Are you ready to respond to your own highway emergency? If not, it is time to reevaluate your vehicle's emergency preparedness kit. In this post, we are going to help you stock up on the supplies you need if you do get in a pinch.
Emergencies That Leave Us Stranded
Why would you end up stranded on the side of the road? There are several potential emergencies that could leave you in a situation in which you may need your emergency supply kit, including:
- Blown tires: Even well-maintained tires can leak or explode in a manner that leaves you in need of supplies and repairs.
- Running out of gas: Whether it’s a faulty fuel gauge or a failure to adhere to the gauge’s warning, running out of gas guarantees you won’t be moving.
- Adverse weather: Sometimes you have plans and the weather rearranges them.
- Breakdowns: When your mechanical components break down, you can end up on the side of the road for a long time.
- Vehicle accidents: Sometimes the thing that stands in your way is a vehicle accident.
Supplies to Have in Your Car's Emergency Preparedness Kit
Your emergency preparedness kit should at least include the following:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Roadside flares or cones
- Spare gas tank
- Tire pressure gauge and inflator
- Multi-tool and pocket knife
- A small toolbox with screwdrivers, ratchets, etc.
- Spare cellphone charger or battery
- Jumper cables or battery charger
- Non-perishable foods such as granola bars
- Jugs or bottles of water
- Maps
During winter, your kit should include:
- Blankets and spare coats
- Kitty litter for melting ice
- Shovel for moving snow and ice
- Extra granola bars
- Hand warmers and gloves
- Extra socks
- Boots
You should be prepared in such a way that you will be safe even if your engine is not running. You want to have some items on hand to make potential small repairs, but more importantly, numbers you can call to help get you out of your situation.
How to Reduce the Chances of Being Stuck on the Side of the Road
One of the most important steps you can take is to make sure your vehicle is as prepared as possible for staying on the move. Making sure routine and effective maintenance is performed regularly will help your car stay on the road.
- Have your oil changed regularly
- Make sure your tires are not worn
- Have your tires rotated and balanced
- Make sure your fuel injection system is clean
- Change your antifreeze and have your vehicle winterized
- Make sure your brake pads are changed before your rotors are damaged
- Have your brake lines serviced
- Repair damaged and worn out suspension parts
- Have your vehicle's steering realigned
- Do not neglect your power steering system
If you have a trusted mechanic that helps keep up with your maintenance needs, you will have the best chance of not needing your emergency supply kit.
If you want to make sure your vehicle is ready to travel, bring it to Jody's Automotive in Jonesville, NC. Our expert technicians perform the preventative maintenance your car needs to give it the best chance of staying on the road. We know that sometimes, unfortunately, you might be reading this article from somewhere nearby such as the shoulder on I-77. You can trust the team at Jody's Automotive to do their best to get you back going wherever you need to go as quickly and safely as possible. Contact Jody's or bring your car to us for the maintenance your car needs.