No matter how prepared you are in life, something can always go wrong when you least expect it, especially when driving on the open road. Your level of preparedness can make a difference in a rough situation. That’s why Ewing VinFast of Plano has compiled a list of a few must-haves for a DIY emergency kit to keep in your VinFast.
VinFast Roadside Assistance
Every VinFast VF8 and VF9 customer has access to 24/7, 365 roadside assistance that is available to you anywhere. If you have a flat tire, a dead 12-volt battery, or are stranded in any other way, the roadside assistance crew can help you. However, what happens when you are in a desolate area? They’re on their way, but it will be a while. That’s where having an emergency kit ready to go can save you time, money, and frustration.
What is Usually in an Emergency Kit?
There is no shortage of pre-built emergency kits that you can easily pick up from places like Amazon, Walmart, or Harbor Freight. Most simple kits go for $20 and will include some gloves, jumper cables, a flashlight, and maybe some adhesive bandages. You can also buy a kit that’s $50 or more that’ll have all those things, plus a tire inflator, a tire repair kit, a complete first aid kit, and some reflective triangles, among other things.
Your Lifestyle Will Dictate Your Kit’s Needs
Let’s say you have a VF8 and enjoy going camping. In that case, you may want to include a few things in your emergency kit that you wouldn’t normally use if you’re stranded on the highway. Things like water, non-perishable snacks like nuts, popcorn, jerky, dried fruit, and the like would be some extras you might want to add to your DIY emergency kit. If you live in a colder climate, having a blanket of some sort would be beneficial. If you live in a hotter climate, you’d want to have sunscreen and bug repellent on hand instead.
Can I Build My Own Emergency Kit?
Deciding to go your own way and put together a kit that better reflects your needs is always a wise choice. While building your own kit will probably run you closer to $100 or $200, it could genuinely be a lifesaver. You can go to Harbor Freight and get an 11, 12, or 15-inch tool bag for $10 or less, or if you’ve purchased a drill from a well-known tool brand, you may already have a bag you can utilize for your car. Using an old backpack or small duffel bag is also a great option to save on cost. Here are the main things you should have in your emergency kit: jumper cables; flashlights and headlamp; road flares or reflective triangles; proper first aid kit with scissors, gauze, bandages, and medications; good tire repair kit; tire inflator that plugs into a 12v socket; tire sealant; and a portable jump starter that you can charge in your car and use to jumpstart a dead 12v battery.
Wait, Can I Jump-Start the Main Battery?
No. Keep in mind, when we say jumper cables or a portable jump starter, we are specifically talking about for use with your car’s 12-volt battery, not the main battery that provides propulsion and driving power to your car. All vehicles need a standard 12-volt battery that runs simple things in your car, such as lights, air conditioning, etc.
What Type of Jumper Cables Should I Get?
Most emergency kits will come with jumper cables that are usually 8 or 10 feet long, but we recommend looking at a set that is at least 12 feet long. While there are rules on the gauge of the jumper cables you should buy when it comes to different-sized engines in gas or diesel vehicles, those don’t really apply the same way to an EV. However, because you’ll be jumping your battery off a non-EV, it’s best to carry a set of 4-gauge jumper cables; this way, they’ll work well with any engine size.
What Jump Starter Should I Buy?
Portable jump starters have become all the rage, which has led to a rash of mediocre products. There are some notable and more reliable brands like Noco, GooLoo, and a few others. A popular YouTube channel called Project Farm has done a couple of reviews on popular and well-priced portable jump starters. The owner and face of the channel does not take sponsorship money, so all the reviews are honest. Some jump starter brands offer all-in-one jumpers with tire inflators and device chargers. Most can be plugged into 12V sockets or USB ports in the car to charge.
Should I Buy Any Special Tools?
With regard to having an EV, since they are much less like gas-powered cars, it is probably best to leave any wrenching to experts in the service department at Ewing VinFast of Plano or the roadside assistance technicians.
Having Something for Just in Case Is Never a Bad Idea
Whether you buy a pre-made kit or assemble it piece by piece, it is better to have something than nothing. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere or on a dark highway alone, waiting for help.
Why Choose Ewing VinFast
At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we have the best prices on dozens of new VinFast EVs and used cars. Our well-educated sales staff and finance department will happily assist you with your EV questions and needs. Our fantastic service department will ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition.
We look forward to serving you.