When problems arise, it is usually when we least expect it. For this reason, we suggest keeping a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle.
The roadside emergency kit is something every vehicle should have, yet many motorists don’t even carry the most basic kit items. These items can make a difference in how quickly you are able to get back on the road after an emergency and/or your safety after an incident.
You can buy a simple, preassembled roadside emergency kit and expand on it, or you can create one all on your own. When you are putting together your kit, make sure that you build one for each of your vehicles. Keep the specific needs of your family in mind when creating your kit as well as your driving patterns, weather patterns, and the condition of your vehicle. Keep as many of the items with you as you can at all times, as you never know what you might have to deal with.
Your roadside emergency kit should include:
• Items to change a flat tire- spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and/or a patch kit and compressed air
• Jumper cables
• Flares, LED flares, or triangle reflectors
• A quart or more of motor oil and a gallon of coolant
• First-aid kit
• Gloves- work and latex
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blankets or space blankets
• Tool kit containing screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench and a pocket knife
• Hand-crank weather radio with cell phone charging capability – these are great in an emergency as it enables you to get information and to charge cellular phones to call for help
• Tire pressure gauge
• Paper towels
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• Ice scraper and sand or kitty litter (if you live in or travel to areas with snow)
• Foldable shovel
• Duct tape
• List of emergency contacts
• Roadside emergency club information (such as AAA membership)
• Nonperishable food items like granola or energy bars
• Bottled water
• For longer trips, pack extra medications like epi-pens or inhalers
After you have gathered all the items you will need for your roadside emergency kit, you will need to find something to store them in inside your vehicle. You can use a backpack or duffle bag, or even a cardboard box or plastic tote. Whatever you decide, make sure you can access it quickly.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the items in your kit and learn how to use them before it becomes necessary. As a driver, you should know how to change your tire and jumpstart your vehicle. Use good judgement if you find yourself in an emergency. Make sure that if your car breaks down that you pull over as far as you can on the shoulder of the road- away from the flow of traffic. Turn on your emergency lights and only exit your vehicle if it is safe to do so.
According to AAA, their most common calls are due to drivers putting off basic maintenance on their vehicles. So, make sure you properly maintain your vehicle and always have it inspected before any long road trips. Unfortunately, regardless of your best efforts, there may still come a time when you face a roadside emergency. However, with a bit of preparation, you will have the knowledge and tools you need to help you through it.
You can rely on the automotive experts at Accurate Service for all your repair and maintenance needs. Call 520.441.4744 or schedule your appointment online.