Most Americans spend a significant portion of their lives in their cars, commuting between home, work, and other daily activities. While home and workplace emergency preparedness are often discussed, vehicle preparedness is equally crucial. This article, drawing upon the expertise of a former USAF Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Instructor, JJ Johnson (JJSERE1) from Reality Survival, will delve into essential items to keep in your vehicle. We’ll explore two key categories: Vehicle Every Day Carry (VEDC) items and Get Home Bag (GHB) essentials, focusing on equipping you with the best everyday carry tools for your car to ensure you’re ready for any situation and can always make it home safely.
In any non-home-threatening emergency, your primary objective is likely to return home, your central hub for resources and safety. Of course, immediate medical needs take precedence. With this in mind, the following list of items focuses on equipping your vehicle to facilitate your safe return home, transforming your car into a mobile preparedness powerhouse with the best everyday carry tools for your car.
Alt text: Comprehensive Vehicle Everyday Carry (VEDC) kit laid out for review, showcasing essential tools for car emergency preparedness.
Vehicle Every Day Carry (VEDC) Essentials: Your Car’s Core Toolkit
This section details a comprehensive list of VEDC items, considered the best everyday carry tools for your car, along with their potential uses. This is not ranked by importance, as the necessity of each item can vary depending on the situation.
- Jumper Cables: A dead battery is a common vehicle issue. Jumper cables are indispensable for jump-starting your car using another vehicle’s battery.
- Two Tow Straps: Vehicle extraction is a common need. Tow straps are vital for pulling your vehicle out of ditches, mud, or snow with the help of another vehicle.
- Small Bag of Easy Light Charcoal: More than just for barbecues, charcoal can act as an effective fire starter, especially in damp conditions, and can also be used for a signal fire if needed.
- 5 Road Flares: These are crucial emergency distress signals to alert other drivers to your presence, especially at night or in low visibility. They also double as fire starters in survival situations.
- Come Along Winch: For more serious vehicle extraction scenarios, a come along winch provides manual leverage to move your vehicle when tow straps and another vehicle aren’t enough.
- Bobby Stick / Club (Wooden Club): This can serve dual purposes: self-defense in threatening situations and as a robust fire starter when prepared correctly.
- First Aid Kit: Essential for treating minor injuries and stabilizing more serious ones until professional medical help arrives. Components like bandages and gauze can also be used as fire starters when necessary.
- 12 Volt Air Compressor: Ideal for refilling a flat tire to get you to safety or a repair shop. Can also be used to power some emergency lights or signaling devices.
- Extra Fuses: Electrical issues can immobilize your vehicle. Having a set of extra fuses allows for quick repairs of blown fuses, getting you back on the road faster.
- Siphon Pump: In fuel emergencies, a siphon pump allows you to transfer gasoline from another vehicle or a gas can into your vehicle’s tank.
- Hat: Protection from sun and weather exposure is crucial if you’re stranded outside your vehicle.
- 2 – 40 ft Sections of Old Climbing Rope: Versatile for vehicle extraction, creating emergency towing solutions, or even assisting in rappelling in extreme situations.
- 2 Carabineers, a Figure Eight, and Rope for a Swiss Seat: While specialized, these items allow for emergency rappelling or creating a secure anchor point in vehicle recovery scenarios.
- Extra Batteries: Keep spare batteries for essential devices like GPS units, spotlights, or flashlights, ensuring they remain operational when you need them most.
- Bottle of Excedrin (or Pain Reliever): Addresses headaches and minor pain, but can also provide a temporary energy boost due to caffeine content in some brands.
- Binoculars: Especially useful in rural areas, binoculars can help you locate landmarks, roads, or signs of civilization if you need to navigate on foot.
- Gloves: Protect your hands when performing vehicle repairs, handling equipment, or in cold weather.
- Extra 550 Paracord: Paracord is incredibly versatile. It can be used for countless applications, from securing gear and building temporary shelters to fire starting (inner strands) and improvisation.
- Seat Belt Extractor / Cutter: In the event of an accident, a seat belt cutter is vital for quickly freeing yourself or others from jammed or locked seat belts.
- Cell Phone Charger (Car Adapter): Maintaining communication is key in emergencies. A car charger ensures your phone stays powered to call for help or stay informed.
- 120 Volt to 12 Volt Inverter: Allows you to power standard AC devices like laptops or communication equipment using your car’s 12V power, useful for staying connected.
- LED Spotlight: A powerful spotlight serves as a distress signal, a warning to oncoming traffic at night, and a work light for vehicle repairs in low light conditions.
