Car owners know that there is nothing worse than having a mechanical emergency only to realize that you don’t have the right tools to fix it. Fortunately, this is something that can be avoided if you take some precautions to ensure that you have all the emergency equipment and supplies you need. Before you head out on the road, check out these suggestions to keep you prepared for any situation.
General Supplies
Regardless of the situation, there are critical pieces of equipment that you should have in the trunk of your vehicle:
Full first aid kit: The kit should contain medical supplies to treat minor cuts and burns.
Functional fire extinguisher: Preferable located somewhere where you can have quick access.
For Mechanical Emergencies
Mechanical emergencies can range from electrical failure to having a flat tire. While changing to your spare or doing a jumpstart is relatively straightforward, you will need the right tools to do it. Here are the essentials:
Car Jack. If you want to invest a little more, you can get an electric jack that makes the job a little easier.
Lug Wrench: Once again, when shopping for this item, invest in a high-quality lug wrench. If the lugs are adjusted tightly, a weak wrench will break under pressure.
Inflated spare tire: Make sure that the spare tire matches with the rest of the set. Make yourself a reminder to check the tire inflation and pressure every month.
Wheel Wedges: These prevent the tires from moving when you perform a tire change.
A good pair of gloves: Car maintenance requires you to come in contact with liquids and lubricants. Work gloves give you extra grip.
Rain Poncho: if you have to do a mechanical repair in the pouring rain, it’s wise to have some sort of waterproof covering.
Flashlight: Emergencies can happen at night. When you purchase a flashlight, make sure that it allows you to use your hands. A headlamp is an ideal solution.
Jumpstart Cables: This is another vital piece of equipment. It can get you or a fellow driver out of an emergency.
Reflective Triangles: These are used to warn fellow drivers that there is a stalled vehicle up ahead.
Complete Tool Kit: These can be purchased at any hardware store. Make sure that they have a set of screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors.
Get Training
It’s fantastic to have all of this equipment with you, but you still need to know how to use it. Not everyone can be a professional mechanic, but you should still seek to acquire some basic car repair knowledge. Sign up for a weekend course or study using tutorials.
The Takeaway
Car emergencies can happen to anyone. The difference will be how well you have prepared to face these situations. Having the correct tools and supplies is a great starting point. If your auto repair skills are not up to par, make time to gain this knowledge. Follow these tips to ensure that you are prepared to deal with any situation. Remember to service your car frequently with trustworthy professionals.
