Things You'll Need:
- Spare tire and jack
- Aerosol tire sealant/filler
- Map
- Flashlight
- Blankets
- Water and non-perishable food items
- Cell phone
- First-aid kit
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Step 1
The first step in dealing with an emergency is preventing it from happening in the first place! Be vigilant in checking your car’s gas and oil levels, coolant, tire pressure and tread wear.
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Step 2
Always make sure you have a spare tire handy, jack and aerosol-type tire sealant/filler. Purchasing a roadside emergency kit--available at many large hardware or automotive supply stores, among other outlets--is a must as well. If it does not include roadside flares, purchase those additionally.
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Step 3
Be sure to keep a large and sturdy flashlight in your trunk, which can come in handy in a number of ways. One that includes extra features like a flashing red-light can help alert other cars to a potential roadside dilemma for example.
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Step 4
Load up your car with a couple of warm blankets, water and some non-perishable food supplies, such as freeze-dried goods. No one expects to break down in the middle of nowhere for days, but if you ever do these items can be the difference between life and death.
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Step 5
Keep a first aid kit and car tool kit in your trunk. Make sure your vehicle owner’s manual is handy as well, which could help you deal with a small automotive problem before it becomes a large one.
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Step 6
Make sure your cell-phone is fully charged before you go on any long drives.
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Step 7
Keep a good map manual conveniently located in your vehicle. Should you be out in the country and need to quickly find a larger town and/or a hospital, you can’t afford to get lost.
