How to Make the Cutest DIY Emergency Car Kit
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You know what is one of my greatest fears? (Besides a zombie apocalypse, that is): getting stranded in my car!!! As crafty and savvy as I am with a paint brush, you can count me out in the “DIY Auto Ninja” category. I know nothing about cars.
Oh–wait. I do know how to change a tire (woo hoo!). Aside from that, I’m useless.
I stick to our vehicles’ maintenance schedule, along with getting routine oil changes. Helpful, but we need more protection and preparation for when things go wrong.
This winter has been pretty mild so far, but we’ve started getting bad weather, and it’s getting colder. I’m always worried about getting stranded in the winter. So I decided to put my craft skillz to use and make the cutest little DIY emergency kit juuuuust in case.
Last week I stopped by to get an oil change and to pick up some items to put in the emergency car kit. First, let me just say, I had no idea that some Walmarts do oil changes. Why should I be surprised?? I’ve heard that Walmart sells caskets, for goodness sakes! If anything, I should be surprised if Walmart didn’t sell something! Oil changes are no exception. (That’s my ride right there, parked in front of the Automotive Care Center!)
I had the option of getting the Pennzoil High Mileage Vehicle oil change, which was perfect for my car (my trusty Accord is still pushing it at 126,000 miles!). The prices were actually pretty affordable and didn’t kill my budget! Depending on what oil or additional services you get done will determine the price. Mine came to about $46.
They offer the Conventional Motor Oil and Platinum, but since my car is over 75,000 miles, it made sense to go with the “better” Pennzoil oil change. It helps clean out the sludge that lesser oils leave behind. Also, higher mile vehicles like my Honda need oil that helps to reduce leaks and keep the engine clean and strong for a long time. Lord knows Mama has to keep this Honda functioning because getting another car isn’t an option :).
I was happy that I could shop for items I needed for my DIY emergency car kit while I waited. You know, the whole “kill two birds with one stone” kind of thing. In fact, I took so long that they were done with my car before I was done. 🙂
I already had the metal box that I picked up from the thrift store for about $5.00 for holding all my emergency items. (You know how I love metal boxes, like this other one). I picked up this one many months ago (last year??) and just stashed it in my craft room for the perfect project (now!!). It was in excellent condition, but I’ll paint anything if I’ve got the materials. And this metal container is not the exception.
BEFORE
And although I’m not a “girly-girl,” I do love me some pink. Why not add polka dots, too? 😉 I spray painted it and added some black chalk paint polka dots.
Hm, I don’t know…it might be too pretty to put in the dirty trunk of my car!
AFTER!
I hate the smell of spray paint, but it was the perfect color for what I wanted. And I already had it on hand and didn’t have to buy more materials.
Just be sure when you use spray paint and other chemicals that you wear a full face mask. You’d be amazed how you smell nothing when you’re wearing this thing!
What To Include in a DIY Emergency Kit
I sorta of did think about the zombie apocalypse when I decided to buy a siphon pump. Don’t you remember all those episodes where Rick and his crew ran out of gas?! Just in case we ever have such an emergency, you better believe we’ll be prepared. HA!
I also think that including emergency supplies that don’t use batteries is key. So I picked up a crank flashlight, too.
Toss in some gloves, small flashlights (for the kids), and some bandages and gauze, and we’re in business.
I already had some jumper cables so I didn’t buy another pair. I put my old pair inside the emergency car kit, too.
And here’s the coolest feature: painting an emergency I.C.E (In Case of Emergency) number on the back! My mother-in-law is the best person to list, just in case hubby and I are together and there’s a super huge emergency.
(Of course I won’t give you here phone number, so I blurred that part out). 😉
While I didn’t have any on hand, don’t forget to include non-perishable snacks in your DIY emergency car kit!
Let’s Have Another Look
Like I said, I love metal boxes. I find plenty of them at the thrift store and I always have to stop myself from hoarding them. But I’m so glad that I picked up this one.
BEFORE
AFTER!
It was so convenient gathering everything I needed for the emergency car kit while I waited for my oil change at Walmart. Now I just need to clean out my trunk. I wonder if Walmart offers those services? A girl could only imagine…
So how do you prepare for winter? And did you know that you can shop for all these emergency preparedness things at Walmart while waiting on your Pennzoil oil change? Leave a comment below and add to the conversation!
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Flares, current medicines for a week, complete change of clothes including undies as accidents nature wise can also happen. Toys and games for your children. Sleeping bags are better blankets. A gas can. Spare tire. Write up a Emergency Plan and put it in your kit. Keep a second set of floor mats as these can help you get unstuck in snow if you place them in front of the tires.
Wow, the second set of floor mats is genius!!! Did you have to do this once? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that suggestion. I’ve heard of cat litter, though!
Be careful of using cat litter.. some cheap kinds (the kind you would think would be great) turn into clay mud very quickly.. I’m from upstate NY.. any small mat or rug or old floor mats, shoved up under the wheels will help with traction. Sounds like you’re gonna have to get a MUCH bigger box! haha… Enjoying your creativity.. .I live pretty nearby in Hyattsville.. Barbara
Okay, nix the kitty litter then! LOL. I’ll be sure to keep some extra mats in the car, or if not extras, to use one from the inside if things get in a bind.
Awesome you’re in Hyattsville! Have you been to Community Forklift?
Yeppers, got stuck without anything but the floor mats that were in the car I was driving..
HAHA, I’m sure THAT was a mess to clean up, perhaps, especially if it was muddy!
Ooooop! I meant to say, that using those tethers (see above) is a great addition to an emergency kit.
Goodness. If we give you anymore suggestions you will have so much stuff you will have to stay home:-)
Seriously, though………..don’t forget duct tape. It is good for things that are broken, leaks, windows, and I saw where it has been used as a splint and to hold wounds closed until the patient can be taken for stitches. Can’t forget duct tape. It wouldn’t be American.
