Days after the New Year festivities, most people reluctantly went back to work. It’s probably safe to say that everyone with a job still had their minds on the recent holiday season as they went back to their regular programs. While it’s nice to reminisce about recent events, you should focus more on the travel back to work, especially if you’re driving. You should also be prepared in case something goes wrong while you’re on the road. This includes making sure you have car emergency tools in your vehicle at all times.
Get enough sleep so you won’t feel drowsy when you’re on the road come morning. Eat your breakfast 30 minutes to an hour before heading out. More blood flows into the digestive tract and less to the brain after eating. This may keep you from focusing on your driving. Also, perform a safety check in your car before you hit the road. And wear your seatbelt at all times. These are just a few of the road safety tips that everyone should know.
(Related: Valuable Road Safety Tips For the Holidays)
As for the car emergency tools, there are a few things to consider before deciding on what to get. First, it should be versatile. You need your car escape tool to be capable of handling different bumps on the road to safety, so to say. Most car escape tools function as seatbelt cutters and window breakers. While these two features are important, they’re not the only things you need when you get in an accident.
Another characteristic of a car escape tool that you should pay attention to is its durability. Your life will depend on it so it should be strong enough to help you escape. Below are some of the top ones you should consider getting right now.
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Car Escape Tool
When you get in a car accident, you need to stay calm. It’s easier said than done but your life will depend on how you’ll respond. One of the first things that should be running through your mind is if it’s safer to stay in the car or if you have to get out as quickly as possible. When it’s the latter, you’ll need a car escape tool.
Resqme Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool
Resqme is one of the most trusted names when it comes to car emergency tools. It’s been 10 years since the first Resqme car escape tool came out of the production line and it has since saved countless lives. It’s also one of the best-selling car emergency tools on Amazon.
The compact and lightweight car emergency tool is a seatbelt cutter and window breaker in one. It measures just 3 inches, which is the right size for your keychain. Thanks to its detachable clip, you can easily grab the Resqme tool when you need it. The blade for cutting jammed seatbelts is hidden under the clip while the window breaker is released when the head of the tool is pressed. The award-winning tool is made of durable ABS plastic and stainless steel.
Stander HandyBar Portable Vehicle Support Grab Bar and Car Emergency Escape Tool
The Stander Car Emergency Escape Tool is a prime example of a multi-tool. Aside from the usual glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, this car emergency tool also doubles as a grab bar.
The tip of the HandyBar is designed to fit into the car hook or latch so you can use it as leverage when getting in or out of the car. This is a great tool to have for the elderly, injured, overweight, or anyone who finds it difficult to stand up when getting out. The portable and lightweight HandyBar measures 9 inches and only weighs 1 pound but can support up to 350 pounds.
GOOACC Seatbelt Cutter and Auto Window Breaker Emergency Rescue Escape Tool
Many car emergency tools sport a hammer-like design and the GOOACC Emergency Rescue Escape Tool is no different. The top end resembles a double-sided hammerhead. The sharpened stainless steel point is for breaking tempered windows while the flat end can be used for hammering or clearing the broken glass. The blade for the seatbelt cutter is found at the bottom end or the tip of the handle.
The tool is made of ABS plastic while the stainless steel point is wrapped in a soft rubber protective cover to avoid scratching your car. The deep orange color and light guide strips make it easier to spot the tool whether it’s day or night. You also get a mounting base for every purchase.
(Related: What Would I Do If I Was In A Car Crash)
VicTsing 2-Pack Car Safety Hammer
The VicTsing 2-Pack Safety Hammer resembles a hammer but is definitely more than that. One end sports a couple of carbon steel points that are sharp and heavy. These make it easier to smash windows and get to safety. The car emergency tool also has a seat belt cutter at the other end.
The tool measures 6.7 inches and weighs only 0.3 pounds for better control. The anti-skid handle also makes it easier to grip. Each VicTsing car escape tool comes with its own mounting brackets. There’s a reflective strip on opposite sides of the handle so you can easily spot them in the dark.
EasyPower 6-in-1 Emergency Car Crash Escape Tool with USB Car Charger by Frog & CO
The EasyPower Emergency Car crash Escape Tool comes with six different features. It can easily cut through jammed seatbelts and smash windows. Just remember to strike the corner of the side windows as these are the weakest points.
This car emergency tool also has an LED flashlight with 130 to 140 lumens. It comes with bright, ultra-bright, and flashing light modes. The flashing light mode acts as an emergency light to signal for help.
You can also use the EasyPower tool to charge your USB devices by simply plugging them into the car charger. Charging time takes 3 to 4 hours after which you can use it as a portable power bank.
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Other Must-Have Car Emergency Tools
As useful car escape tools are, they can’t do everything. There are other emergency situations that require particular kinds of tools. Some of these car emergency tools are listed below.
Fire Alert Auto5 Extinguisher
A car fire is something that drivers and passengers alike should be wary of. The main causes of car fires are flammable liquids, particularly fuel and oil. Short circuits and other electrical malfunctions can also cause engulf a car in a fire. Of course, you also have to consider vandals and arsonists.
In 2013, 16 children and one adult were killed in Pakistan after a school bus burst into flames. The fire was caused by a short circuit and a leaking fuel tank. In 2009, a depressed Chinese man set himself on fire while inside a packed bus. Twenty-seven people died and 76 were hurt.
As seen from the two unfortunate examples, car fires can be accidental or intentional. In both cases, the fire could have been avoided. The bus in the first example should’ve been regularly checked to see if there are potentially disastrous issues such as the gas tank leak. In the second one, the tragedy could’ve been avoided if the Chinese authorities didn’t give Chen Shuizong and other members of China’s marginalized population such a hard time. But that’s another story.
