Comments on: Create your own roadside emergency kit! http://www.practicalhacks.com/2008/06/13/create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit/ Gadgets, gear, and greatness for people on the go Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:39:34 -0500 hourly 1 By: Randy http://www.practicalhacks.com/2008/06/13/create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit/comment-page-1/#comment-2600 Randy Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:25:57 +0000 http://lifeapps.wordpress.com/?p=146#comment-2600 Great post. In addition to what others wrote, I would add a reflective vest to the kit. They can be had from pretty much any Wal-mart / Target / etc. for less that $10 and provide that extra level of visibility, even in daylight, to add the highest amount of safety while you are on the side fo the road. You might even want to get more than one in case you travel a bit with more than just yourself. Great post. In addition to what others wrote, I would add a reflective vest to the kit. They can be had from pretty much any Wal-mart / Target / etc. for less that $10 and provide that extra level of visibility, even in daylight, to add the highest amount of safety while you are on the side fo the road. You might even want to get more than one in case you travel a bit with more than just yourself.

]]> By: Kathy Tremblay http://www.practicalhacks.com/2008/06/13/create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit/comment-page-1/#comment-1819 Kathy Tremblay Thu, 28 May 2009 19:39:49 +0000 http://lifeapps.wordpress.com/?p=146#comment-1819 Hi Kevin, We live in northern New Hampshire, in the mountains, and winter driving can be pretty brutal (I am happy to report that we spent our first winter down south away from the snow!). A few things that I learned to keep in the car at all times was: - a 40-pound bag of water softener salt in the trunk (Cheap! About $4 or $5 at Wal-Mart). Not only does it add extra weight for driving in snow, but it's also easy to break open and scoop out for getting out of spots where your tires might be spinning on ice or mud. - a large zipper-lock plastic bag with a hat, gloves, warm socks, and foot/hand warmers - they are pretty inexpensive too! Although I didn't carry one (I had blankets in the car), you can get one of those very lightweight "space blankets" into a bag very easility as well. Thanks for the great tips! :) Kath Hi Kevin,
We live in northern New Hampshire, in the mountains, and winter driving can be pretty brutal (I am happy to report that we spent our first winter down south away from the snow!). A few things that I learned to keep in the car at all times was:

- a 40-pound bag of water softener salt in the trunk (Cheap! About $4 or $5 at Wal-Mart). Not only does it add extra weight for driving in snow, but it’s also easy to break open and scoop out for getting out of spots where your tires might be spinning on ice or mud.

- a large zipper-lock plastic bag with a hat, gloves, warm socks, and foot/hand warmers – they are pretty inexpensive too!

Although I didn’t carry one (I had blankets in the car), you can get one of those very lightweight “space blankets” into a bag very easility as well.

Thanks for the great tips!
:) Kath

]]> By: Kevin http://www.practicalhacks.com/2008/06/13/create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit/comment-page-1/#comment-379 Kevin Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:25:33 +0000 http://lifeapps.wordpress.com/?p=146#comment-379 @Neil: although I cleverly managed to not show it in the photos above, I actually have a couple of cans of Sterno in my kit, along with some matches. @Ray: I agree wholeheartedly - one of the areas many car manufacturers skimp is in the lug nut wrench/tire iron. Your suggestion to take a dry run is a great one - thanks! kc @Neil: although I cleverly managed to not show it in the photos above, I actually have a couple of cans of Sterno in my kit, along with some matches.
@Ray: I agree wholeheartedly – one of the areas many car manufacturers skimp is in the lug nut wrench/tire iron. Your suggestion to take a dry run is a great one – thanks!
kc

]]> By: Ray http://www.practicalhacks.com/2008/06/13/create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit/comment-page-1/#comment-374 Ray Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:06:22 +0000 http://lifeapps.wordpress.com/?p=146#comment-374 Thanks, however for me I would add a better tire iron with a cheater bar for leverage. Lug nuts put on by an air gun are no match for the auto makers tire iron. Over the years I've had to change tires on all three American made cars and trucks, not once did the job go smooth using the supplied tire iron the vehicle came with. On my own vehicles I always up grade this item, as well my family cars or anyone that should know. Not sure why this is the way, using junk when you need it the most. What do the people of American Autos think, if you drive an American vehicle you never get a flat. I agree with your E-KIT for all vehicles at all times, you never know when you or someone on the road may need it. Also changing a tire is not for everyone, but if push comes to shove you'll do what you have to do. The right tire iron will make all the difference, it did for me time after time. Again Thanks, I would ADD this to your E-KIT and just ask anyone to try changing the tire when the time is safe (test run) and see how they do. A poor tire iron will put an end to the job or they will give up every time. On a road by yourself late at night and that person is your kid or wife and a flat is a bad opportunity. Thanks, however for me I would add a better tire iron with a cheater bar for leverage. Lug nuts put on by an air gun are no match for the auto makers tire iron. Over the years I’ve had to change tires on all three American made cars and trucks, not once did the job go smooth using the supplied tire iron the vehicle came with. On my own vehicles I always up grade this item, as well my family cars or anyone that should know. Not sure why this is the way, using junk when you need it the most. What do the people of American Autos think, if you drive an American vehicle you never get a flat. I agree with your E-KIT for all vehicles at all times, you never know when you or someone on the road may need it. Also changing a tire is not for everyone, but if push comes to shove you’ll do what you have to do. The right tire iron will make all the difference, it did for me time after time. Again Thanks, I would ADD this to your E-KIT and just ask anyone to try changing the tire when the time is safe (test run) and see how they do. A poor tire iron will put an end to the job or they will give up every time. On a road by yourself late at night and that person is your kid or wife and a flat is a bad opportunity.

]]> By: 2bneil http://www.practicalhacks.com/2008/06/13/create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit/comment-page-1/#comment-303 2bneil Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:05:19 +0000 http://lifeapps.wordpress.com/?p=146#comment-303 Disposable surgical gloves available at Wal Mart etc can keep your hands dry and clean without sacrificing dexterity. A kneeler pad available at garden supply stores saves your knees and pants on hard surfaces. A small candle and tin cup are important in cold weather climates. A lit candle placed on the floor of a car can keep the interior above freezing for several hours. Disposable surgical gloves available at Wal Mart etc can keep your hands dry and clean without sacrificing dexterity. A kneeler pad available at garden supply stores saves your knees and pants on hard surfaces. A small candle and tin cup are important in cold weather climates. A lit candle placed on the floor of a car can keep the interior above freezing for several hours.

]]>