Prepare an Emergency Road Kit
Edited by Ian Gabriel T. Tolledo, Robbi, Shalom, Graciela Franchesca Rosario and 1 other
Introduction
You don't want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with your flat tire or broken car, do you? What's even more infuriating is when you're with your family or friends en route for a vacation and your tires blow or your engine suddenly stops. Anything can go wrong when you're on the road, so be sure to carry the right tools for any sudden emergencies. This article will show you how to prepare an emergency road kit in case of, you know - emergency.
Tool checklist
It is important that you have all the right tools for when you take a trip using your car, even if you're just going to work or a friend's party. These are the tools that you need to pack. You can buy the following items in a pre-assembled kit online, department store, or from an auto supply store, or you can buy each item separately.
- 1Multi-tool (Swiss army knife)
- 2Light folding shovel
- 3Flashlights and extra batteries
- 4Heavy duty rope or set of chains
- 5Small fire extinguisher
- 6Road flares
- 7WD-40
- 8Knife
- 9Gloves, a pair of boots and wool socks
- 10Fuses that are compatible with your car
- 11Jumper cables
- 12Wool blanket
- 13Emergency road sign to display in case of trouble/emergency
- 14Fluids for your vehicle (motor oil, power-steering fluid, brake fluid, etc.)
- 15A gallon of water and a gallon of antifreeze
- 16A funnel and several rags
- 17Electrical and duct tapes
Also, it is very important that you have a fully-charged working cellphone when you hit the road, even if it's a short trip. You do not know where you might end up having trouble with your car, right? Also, before leaving, make sure that your engine is in its prime state and the tires are in good working order.
- 1The cause of fire may be because leaking oil or a wiring short circuit. There are a variety of sizes of multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguishers. It is recommended to have the compact unit that is labeled 2A10BC and 1A10BC.There are some cases in which a car can catch fire, so you must bring fire extinguisher.
- 2The ambient temperature affects the tire pressure. And when there is a change in temperature, it is advisable to check the tire's pressure.Tire gauges should be used monthly to check the inflation pressure of the spare tire and four tires.
- 3You may use a battery-powered warning or reflective hazard triangles that does not require batteries.In case your vehicle malfunctions on the road, it is vital that you place a warning about the presence of your car at the side of the road while fixing the car.
- 4But tire shops refuse to repair tires with foam tire sealant because of the sticky residue that it leaves. You must choose a sealant that is non-flammable and do not consider this a permanent fix. To fix a puncture, you need to bring it to a professional repair shop.A foam tire sealant would fix minor punctures.
- 5These can be used after your hands have gotten dirty from simple tasks. It will protect the vehicle's interior and your clothes from getting dirty.Bring hand cleaner, gloves, and clean rags.
- 6You must choose a flashlight which is weatherproof and bright. A flashlight that has a magnet or stand for mounting purposes is especially handy, so it can free up your hands for other tasks. Also bring extra bulbs and batteries.A flashlight is needed during the night.
- 7Bring a disposable flash camera so that you can use it when you have vehicle insurance information to capture, or so you can get a picture of your car's wrecked condition.
- 8These are available at sporting-goods stores and ski shops.Chemical hand warmers may also be used during winter time.
First-aid checklist
What is that song that said, "trouble is a friend"? More often than not, road emergencies are coupled with few scratches and bruises. Before you tend to your engine or tires (except if they're burning or smoking), you must take care of yourself first. It won't matter anyway if you're in bad shape yourself and too wounded to drive. A first-aid kit should include:
- 1Antiseptic alcohol and povidone-iodine
Use an airtight and watertight container to store this in your vehicle. You should also take a lesson for first-aid administration, including training in CPR. Also take with you extra snacks and non-perishable goods for when you end up stranded for a long time.
Tips, Tricks, and Warnings
- There also are readily-available emergency kits sold on the internet. (This can save you trouble of manually compiling above materials.) Here's one:[1]
- Keep a level head during emergencies. Don't panic.
- Steer your vehicle to the side of the road or street so as to avoid causing traffic jams.
- In case you're ever in need of tow services, you should try to have a list of contacts beforehand.
- Sometimes, it's wiser to call for help when it's nearby than to fix the car yourself.
- Remember to follow the instructions for each tool you will use.
- Be sure your tires are strong enough and properly inflated for your travel, so you will not have to worry when nighttime comes or when it rains.
- You must update the content of your kit. When it is winter time it is recommended to have chains, a blanket and an ice scraper, but you may not need them on August.
- It is necessary that you keep your cell phone charged up before you travel. To have a car charging cord is advisable when you plan to drive for several days. Even you have automobile club membership or roadside assistance, you will need to call them when emergency arises.
- Other things that you should have in your car for emergency purposes include s a first aid kit and a manual with instructions on how to make basic roadside repairs.
- Wear a safety device even if it's just a vehicle repair.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
