Top Car Travel Gadgets for Emergency Situations

Americans, in general, don't embark on a lengthy road trip unless they have ensured that their car is tuned up and safe to drive. But there are perils on any length road trip, and the savvy traveler will include these must have gadgets in their car's emergency kit.

A Good Quality Multitool

Whether it is a Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman, a good multi-tool is a valuable accessory to keep in the glovebox or center console of your vehicle during a road trip. Most models of Swiss Army Knives feature a top quality knife, screwdriver, tiny tweezers, and scissors but it is the extra accessories on the various models that are added to complement the owner's personality. Emergency situations come in different forms to different individuals: a beverage connoisseur may desperately need a model with a build in bottle opener and wine opener while the tech savvy may find an urgent use for the model with the USB flash drive, LED light, and built in ball point pen. The Leatherman is an all-in-one tool that is a handy substitute for many of the most used tools in your toolbox: pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, and knives. In the right hands, a Leatherman can fix, open, and repair almost anything.

Emergency Cell Phone Charger

Since cell phones batteries tend to die at exactly the worst time, it is important on long car trips and trips to remote locations to have an emergency cell phone charger. Most chargers run on AAA or AA batteries and will give your phone an extra 4-6 hours of battery life. Solar chargers are also available and are a good alternative provided your battery doesn't die in the dead of night or during a thunderstorm.

Headlamp

Another essential glove box accessory is a headlamp (with extra batteries). A headlamp allows you to change a tire or check under the hood on the darkest of nights and still keep both hands free. It also allows other drivers to easily see you when you are outside of your car.

A Reliable GPS System

While a good GPS System can easily get you from point A to point B without having to consult a map or set of directions en route it is also valuable in emergency situations, too. Most GPS Systems will find and guide you to the nearest medical facility, mechanic, or gas station without driver having to stop the car and ask directions in the dead of night in the worst part of time.

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