Be Prepared: Creating a Kit for Roadside Emergencies

Even if you have a reliable vehicle, there are a million circumstances that could cause you to break down, including a sudden collision or a flat tire. You can’t always prevent a roadside emergency, but there’s a lot you can do to prepare for one, such as putting together a fully-stocked emergency kit. Here are a few pieces of advice for creating your roadside emergency kit:

Include Nighttime Gear

In case you find yourself on the side of the road at night, it’s important that you pack plenty of gear that will help you see and be visible to other drivers. This includes a reflective vest, road flares, or reflective triangles. If you need to change your tire or perform some minor repairs, you should have available a headlamp with extra batteries.

Consider Fluids and Equipment

If you’re lucky, you may be able to get back on the road after minor tinkering. To save yourself the time and expense of calling a tow truck, you should keep a tire iron, a tire jack, jumper cables, extra fuses, a couple of screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench. You might also stock your emergency kit with a couple of quarts of motor oil and antifreeze in case either fluid gets dangerously low.

Prepare to Spend the Night

Though we live in the age of heightened connectivity, it’s still possible to get caught in a remote area with no immediate means of communication. In case you find yourself on the side of a lonely road in the dead of winter, water, snacks, a blanket, and a first aid kit could save your life. Though this may sound like a lot of gear to keep in your trunk at all times, you’ll be glad to have it in the event of an emergency.

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