The Emergency Car Kit

An emergency on the road can happen at any time.  From being caught for hours in traffic to crashing on a desolate road, you need to ensure you are prepared for anything.  Most people carry the obvious items such as a spare tire or a car jack, but what about those smaller items that could get you out of trouble and back on the road faster?

As a leading auto repair company we speak to a lot of drivers who have been caught out on the roadside.  This article should give you useful advice on those in-car essentials that should be with you at all times. 

Cell Phone – While we would never advise you to talk on your cell phone while driving, it is an essential item when it comes to roadside emergencies.  Whether you need to call 911 or emergency automobile services, having a charged cell phone on hand could come in very handy.  Carry an in-car charger with you at all times so that you can top up the charge on the road and be ready for anything.  Nothing is more frustrating than a cell phone with no battery in an emergency situation! 

First Aid Kit – Always carry a basic first aid kit with you.  A few bottles of water, a blanket and some emergency food rations are also a good idea.  Make sure everybody in the car knows where to find your first aid box. 

Fire Extinguisher – A fire extinguisher is perfect for putting out a small car fire – fires that start in the engine often start out small but can spread within minutes.  Having a fire extinguisher on hand could keep your family out of danger if you can act quickly.  The most important thing to remember is to get everybody clear once a fire starts and to only tackle a small flame. Carry small extinguishers labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC.

Warning Lights, Hazard Triangle and Flares – If your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road in the dark, it is a hazard for you and other drivers.  A battery powered warning light should be placed away from your vehicle so that drivers have plenty of time to slow down and take care. If you are stopped by the roadside, always ensure passengers stay out of the vehicle and somewhere safe on the roadside.  Reflective triangles are also a good precaution and flares are handy if you are in a deserted location.

Tire Gauge, Jack and Lug Wrench

Always have your tires checked as part of your auto troubleshooting schedule and general maintenance.  The inflation pressure on your tires should be checked along with the pressure in the spare tire.  We can arrange these checks for you and offer automobile services across the region no matter what make or model of your vehicle.

Spare Fuses

The electrical components on your vehicle are responsible for many important functions. That’s why we always advise that you have a number of spare fuses with you at all times. Your owner’s manual will tell you how to check and replace fuses and which ones you should have on standby. 

Jumper Cables or Battery Booster

Of course, you need a second car for jumper cables to be useful so if you are going to be driving on a busy road they are fine.  A portable battery booster may be necessary if you are driving in less populated areas.

San Jose Auto Repair