As a regular driver or commuter, it’s important to keep a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle. We realize it’s the age of cell phones,triangle reflector but if you happen to go any lengthy distances, it may take some time before a friend or family member can get to you. You want to be able to take a few steps to making a repair or protecting yourself if you’re ever in a situation where you get stuck. Having the items you need handy will make the difference between being able to help yourself or having to wait for a tow truck.
Begin by finding a toolbox or other container to hold the items. You certainly don’t want items rolling freely in your trunk to get damaged or ruined. Next, gather the following:
- First Aid Kit. This is something you can put together yourself. Stock with bandages, bottle of water, adhesive tape, scissors and aspirin.
- Jumper Cables. Make sure your cables are at least 12 feet.
- Blanket. If you get into a wreck during the winter or even on a cool night, you may need to stand outside for a significant period of time.
- Flashlight. Be sure you include extra batteries.
- Small Cones.Triangle reflectors work great for placing around your car. If you vehicle is stalled on the side of the road, you want to ensure it’s not going to get in the way of traffic.
- Ice Scraper. Be sure to keep a scraper with a snow brush in your vehicle. If your vehicle dies, that means no more defroster.
Things to remember:
- Always dress for the weather. Keep extra gloves and hats in your car during the winter and sunscreen and water during the summer.
- Keep your cell phone charged and consider purchasing a car charger if you don’t have one.
- Make sure to include flat tire repair in your vehicle as well as a tire pressure gauge.
We hope you’ll never need to use your roadside emergency kit, but you’ll find peace of mind knowing you have the tools to survive an emergency. Take time to familiarize yourself with the tools and items in your kit- you don’t want to be blindsided if the time comes to use them. It’s always good to be prepared and to be better be safe than sorry. For any questions about keeping your vehicle safe and preventing issues, contact Meyer’s Automotive.