All cars are capable of breaking down without warning, and if that happens, you don’t want to be caught unprepared. Storing a kit of emergency supplies in your trunk can help you out in situations ranging from a flat tire to getting stranded. Building your own kit is better than buying a commercial pre-packed kit, as those are generally stocked with cheap, poor-quality equipment (and often lack important items!). Some people find that it’s easier to buy one of these kits and simply had any necessary items to it.
You may think that your car is just a couple of years old and there’s no way you’ll run into such issues. That’s simply not the case. One in three drivers encounters a breakdown each year. If this happens to you, your emergency kit can help you patch up your car, or, in the worst case scenario, sustain your physical needs until help can reach you.
A good emergency kit should include the following items:
· Cell phone with car charger
· GPS with car charger (if your phone doesn’t have navigation)
· Jumper cables (at least 10 feet long) and tow rope
· Road flares and/or reflective triangles to signal your location
· Waterproof flashlight with extra batteries
· Fire extinguisher graded for Class B (flammable/combustible liquids) and Class C (electrical fires)
· Work gloves, sturdy boots and plastic poncho
· Multipurpose tool
· Rags and a tarp or mat
· Duct tape and electrical tape
· Foam tire sealant
· First aid kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, aspirin and any medications that you and your family takes regularly
· Bottled water and nonperishable snacks (protein bars are a popular choice)
· Hint: Periodically check to ensure that your spare tire has enough air pressure. If your get stuck with a flat, you’ll need to be able to use your spare.
During wintertime, consider adding a few more items to help with snow and ice:
· Cat litter, sand or salt (for tire traction)
· Ice scraper
· Shovel
· Blankets
· Portable weather radio
Take the protection of your car one step further. Call Raymond Longoria Insurance at (956) 581-1034 for more information on Laredo auto insurance.