Even in the age-of-information it is important to prepare a roadside emergency kit.
What should you put in your emergency kit, you ask? Let us break it down for you.
- Jumper Cables. This one's pretty obvious and allows you to be the roadside hero too!
- Flares. If your car is disabled on a major roadway, you'll want to signal to oncoming traffic.
- Extra oil. Usually two quarts will be sufficient to get you to the nearest service station.
- Antifreeze. Never push your car's engine if it is overheating. This could lead to serious (expensive) damage.
- First aid kit. You can never have a too-well-stocked first aid kit. Basic items include bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic/burn cream, aspirin.
- Blanket. This can serve various purposes but the most obvious is to stay warm when stranded in the cold.
- Fuses. Fuse failure is hard to anticipate. This can be a major problem if you don't have extra. Be sure to stock fuses of varied amperage.
- Flashlight and extra batteries. Without this, being stranded in the dark is a much worse situation.
- Basic, versatile tools. Including: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, vice-grips, adjustable wrench, tire-pressure gauge, and pocketknife (multi-tools are ideal).
- Tire inflator. Such as Fix-A-Flat
- Rags and paper towels.
- Duct tape. Need we explain further?
- Ice scraper.
- Pen and paper.
- Help sign. This will make flagging passing drivers much more effective.
- Energy bars. Or some form of emergency food that will last for awhile in the car.
- Bottled water.
- Heavy-duty bag to store the kit in.
