safe place, and all was to hand.
Ps, I kept the gas on the back seat, within easy reach, so it didn't get overheated by the car heating system in the footwell. .
A warning triangle, and a flashing lamp is always essential too.
RAC , AA, OR OTHER RECOVERY SERVICE ESSENTIAL!
Travelling solo, my "rescue box" was always in the passenger footwell, so I didn't need to exit the car.. providing I was in a safe place, and all was to hand.
Ps, I kept the gas on the back seat, within easy reach, so it didn't get overheated by the car heating system in the footwell. .
Whereas we are never far from help in this country, it is also true that, in dire conditions, help may not be able to get to you quickly or may have higher priorities.
At this time of year always carry food and drink for at least 24 hours and a way of keeping warm without the engine running. Never light a gas stove in your car unless you can have the windows open and plenty of air flow.
From the training presentation we deliver:
At this time of year always carry food and drink for at least 24 hours and a way of keeping warm without the engine running. Never light a gas stove in your car unless you can have the windows open and plenty of air flow.
From the training presentation we deliver:
- High Visibility Vest or Jacket
- Torch & batteries
- Mobile phone and car charger
- Money and/or credit cards
- First aid kit
- Tow rope and shackles
- Jump leads
- Work gloves
- Spade or shovel
- Basic tool kit
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Waterproof robust boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Blanket and/or sleeping bag
- Drinking water – sufficient for 2 people for 24 hours
- Food – sufficient for 2 people for 24 hours
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I always used to carry a sleeping bag in my car when I was younger.
Several times on a long drive I would park in a lay-by and sleep for a couple of hours.
Nowadays I have a set of winter clothes including boots so if I get caught in Leeds at work I can change out of my suit and will be better prepared for a long drive home.
I carry an empty flask that I can fill before the journey home and always carry instant coffee (for real emergencies).
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Several times on a long drive I would park in a lay-by and sleep for a couple of hours.
Nowadays I have a set of winter clothes including boots so if I get caught in Leeds at work I can change out of my suit and will be better prepared for a long drive home.
I carry an empty flask that I can fill before the journey home and always carry instant coffee (for real emergencies).
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In my truck and every vehicle I have owned, I have a waterproof Box.
Hi viz vest
Folding shovel
Complete set of spare bulbs and fuses
Tyre foam
Gloves
Tarp for laying on
Space blanket and wool blanket
Water
Chocolate
Torches
Jumper kit
Tow strop
Batteries
Emergency beacon
Powerbank for.phone charging
Emergency knife which has a belt cutter and glass breaker on it.
Duct tape and electrical tape
Selection of tools.
Cable ties and hose clips.
Oil and water for truck.
Might seem a bit over the top but I've been caught out a couple of times with break downs and other emergencies.
Hi viz vest
Folding shovel
Complete set of spare bulbs and fuses
Tyre foam
Gloves
Tarp for laying on
Space blanket and wool blanket
Water
Chocolate
Torches
Jumper kit
Tow strop
Batteries
Emergency beacon
Powerbank for.phone charging
Emergency knife which has a belt cutter and glass breaker on it.
Duct tape and electrical tape
Selection of tools.
Cable ties and hose clips.
Oil and water for truck.
Might seem a bit over the top but I've been caught out a couple of times with break downs and other emergencies.
As many have said there are a few must haves like breakdown cover, a blanket or sleeping bags, food and water. Being some one that has been stuck in a car with no help in sight and unwell, this is what I pack.
Standard car kit (spare bulbs, selection of simple tools, 12v tyre pump, car jack, warning triangle, etc)
First aid kit, plus extra alcohol gel / wipes
warm sleeping bag
Warm coat (not water proof)
High Vis waterproof jacket and trousers
Food and snacks (2 days worth at 2000 calories per day, the milk chocolate nuts and fruit mix is good)
Water (2l minimum, in a reusable bottles)
Metal cup and tea bags or powered juice drink x 10
Small folding stove or meths burner
3x3m bright orange tarp
Hat and scarf
Spare socks and t shirt x 2
Spare shoes
Welly boots
Sofin torch and two spare batteries
Power bank and cables for phone
Axe and folding saw (winter items)
Folding spade
Cut resistant work gloves
Disposable gloves x 10 pairs
Toilet roll x 2
Light my fire army fire steel
Leatherman multi tool (I use a charge/wave or rebar most)
Apart from the standard car kit and high clothes (they need to be available to hand), this all packs into a box or 40l bag, and can just sit there until needed.
