With all the severe weather that has been occurring around the country, being prepared for this is key to your safety and wellbeing. I live in a state that has hundreds of miles of open spaces along major highways, and breaking down can be a bit scary. One would say, I have my cell phone. Yes that is true, but do you have cell phone service? In many of these areas, cell phone service can be scarce. Phones are designed to connect to 911 even if it is disconnected from a provider, but not in all places. So having a cell phone is never a sure bet. Breaking down is not the time to discover that not only do you not have cell service, but you have nothing in the way of an emergency roadside kit.
In all the classes that I teach, I display a roadside emergency kit that can help make breaking down a bit easier. There are many of these type of kits offered on the market today, so choose the kit that is right for you and the terrain you live around. In my cars, I keep a kit with various items that I feel is perfect for my needs. Like having a kit with a food supply, such as the military uses; a collapsible shovel like the Boy Scouts use; for those of us living in snowy climates, reflective poncho, you never know when the weather will turn on you; basic tools screw drivers Phillips and standard; LED electric warning light; duct tape, this can come in handy for those small type of leaks or any one of a 1000 uses; cable ties, it can be used as a temporary hose clamp, a first aid kit, you never know when you might hurt yourself trying to change that flat tire; spare rags; jumper cables, or even having a battery booster. Flashlights are a must, but keep the batteries separate until you are in the need for light, this way the batteries will last longer.
I strongly recommend anyone who travels, to have some idea of how to do some minor repairs to their vehicles, such as how to change your tire, how to check all your fluids, and even how to use a meter so that if your vehicle does stop running, you can check to see if your battery voltage is at the correct output levels. Everything I have mentioned are all simple tasks once you become familiar with them. It just takes the desire to learn and practice so you remember how. Check this kit periodically to keep it up to date. Happy Motoring.
