What Should I Have In My Emergency Car Kit?

June 30, 2023
What Should I Have In My Emergency Car Kit?

Everything You Need To Know To Build Your Own Emergency Car Kit

Although emergency car kits are important, they might not be at the forefront of your mind. Mainly because you’re not sure what to even put in an emergency car kit, and that’s okay. That’s where we come in. It’s simple, really. Anything you think you might need in case of an emergency, throw it in there. But if you still want a little more detailed description of what would be helpful, keep on reading.


Automotive Supplies


Naturally, since this is an emergency kit for cars, you’ll want to throw in some automotive supplies in case your car is broken down. Most cars come with a spare tire , jack, and tire iron, but it is important that you can easily locate these items in the event of a flat. If your car doesn’t have these readily available, you should probably find time to buy them. You should also have jumper cables, a quart of oil, at least a gallon of coolant, a tire pressure gauge , tire sealant and inflator, and a shovel or spade in case you need to dig your vehicle out. These will all give you the proper tools to help in the event of a breakdown!


Breakdowns are the only emergencies that happen on the road. There are other accidents including those that don’t involve people that can happen. It is also recommended that your emergency car kit include a waterproof tarp for covering windows, garbage bags, zip ties, and tie downs.


People Supplies


You also want to be properly prepared for yourself and others in the event of a breakdown, so here’s a list of supplies that will be helpful to include in your emergency kit as well:

 

  • A first-aid kit (complete with bandages, antiseptic wipes or cream, gauze, sterile gloves, etc.)
  • Blankets (can be placed in space bags to save room)
  • A flashlight with extra batteries (your smartphone has a flashlight built in, but a spare could become useful to conserve your phone’s battery)
  • A tool kit with items such as an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a pocket knife
  • Paper towels or rags (rags are more environmentally conscious)
  • Energy or granola bars (keep these within easy access to you and passengers)
  • Bottled water (again, single-use plastic water bottles can often be harmful to you; try purchasing a cheap variety of reusable ones to keep in your car)
  • Pen and paper in the event you need to write a note
  • Keep in mind that your emergency kit is not limited to these items. You can add anything you think you may want or need in the event of an emergency. We just want to make sure you stay safe and are back on the road as soon as possible!

 

Warning Supplies


These are especially important to ensure oncoming traffic can see you on the side of the road in case you’ve broken down at night. You can purchase LED flares and triangle reflector signs to help draw attention to your vehicle. Please execute caution as you wait for help, especially when in an unfamiliar area. Remain in your car with the doors locked if it’s safe to do so. Your safety will always be our priority. While we hope this never happens, we want you to be properly prepared and safe if it does.


Team Ryan Automotive


Aside from recommending this emergency car kit, Team Ryan Automotive also works tirelessly to maintain and repair automobiles to ensure they remain safe and reliable while on the road. We have two locations in Georgia. You can reach our Buford shop by calling (678) 765-7926 or our Cumming shop by calling (678) 341-9602. For more information or to schedule an appointment online visit our online scheduler now.



By Shara Ryan January 2, 2026
As we head into the new year, we are kicking things off with exciting news for the Sugar Hill and Suwanee community, because Team Ryan Automotive is officially in town! Since opening our doors in 2015, Team Ryan Automotive has proudly delivered exceptional service and trustworthy repairs in Buford, GA (Gwinnett County) and Cumming, GA (Forsyth County). Today, we are excited to bring that same level of care, expertise, and community commitment to drivers in Sugar Hill and Suwanee with our newest location at 820 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Did you know that it's possible to be in Sugar Hill city limits while having a Suwanee address? That's exactly where our Team Ryan Automotive Sugar Hill / Suwanee location is positioned. A Meaningful Transition This new location represents a special passing of the torch. After 26 years in Gwinnett County, John and Lori of J & L Automotive are retiring and entrusting their previous customers to be taken care of into 2026 and beyond by Team Ryan. As a husband and wife team, John and Lori built their business on trust and care. Those same values continue with husband and wife team Dan and Shara of Team Ryan Automotive, making this transition a natural fit and a continuation of a strong local legacy.
By Shara Ryan December 31, 2025
Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver Every driver has different needs, but whet her you’re commuting in a family SUV, managing a fleet truck, driving your first car, or serving the community as a first responder, you deserve an auto repair shop that puts honesty, safety, and expert care first. At Team Ryan Automotive, serving Buford, Cumming, and Sugar Hill / Suwanee, our family-owned shop is built on one promise: Your car. Your needs. Our expertise. For Parents & Family Drivers Your vehicle carries the most important passengers in your life. From school drop-offs to weekend errands, we help keep your car safe and reliable with: Oil changes and fluid checks Brake repairs Tire rotations and alignments AC repairs and multi-point inspections At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why we never hesitate to walk you out to the shop and show you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle. Seeing an issue firsthand helps ensure clear communication and confident decision-making. We also use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to keep you fully informed. Each inspection includes: Photos of your actual vehicle Clear descriptions of any recommended maintenance or repairs Honest explanations—no pressure, no surprises You’ll always know what your car needs and why. For Young & New Drivers A first car should come with confidence. We offer: Clear explanations Honest recommendations ASE-certified diagnostics No pressure. No confusion. Just a trusted mechanic you can rely on. For Contractors & Fleet Drivers When your truck is your business, downtime isn’t an option. We provide: Fast diagnostics Brake and suspension repairs Tire services and alignments Routine fleet maintenance We help keep your workday running smoothly. For First Responders & Essential Workers We're honored to support our community heroes with dependable, transparent auto repair you can count on, every visit, every time. Our team has the experience and equipment to service a wide range of vehicles, including: Vehicles up to 15,000 pounds Sprinter vans Emergency and service vehicles Dually trucks and work vehicles Why Drivers Choose Team Ryan Automotive? Family-owned and operated ASE-certified technicians Honest diagnostics, no upsells High-quality parts and repairs Lifetime Warranty on most services Convenient online scheduling Whether you’re searching for auto repair near me, oil change in Buford, or brake repair in Cumming, Team Ryan Automotive is here for you.
By Shara Ryan December 22, 2025
What an incredible season and a moment of pride for the entire Buford community. This championship represents a true dedication to hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and it is a testament to a program that continues to set the standard both on and off the field. At Team Ryan Automotive, we are incredibly proud to be a sponsor of this outstanding program, not only for what these athletes accomplish under the Friday night lights, but for the leadership and character they demonstrate beyond the game. The Buford Wolves consistently show that success is about more than wins and trophies. It is about integrity, accountability, and lifting others up along the way. Earlier this year at a Buford Academy pep rally, the football team took time to personally connect with every child in the room, making each student feel seen and valued. Moments like that show what this program truly stands for. Character. Community. And doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Our son Aidan shared how much it meant to him that he “got to slap hands with the real football team players,” a small moment that left a big impression. Experiences like that inspire younger students and remind all of us how powerful positive role models can be. That spirit of leadership and heart is something our family and our entire team at Team Ryan Automotive align with wholeheartedly. We believe in showing up for our community, supporting one another, and leading by example, values we see reflected so clearly in this program. Well earned, Wolves. Buford is proud of you, and we are honored to stand behind such an incredible team. 💚🏈
Show More