How To Prepare Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit

Nowadays, we're almost always a screen-tap away from contacting someone, should we need assistance. We have been conditioned to take that ability for granted. Most major highways provide cell-phone service. However, would you be prepared for an emergency roadside situation if you were not plugged-in to the rest of civilization?

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.     

Obviously, this list is not exclusive. There are many other useful items that you may want to bring as well. For more car tips and such, head on over to the Day Toyota Scion Facebook Page.