How To Prepare A Roadside Emergency Kit
Even if you take good care of your car and drive safely, there will come a time when you need to pull over and change a tire or put in more fluids. This is why you should have certain items in your car for these emergency situations. You can be prepared by having a roadside emergency kit. You can use it to perform simple repairs before the tow truck arrives to haul away your car.
Basic Emergency Items
The first collection of items that should go in your roadside emergency kit include supplies for making simple repairs to your vehicle. It also includes items that will keep you warm and comfortable while you wait for the tow truck. To start with, you should have essentials like a first aid kit, gloves, blankets, flashlight and batteries, and some type of help flags or cones so the tow truck can see you. You also want basic repair supplies like tow rope, jumper cables, tire puncture repair, and a jack for changing your tire. Don't forget extra fluid in case you run out, like coolant and motor oil.
Long-Distance Trips
If you are planning on a long-distance trip, whether it is a road trip or a long day trip, there are some additional items you need in your vehicle. You might not be in an area where you can call a tow truck and may need to make other repairs to your vehicle so you can drive to the nearest auto repair shop. Some tools to have in your vehicle include battery cables, screwdriver, pliers, socket and wrenches. It also helps to have a coolant hose repair kit and tape in the roadside emergency kit. Bring extra clothes and a rain coat in case you need to make repairs in inclement weather.
For long-distance driving, you should also have nonperishable food, water, a GPS navigation system, and a CB radio.
Winter Driving
The last collection of items to go in your roadside emergency kit are for winter driving. Any time you plan to drive in the winter, you risk breaking down and being near freezing just waiting for the tow truck, like those from Martinez Towing. There are also some items that can be helpful for winter driving in general. Your winter driving kit should include a windshield scraper, bag of cat litter, folding shovel in case you're stuck in snow, hand warmers, and winter clothing.
With these items, you will be ready for any type of roadside emergency you experience.