Also, the bungees can replace rope or that flat tether with a clamp that can be used for towing, tieing, etc.
is tough, light weight and almost indestructible.
When you get this put together just the way you like it, please give us an update.
HA!!! I’m literally LOL at the thought of a huge tow on the back of my for emergencies! HAHAHA!!!! All great suggestions! I’ll have to collate all the ideas into a separate post, because there are things I never thought of, like the duct tape and the extra set of floor mats in case you get stuck!!! Thank you, Joan!
Serena – I am loving this DIY! What a great idea. Thanks for adding a little zazzle to a not so exhilarating subject. Love that you girl-ified the box too!
That box is not THAT old, because I think I bought the same one for my parents to put important papers in a few years ago. (Well, it could have been a decade or so, but you know.) Such great ideas you have. How about throwing in a few tools or scissors or a rubber mallet to beat a smashed fender back off the tire so you can still drive the vehicle if it’s possible? Maybe some rope or clothes line to tie the trunk down if it gets wonked out of shape? Keep on coming up with these practical and helpful ideas!
Hey Marilynn! Sooo funny you mentioned rope! I actually have some little bungee cords that I generally keep in the trunk of my Honda for when I don’t have the mini-van and find a too-big piece of furniture that requires me to bungee the trunk closed. I would call that an emergency, right?? 😉 LOL!!! OH! And tools. I found an awesome keychain tool at Walmart when I bought that stuff that has screwdrivers and flatheads and a wire stripper on it. I just didn’t post it because the post was already so full of pics! Great tips!!
What other preps stuff? We have a duffle bag with our heaviest coats, gloves, stocking caps, wool socks, hiking boots, and rain coats. (In the summer, the heavy coats come out but everything else stays in). Laid on top of that is an old quilt. Great for emergencies or picnics. We have a canvas bag with a few tools, some rope, a tarp, and a folding saw (more for getting great pieces of driftwood than anything else). In a basket in the back seat: a fire extinguisher, Windex and paper towels (I have a thing about dirty windows!), wipes, a few plastic bags, and 2 clean T shirts. In a little tiny duffle bag are 2 light jackets. Those stay in year round (ever been to a theater in July with the AC set at sub-freezing?) Finally there is a wire locker basket on the floor that holds bottled water. Mine holds 11 bottles. (just have to remember to pull them out if the car is going to be left outside for a long while in freezing weather.) Oh yeah, I also have a ‘break out’ tool in the box between the seats.
You seriously ROCK, Teri!! 🙂 I would feel completely ready to get abandoned somewhere with you! LOL! I was going to buy the “break out” tool too (that cuts seat belts too) but I ran out of money. I’ve been wanting one of those for a long time. All those nightmares of cars going into ponds. {{SHUDDER}}
When I get my car done, I’m going to blog the process and what I have & how I have it. I’ll link up on the FB page so you can see. Maybe that will be another UnFinished Feb project! LOL
Girlfriend… AAA! It covers YOU… not your car.
Outta gas? They bring you some. Flat tire? They change it. Dead battery? They jump it. Get stuck? They will pull you out. With the upper 2 service levels you get 4 – 100 mile tows (with the top service you get a 200 mile tow and 3 – 100 mile tows).
And since it covers you, it all applies no matter whose car you are in. I’ve been a member for 35 years (grandmother gave me my first year membership when I got my driver’s license).
Great tip, Teri! I used to have AAA when I had my first car back in the mid-90’s. It was a gift, too, from my mom! I think I used it a couple times. I was actually thinking of getting it again. I have Geico Roadside Assistance, but with towing they only tow you to the closest garage. That could be miles from home! But yes, with the upper level of AAA, you can get that 100 miles tow! Thanks for the reminder! Now that I’m officially unemployed, I’m trying to be even tighter with money. But this is something I could put on the “must haves!” list! Thanks!!!
Cute kit! I would suggest water bottles (in a matching bag, maybe?). Without water, everything seems so much stressful!! In our car kit, we keep TP and handy wipes. We live out in a rural area so you never know…
TP, yes!!! Leaves just won’t cut it… HA! 🙂 I’ve always been hesitant to keep water in the car because of the BPA from the plastic, but during the winter, that wouldn’t really be a problem since the car would be cold. Or I could use BPA-free bottles and just fill those with water. Great idea!
No clue where in your part of the world, probably Walmart
What great items! I love it! My suggestion for an addition to those great items: I bought some inexpensive “space” blankets for our emergency car bags about a year ago (I like your polka dots on metal way better than a cloth bag, but it’s what I had). They hold in body heat, provide a means to signal etc. I’m glad I bought a “lot ” of them, because I handed out so many to friends and family that I only ended up with a couple for myself! Emergency items in the car are a must have in my opinion. What a great way to put them together!
Yes, blankets!! I used to carry an old shower curtain around to lay down in the back before hauling home dirty furniture. I guess that won’t count to wrap up in, huh? LOL. Okay, I’ll be sure to keep some blankets in the car/van, too! Thanks, Cindi!
That is awesome! Love the color too! Did you add foil emergency blanket and emergency water pouches? Both can be bought at Walmart!!
Great ideas!! I actually saw on Groupon these awesome water straw filters that allow you to drink out of a creek! 🙂 I was tempted to buy one! Again, that whole zombie apocalypse thing…. LOL
ThIs would be great!! I will have to look them up now!!
Tina, I found it! I don’t know if they still have them on Groupon (it may have been a couple weeks), but I looked them up on Amazon and found them here: http://amzn.to/1z8wgop
They’re not much more than what they were on Groupon, so you didn’t miss any HUGE Groupon deal 🙂