Standard car kit (spare bulbs, selection of simple tools, 12v tyre pump, car jack, warning triangle, etc)
First aid kit, plus extra alcohol gel / wipes
warm sleeping bag
Warm coat (not water proof)
High Vis waterproof jacket and trousers
Food and snacks (2 days worth at 2000 calories per day, the milk chocolate nuts and fruit mix is good)
Water (2l minimum, in a reusable bottles)
Metal cup and tea bags or powered juice drink x 10
Small folding stove or meths burner
3x3m bright orange tarp
Hat and scarf
Spare socks and t shirt x 2
Spare shoes
Welly boots
Sofin torch and two spare batteries
Power bank and cables for phone
Axe and folding saw (winter items)
Folding spade
Cut resistant work gloves
Disposable gloves x 10 pairs
Toilet roll x 2
Light my fire army fire steel
Leatherman multi tool (I use a charge/wave or rebar most)
Apart from the standard car kit and high clothes (they need to be available to hand), this all packs into a box or 40l bag, and can just sit there until needed.
Don't forget to give your car a once over before you go.
Funky prepper has just uploaded a video on YT about sorting a car out for winter journeys, and this cold weather . Worth a watch . Lots of good tips.
Funky prepper has just uploaded a video on YT about sorting a car out for winter journeys, and this cold weather . Worth a watch . Lots of good tips.
You say you're really not yourself, but one thing you should not do is travel in predicted bad weather if you're not feeling well. In snow and ice you need to be 100% aware and capable; it's not safe for you or other road users if you're not. So, not tired, not on medication that can make you drowsy, no illness that can affect your responses (that includes cold, flue, etc.) and, obviously, no alcohol.
As Woody Girl mentioned, the condition of your car is very important too. All cars fail at some time, but, if you consider your car to be unreliable don't take it on a long journey in winter - you put yourself and others (including emergency services) at risk.
Sorry, after years of instructing on this stuff, it's a bit of a touchy subject
As Woody Girl mentioned, the condition of your car is very important too. All cars fail at some time, but, if you consider your car to be unreliable don't take it on a long journey in winter - you put yourself and others (including emergency services) at risk.
Sorry, after years of instructing on this stuff, it's a bit of a touchy subject
We have a camper, partly converted, so we tend to just leave the sleeping bags and mats in the van. I think there's a 4 season tunnel tent in there too with a few tarps and a skateboard. Diesel heater, leisure battery charged off engine and led lights.
But above all ah RAC membership. We avoid AA since they found a reason to not assist us despite a few days left and history of three years automatic renewals with another one about to kick in. The smallest of small print that was not clear English and actually a bit dodgy imho.
But above all ah RAC membership. We avoid AA since they found a reason to not assist us despite a few days left and history of three years automatic renewals with another one about to kick in. The smallest of small print that was not clear English and actually a bit dodgy imho.
Over here the vast distances are the biggest danger. Southern California is home to TWO of the largest wilderness areas in the continental People getting in trouble is almost a weekly news story along with mass shootings and our celebrity updates.
DO NOT NEGLECT telling someone
Where you are going, your planned route and return date. And when you return, have the courtesy to let them know!
You may not need any of a emergency kit. YOU may be the rescuing party of someone who didn’t prepare!
DO NOT NEGLECT telling someone
Where you are going, your planned route and return date. And when you return, have the courtesy to let them know!
You may not need any of a emergency kit. YOU may be the rescuing party of someone who didn’t prepare!
I think that travelling so far, in a perhaps unreliable vehicle (comment above, not sure if you think it is though ? ) at this time of year, and more importantly, in this kind of weather,
might not be the best idea. Even if it is for something you really want to attend.
I'm presuming it's the experimental archaelogy conference in Edinburgh ?
Put it this way, I live nearby and I'm not driving into the madness that is Edinburgh for the conference.
Parking is a nightmare, and expensive. Hotels and B&B's etc., are ridiculously expensive there too.
Normally I'd have said you'd be better coming by train, but there are train strikes just now too.
The journey north though. Well you have to get up to and over the Border, after you've driven up the spine of England. I know it's a busy well travelled route, and just now is being gritted/salted etc., on a constant basis, but it's still not fun driving, especially when you get to the hilly bits at the Border.