A fire extinguisher may or may not have made a difference in both tragedies. Still, you need to have one in your vehicle at all times. Choose a fire extinguisher that’s particularly made for automotive use. These car emergency tools need to be able to handle the three classes of fire. You also need it to be of the right size since you have limited space in your car. The discharge range is also vital. The farther you are from the burning car, the safer you’ll be while trying to extinguish the fire.
The First Alert Auto5 Car Fire Extinguisher is deemed by Pro Car Reviews as the best fire extinguisher for electrical and liquid fires such as oil, grease, and gasoline. At 11 x 7 x 2 inches and 2.2 pounds, it’s compact enough to store in your trunk. Plus, it comes with a mountable safety bracket and straps to keep it secured in place.
The Class BC fire extinguisher is made of durable and corrosion-resistant metal. The gauge is color coded so it’s easier to read the measurements. The metal pull pin comes with a safety seal to keep it from discharging unintentionally.
Pocket Jumper Pro Car & Truck Jump Starter by Frog & CO
Picture this. Your car won’t start. It’s getting dark and there’s no way to call for help. You know your car needs to jump-start but you can only do this by asking a stranger for a hand. A Volkswagen Beetle drives by, stops, and reverses. The window rolls down and a handsome man asks if you need help. You say yes and the man gets out of his car. He introduces himself as Ted Bundy. Game over.
There are many kinds of car emergencies. You should be prepared for all of them. When your car won’t start because of a dead battery, you’ll need a boost. You don’t have to depend on strangers, though. There are car emergency tools that are made for these kinds of situations.
The Pocket Jumper portable jump starter, for example, is a handy device to have. It can jump-start 5-liter gasoline and 3.5-liter diesel cars and trucks. That’s not all it does, however.
The Pocket Jumper also doubles as a power bank. You can charge your small USB devices and call for help in case you’re in some kind of trouble. It also has a built-in 120-lumen flashlight with a flashing mode for emergencies. The Pro version comes with a red blinking light that’s even easier to spot in case you need help.
SOG 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel with Wood Saw Edge and Tactical Shovel Carry Case
If it’s been raining and you’re not driving a 4×4 or an off-roader, it’s best to avoid hitting the road. If you’re already out when it pours (or you’re just plain stubborn), stick to the concrete roads at least. If you really, really must drive through mud, follow these tips from Auto Simple and you may just make it through.
Your car can get stuck in a muddy or snowy situation. If this happens and you don’t have the means or know-how to get it unstuck, you’re in deep (pun intended) trouble.
In case you do get stuck, there are car emergency tools you can use. The car jack, for example, can lift your car until it’s free of the mud it got stuck in. A winch will also help you out if there’s a tree or any solid structure nearby. If you have a phone, you can call a tow truck and let the professionals handle it.
A foldable shovel, however, will do wonders if you want to get unstuck from mud or snow as quickly as possible. All you have to do is dig out a path for each tire. Check the exhaust pipe, as well. If it’s blocked, dig it out. Then use your shovel to carry rocks, sand, salt, or other things that can provide traction to the tires.
The SOG entrenchment tool is perfect for outdoor adventures as well as part of your car emergency kit since it is pretty portable. It measures 18.25 inches when unfolded while the spade is just a tad bigger than your hand. It also weighs only 24.5 ounces.
The folding shovel is made of durable carbon steel with a black powder coat. It has a 3-way folding design so you can choose which mode to use depending on the task at hand. This car emergency tool also comes in a ballistic nylon sheath.
QuadraPro Solar Power Bank with Wireless & Dual USB Charging by Frog & CO
In any kind of car emergency, you need to call someone to inform them of your situation. If your car broke down and you can’t fix it on your own, you can call a towing service or a mechanic. If you’re in a car crash, you should dial 911 and call your loved ones.
You can do these things only if you have a working phone. Don’t depend on other people to call for help if you’re in an accident. You also shouldn’t expect to find a phone in some isolated stretch of road. Your best bet is to keep your phone full of juice at all times. That and to bring a power bank or solar charger always.
Lucky for you, the QuadraPro Solar Power Bank is both a power bank and a solar charger, as its name implies. This car emergency tool uses four solar panels to provide you with 5.5 watts of electricity you can use to charge your phone or other USB devices. In fact, you can charge three devices at the same time using the two USB output jacks and its wireless charging feature.
The water-resistant QuadraPro Solar Power Bank also has a built-in LED flashlight and a built-in magnet so you can attach it to your car or any metal surface. You can also use the loops and carabiners to hang the power bank while it charges.
Wagan Tech EL2639-3 Orange Pack of 3 F.R.E.D. Light Flashing Roadside Emergency Disks
Any time you have car trouble, you must get off the road and put up your early warning device. This is even more important if you’re in a car accident. The early warning device will not only inform other drivers of trouble up ahead, it also protects you from further accidents.
The Wagan Tech EL2639-3 F.R.E.D. Light Flashing Roadside Emergency Disks feature ten flashing modes you can use for different tasks. You have the 2 LED flashlights, solid-on high and solid-on low, spotlight, single blink, double blink, double pulse, rotate, and alternate modes. The tenth, the SOS rescue mode, sends out a Morse code.
The shatterproof, crushproof, and rainproof F.R.E.D. Light comes with 15 LED bulbs that can last for up to 38 hours. It is powered by 3 AAA batteries. The car emergency tool has a magnetized base and hooks to keep it secure when you’re using them.
Check out Gentleman Pirate Club to find out more about car safety, emergency kits, and particular car emergency tools. Remember, drive safe and always be prepared when you’re going on the road.
