Sure, it’s nice to have heated seats, a moonroof, and a premium sound system. But the most important feature of any car is a well-assembled emergency kit.
Below is a list of items to include in your very own emergency car kit, along with some helpful tips for making the most of it.
Items to Include in Your Emergency Car Kit
Gather up the following items to keep in your car:
- Jumper cables
- Towing cables
- Roadside flares or reflectors
- At least one quart of motor oil
- One gallon of radiator coolant
- First-aid kit
- Blanket
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- A basic tool kit
- A can of flat tire sealant
- Tire pressure gauge
- Gloves
- Ice scraper
- Folding shovel
- Battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio
- A spare coat and hat
- A bottle of drinking water and some non-perishable energy bars
If you don’t carry a cell phone with you, it’s a good idea to keep a prepaid (and fully charged) cellular phone in your kit as well.
And don’t forget a spare tire, a jack, and a tire iron for changing out flats.
Tips for Your Kit
Here are a few tips to make the most of your emergency car kit:
Customize it
Customize your kit to your environment. If you live in a warm climate, you may not need ice scrapers or a shovel. But if you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to double down on those items.
Learn to use it
An emergency is no time to learn how to use any of your items. Go through each item in your kit and familiarize yourself with how it operates, and practice using it until you get the hang of it.
Properly store it
You don’t want the items in your emergency kit rolling around while you drive as items could become damaged in the process. Secure them in a backpack, box, or with cargo netting.
Keep Your Car Maintained in Madison, WI
Equally important to having an emergency kit is keeping your vehicle well-maintained. A car that undergoes regular service checkups is less likely to break down and leave you stranded.
Schedule a service appointment for your vehicle at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, Wisconsin, and use our winterizing service to prep your car for the upcoming weather.
Preparation is key for any emergency situation. Assemble your emergency car kit, and speak to the expert technicians at Zimbrick Automotive about keeping your vehicle safe from trouble.
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