- Maglite (or Durable Flashlight): Similar to a spotlight, a Maglite provides light for signaling, warning others, vehicle repairs, and can also be used for self-defense if needed.
- Tire Repair Kit: For puncture repairs, a tire repair kit allows you to fix minor tire damage and reinflate the tire, avoiding the need to immediately change to a spare.
- Valve Stem Tool and Spare Valve Stem Cores: Valve stem issues can cause slow leaks. A valve stem tool and spare cores enable you to quickly address valve-related leaks.
- Roll of Black Electrical Tape: Essential for temporary repairs to your vehicle’s electrical system, insulating wires, and various improvisation tasks.
- Roll of Duct Tape: Duct tape is incredibly versatile for temporary fixes, from sealing leaky hoses to securing loose parts and improvisation.
- Fire Extinguisher: A small fire extinguisher is critical for suppressing vehicle fires before they escalate, protecting yourself and your vehicle.
- Sun Tan Lotion: Protection against sunburn is important for long walks in sunny environments. Surprisingly, it can also be used as a fire starter in a pinch.
- Insect Repellent: Insects can be a significant nuisance and health hazard if you’re stranded outdoors. Insect repellent provides protection from bites.
- Ice Scraper: Beyond removing ice and snow, an ice scraper can be used as an improvised digging tool or even for self-defense in an emergency.
- 2 Gallon Gas Can (with Gas): Carrying extra fuel can extend your range and prevent running out of gas in unexpected situations.
- One Gallon Premixed Water and Antifreeze: Essential for topping off coolant levels to prevent overheating. Important Note: Never use antifreeze containers for drinking water, and never drink antifreeze – it is poisonous.
- Entrenching Tool (E-Tool): A folding shovel is invaluable for digging your vehicle out of snow, mud, or sand. It can also be used for creating fire pits or latrines in a survival situation.
- Tool Kit: A comprehensive tool kit is the heart of your VEDC. The recommended kit includes:
- Basic Socket Set with Phillips and straight screwdrivers, metric and standard 3/8 sockets and wrenches.
- ¼ inch multi-bit driver and a variety of ¼ bits.
- Hex wrenches.
- Needle nose pliers and standard pliers.
- Adjustable wrench (small and larger sizes).
- Spark plug sockets.
- Wire cutters and utility wire.
- 3/8 drive flex universal adapter, 6 inch extension, 3 inch extension, and 3/8 ratchet.
- Small hacksaw.
- 2 pairs of vise-grip locking pliers.
- Standard and metric deep well sockets.
- Leather man or multi-tool.
- 2 pound hammer.
- Extra ratchet.
- Roll of electrical wire.
- Bag to carry it all.
Alt text: Detailed view of a well-stocked vehicle tool kit, highlighting the variety of essential tools for car repairs and maintenance in emergencies.
For older vehicles, consider adding extra quarts of oil and transmission fluid, and spare serpentine or V-belts specific to your vehicle, along with any specialized tools needed for belt replacement. During colder months, an extra sleeping bag or wool blanket is also highly recommended for warmth if stranded. While newer, well-maintained vehicles are less prone to needing these spares, preventative maintenance is always key.
Get Home Bag (GHB): Your Portable Emergency Kit
Alt text: Get Home Bag (GHB) contents neatly arranged, demonstrating a compact and portable emergency kit for leaving a vehicle and traveling on foot.
A Get Home Bag (GHB) is crucial for situations where your vehicle becomes unusable, whether due to a breakdown, getting stuck, or needing to evacuate on foot. Smaller and lighter than a full 72-hour Bug Out Bag (BOB), a GHB is designed to sustain you for approximately 24 hours, providing the essentials to get home on foot, even over a long distance. Here’s a recommended GHB inventory, considered part of the best everyday carry tools for your car system:
- Small Backpack: To carry all your GHB items comfortably and keep your hands free.
- Emergency Credit Card: With a reasonable credit limit (around $3000), for unexpected expenses like transportation, accommodation, or supplies.
- Prepaid Calling Card: With prepaid minutes, in case cell service is unreliable or unavailable, offering an alternative communication method.
- $100 Cash: Cash is universally accepted and valuable for situations where electronic payments are not possible, useful for rides, food, water, or emergency supplies.
- Bright Colored Poncho: Provides shelter from rain and wind, and can also be used as a signaling device due to its bright color.
- Old Broke-In Tennis Shoes: Comfortable footwear is essential for walking long distances, far superior to dress shoes, boots, or heels.
- Thick Wool Socks: A change of socks is vital to keep your feet dry, prevent blisters, and maintain foot health during extended walking.
