Are Roadside Emergency Kits Worth It?

Feb. 27, 2025

When you're driving, especially on long trips, you always want to feel safe and prepared. But what happens if your car breaks down unexpectedly? Whether it's a flat tire, a dead battery, or something else, the thought of being stuck on the side of the road can be scary. That's where a roadside emergency kit comes in. But are these kits really worth the cost, or are they just taking up space in your trunk?

What is a Roadside Emergency Kit?

A roadside emergency kit is a set of tools and supplies meant to help you deal with common problems while driving. These kits can vary, but most have things like jumper cables, tire repair kits, flashlights, and sometimes even basic first-aid supplies. Some kits may also include more advanced items like warning triangles or portable air compressors.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Why Should You Have a Roadside Emergency Kit?

The main reason to carry an emergency kit is peace of mind. No one expects their car to break down, but it happens to almost everyone at some point. According to AAA, about 32 million roadside assistance calls are made each year in the U.S. alone. This shows that problems like flat tires or dead batteries happen more often than you might think. Having a roadside kit means you can handle small issues yourself, so you don’t have to wait for help or pay for a tow truck.

Convenience and Saving Money

Many drivers rely on roadside assistance services, either through their insurance or organizations like AAA. While these services can help, they usually come with a wait time that can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. And in some remote areas, help might not come quickly.

With a roadside emergency kit, you can fix simple problems yourself, which saves you time and possibly money. For example, you can change a flat tire or jumpstart your car with jumper cables. This way, you don't have to wait for someone to show up.

What Happens If You Don't Have One?

You might think that a roadside kit isn't worth the cost, but not having one could end up costing you more. If you don't have the right tools and you get stuck, you could end up paying for a tow truck or car repairs, which can be expensive. Not to mention, you might waste a lot of time waiting for help to arrive.

Also, not having a kit could put your safety at risk. For example, if you have a flat tire on the side of the road at night, having a flashlight or warning triangle can keep other drivers from hitting your car. It's a small investment that could save you from bigger problems later.

Do You Really Need One?

While you're not required to carry a roadside kit in most places, it's still a good idea. If you often drive long distances or live in an area with bad weather, having a kit is even more important. The good news is, most roadside emergency kits are small and easy to store in your car, so they don't take up much space. It's worth having one just in case, even if you don’t use it often.

If you only drive short distances around town, the chances of needing a kit are lower. But it's still smart to have a basic kit with things like a tire jack, jumper cables, and a flashlight.


So, are roadside emergency kits worth it? Yes, they are. Even though you might not use them all the time, having one can save you time, money, and stress in case of an emergency. Whether you drive a lot or just want to be prepared, having an emergency kit in your car can make you feel safer on the road. It's a small investment that could make a big difference when you need it most.

 

 


Latest Blog

Contact us for more information

Can't find what you were looking for? We can customize according to your needs.

WeChat
WeChat
info@autools.com