Most people never think to prepare for emergencies, especially those that happen when you drive. Unfortunately, having your vehicle give out can present some of the most dangerous hazards imaginable. Not only does being roadside leave you vulnerable to crime, but if you’re in a remote area, wild animals and seclusion can be downright deadly. With most situations, preparing for the worst can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major catastrophe. So before you drive another mile, the pros at Village Autoworks encourage you to pitch these essentials for an emergency roadside kit into the back seat or trunk.
- Phone Charger and/or Portable Power Source – The first thing you’ll want to do if you get stranded somewhere is call for help. You might also need to know the whereabouts of the nearest service station. None of this can happen without a charged phone.
- Water – Most road trips contain at least one or two stretches of empty highway. If you’re miles from safety and have time to spare, you’ll want water.
- Flat Tire Fixers – If your spare is already attached and another tire gets damaged, you’ll need a quick fix to get you to a professional. Commercial products exist (Fix-A-Flat) for just this situation.
- Tire Changing Accessories – Your car came with a spare tire but you might not have tire-changing essentials: tire iron, lug nuts, jack.
- First Aid Kit – You can never have too many first aid kits. A small but workable one will include band-aids, over-the-counter pain medicine, antiseptic and any extra medications you and your passengers need.
- Flashlight – Sure you can use your phone, but you might need it for other purposes. To be safe, have another portable light handy to keep the world alit at night. Note: Don’t forget to keep extra batteries around.
- Knife – Not only useful for protection against wild animals or ill-meaning people, a quality knife can be used to cut through material or other impediments.
- Tool Kit – If your car requires minor repairs, you’ll be glad you had these essentials in your bag: screw driver, extra light bulbs for headlights/tail lights, wrench, matches/lighter.
- Flares – Most people never need these, but if you do, nothing else will work. Make sure you know how to safely use them.
- Sleeping Bag/Blanket/Extra Jacket – If you’re stranded for hours in a chilly area, you’ll appreciate having a way to keep warm.
- Jumper Cables – If your battery dies, you’ll need these to get it going again. They also help you assist other drivers who need a charge.
If you’ve been around long enough, you know unpleasant situations can happen…even to you. With a little preparation, however, you can drive with peace of mind. Remember, for all your vehicle’s maintenance and repair needs, call Village Autoworks in Woodbury today!