- Umbrella: Provides convenient and lightweight protection from rain or sun during your walk.
- 4 Bottles of Water: Hydration is paramount. Carry enough water for immediate needs, and consider water purification options for longer journeys.
- Emergency Water Filter Straw: Allows you to safely drink from natural water sources like streams or lakes, refilling your water bottles and ensuring hydration.
- 4 Granola Bars (or Energy Bars): Provide quick and easily portable calories for energy on your walk home.
- Collapsible Baton: For self-defense in potentially dangerous situations. Note: Check local laws regarding the legality of carrying a baton.
- Small Handgun and Ammo and Holster (Optional): For personal protection. Note: Ensure legal compliance with local and state laws regarding handgun carry and licensing.
- Combat Field Bandage (Israeli Bandage): A highly effective medical bandage for controlling severe bleeding. Components can also be used as fire starters.
- Triangle Bandage / Cravat: Multi-purpose for medical uses (slings, bandages), water filtering (pre-filter), or as a dust mask.
- Toilet Paper: Basic hygiene is important, even in emergency situations.
- Candle: A candle can be used as a fire starter, a signaling device (visible at night), and for limited nighttime navigation (shielded from wind in a water bottle bottom).
- 6ft x 8 ft Tarp: Provides shelter from the elements, can be used as a ground tarp for vehicle work, or for collecting rainwater.
- Cigarette Lighter: A reliable and convenient fire starter.
- Magnesium Fire Starter / Fire Steel: A robust fire starter that works even in wet conditions, providing sparks to ignite tinder.
- Pitch Wood Club (Fatwood): Highly flammable natural wood, excellent for fire starting, and can also be used for self-defense.
- Compass / Signal Mirror: Essential for navigation and directional signaling during daylight hours. A signal mirror can attract attention from long distances.
- LED Flashlight: For nighttime travel, navigation, and vehicle repairs in the dark.
- Emergency Road Flare: Another signaling option, and can be used as a fire starter.
- Folding Saw: For collecting firewood for overnight fires, clearing debris from roads, or building emergency shelters.
- Fixed Blade Knife: An essential multi-tool for countless tasks, from cutting and preparing food to shelter building and self-defense.
- Handheld CB Radio: For communication and signaling, especially in areas with CB radio users.
- Handheld FRS / GMRS Radios: For short-range communication with others in your group or potential rescuers.
- Notepad and Pens/Pencil: For leaving notes, directions, or contact information if needed.
- Road Map: Even with GPS, a physical road map is valuable for navigating around obstacles or detours when electronic navigation fails.
- Handheld GPS: Preload waypoints to your home, friends’ houses, or rally points for reliable navigation.
- Shemagh (or Bandana): Versatile head covering, scarf, dust filter, pre-filter for water, and can be wetted to cool down in hot weather.
- White Cotton Towel: A universal distress signal when waved at passing vehicles, and useful for cleaning up after vehicle repairs.
- Wool Stocking Cap: Essential for warmth in cold weather, retaining body heat.
- 6 Hand/Foot Warmers: Provide extra warmth in cold conditions, especially for extremities.
- Gloves (Warm Gloves): Protect your hands from cold and wind, crucial for maintaining dexterity in cold weather.
This comprehensive GHB weighs approximately 22 lbs and fits into a small backpack. While it may seem like a lot, the weight is manageable and provides a wealth of resources to handle various emergency situations and ensure you have the best everyday carry tools for your car and beyond.
Alt text: Series of images demonstrating how VEDC and GHB items can be discreetly stored within a vehicle, maximizing space and maintaining a low profile.
The most immediately useful items in many real-world emergencies may be the cash, prepaid calling card, and emergency credit card. For longer walks, the extra socks and tennis shoes from your GHB will be invaluable, especially if you typically wear less comfortable footwear for work.
To further enhance your vehicle preparedness, consider adding a portable battery booster/jump starter for self-sufficient jump-starts and a high-lift jack for more challenging vehicle extractions. Traction boards made from grooved 2x10s with traction paint can also be incredibly helpful in getting unstuck in difficult terrain, rounding out your selection of the best everyday carry tools for your car.
By equipping your vehicle with these VEDC and GHB items, you transform it into a mobile survival kit, ready to handle a wide array of emergencies and ensure you can always get home safely.
What essential items do you keep in your vehicle that aren’t listed here? Share your ideas in the comments below!
This article features content from JJ Johnson (JJSERE1) of Reality Survival (www.RealitySurvival.Com). For more survival and preparedness tips, visit his blog or YouTube channel (RealitySurvival).
