We don’t typically think of our vehicles when we’re thinking about home improvement, but our cars and trucks are extensions of our homes. We use them to run errands and carpool kids, and we even eat our meals from inside them. If there’s an emergency, they need to be ready to get us to where we need to go, so it makes sense to keep them in good working condition and know what to do if they ever suffer a mechanical breakdown.
Having an emergency roadside kit is a must. Basic kits should contain items like flares, triangles, and jumper cables, but creating a personalized roadside kit is fairly simple and can be tailored to meet the needs of each member of the family, and that includes your pets.
Below is a list of things you may want to consider adding to your personalized roadside emergency kit before you hit the road. Items in your kit may vary depending on your geographic location.
- Flares or Reflective Triangles.
- Jumper Cables
- Tire Chains
- Gloves
- Tow Strap
- Basic Tool-Kit
- Aerosol Tire Inflater
- High Visibility Vest
- 1 QT Engine Oil
- 1 G Coolant
- Ice Scraper
- First-Aid Kit, Epi-Pen & Needed Medications
- Rain Poncho
- Flashlight & Extra Batteries
- Snacks, Bottled Water & Pet Food
- Blanket or Sleeping Bag
- Cell Phone & Charger
- Pen & Notepad
- Fire Extinguisher
Regularly check your vehicle’s fluid levels and top off as needed. If possible, fill up the gas tank when it reaches a half tank. If you ever need your vehicle for an emergency, you’ll be glad there’s gas already in it. Also, check with your automobile insurance company or another service provider about purchasing Roadside Assistance. Then, keep the number to call in a safe location inside your vehicle or programmed into your cell phone. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, a tow truck is just a phone call away.
We never know at what hour an emergency will strike, but being prepared and having a plan in place brings peace of mind and confidence to what might otherwise be a frightening situation.