If you're not feeling well, you know that's not a good time to be driving anyway. There will be other conferences, and this one is going to be hit by so many things. From the bad weather, to the time of year, train strikes, etc.,
I think the others have already given really sound advice on what to pack in the car for emergencies.
I would sincerely add that some kind of Rescue service, and a fully charged mobile phone are necessities.
AutoNationalRescue have brought us home from some truly wild spots when the car broke down. No fuss, no bother, very reasonably priced.....and they answer the phone They use a network of local garages rather than dedicated specialised vans.
Best of luck with it, whatever you decide.
M
'Boy it's going to feel cold'
Temperatures across the UK have dropped and cold weather is forecast to continue into next week.
www.bbc.co.uk
I'm presuming it's the experimental archaelogy conference in Edinburgh ?
Put it this way, I live nearby and I'm not driving into the madness that is Edinburgh for the conference.
Parking is a nightmare, and expensive. Hotels and B&B's etc., are ridiculously expensive there too.
Normally I'd have said you'd be better coming by train, but there are train strikes just now too.
The journey north though. Well you have to get up to and over the Border, after you've driven up the spine of England. I know it's a busy well travelled route, and just now is being gritted/salted etc., on a constant basis, but it's still not fun driving, especially when you get to the hilly bits at the Border.
If you're not feeling well, you know that's not a good time to be driving anyway. There will be other conferences, and this one is going to be hit by so many things. From the bad weather, to the time of year, train strikes, etc.,
I think the others have already given really sound advice on what to pack in the car for emergencies.
I would sincerely add that some kind of Rescue service, and a fully charged mobile phone are necessities.
AutoNationalRescue have brought us home from some truly wild spots when the car broke down. No fuss, no bother, very reasonably priced.....and they answer the phone
They use a network of local garages rather than dedicated specialised vans.Best of luck with it, whatever you decide.
M
If you do decide to travel make sure you give yourself plenty of time. I travelled up for new year a few years ago and the drive up was great, a real adventure, we drove slow and plenty of scenic stops.
Driving back, with the time pressure of getting back to work was not so fun
Driving back, with the time pressure of getting back to work was not so fun
Halfords in my area do free winter oil, battery, tyre, radiator, screenwash etc checks.
I used to take my car in once a fortnight for a going over, in the winter, as I'm not happy diddling around with cars.
I'm wondering , with the price of petrol, and winter conditions, if it might be worth looking at a flight up to Edinburgh, ?
Quicker, easier, and safer, especially if you are not feeling A1.
Dad could drive you to and from airport this end, and I'm sure there are buses to and from the airport into Edinburgh. I know there are in Bristol.
I have never flown internal flights, but some sort of photo ID is all you'd need to pack!
Worth costing up the cost of petrol etc, against the cost of a flight, and taking into account your personal safety, this would be my preference at this time of year, in present weather conditions. It might be worth the few extra pounds. (If that is the case)
Having spent hours at the side of the road before now, in freezing weather, even though prepared, it wasn't fun!
I used to take my car in once a fortnight for a going over, in the winter, as I'm not happy diddling around with cars.
I'm wondering , with the price of petrol, and winter conditions, if it might be worth looking at a flight up to Edinburgh, ?
Quicker, easier, and safer, especially if you are not feeling A1.
Dad could drive you to and from airport this end, and I'm sure there are buses to and from the airport into Edinburgh. I know there are in Bristol.
I have never flown internal flights, but some sort of photo ID is all you'd need to pack!
Worth costing up the cost of petrol etc, against the cost of a flight, and taking into account your personal safety, this would be my preference at this time of year, in present weather conditions. It might be worth the few extra pounds. (If that is the case)
Having spent hours at the side of the road before now, in freezing weather, even though prepared, it wasn't fun!
The airport is close to the city, and it's on normal bus routes, I think there are three? and it's also on the tram network too. I don't know how much a flight ticket costs but I think Annie's right about comparing it to the cost of petrol....as well as the lack of hassle.
M
M
There is also the option of the overnight coach from London to Edinburgh. Probably hard to get a seat as a lot of people will be using it due to train strikes, but it is a cheap option.
You could get a coach from home to London, then onward to destination E.
Still take warmies and food and drink though to see you through the journey. Best bit is, you can sleep while someone else drives.
You could get a coach from home to London, then onward to destination E.
Still take warmies and food and drink though to see you through the journey. Best bit is, you can sleep while someone else drives.
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