Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Use a cardboard or plastic box to keep everything in so it doesn't roll around in the trunk and you can easily find what you need.
Step2
Buy or cull together a first aid kit (see related eHow).
Step3
Include a AAA or roadside emergency card.
Step4
Throw in all the necessary equipment to change a tire: working jack, spare tire (with air in it!), lug nut wrench or tire iron, pipe for leverage. Most of this should already be stored in its designated place in the car's trunk or hatchback.
Step5
Have a flashlight with fresh batteries in there.
Step6
Include triangle reflectors and flares.
Step7
Include rags and a funnel.
Step8
Purchase all the necessary fluids: 2 qts. of oil (10W-40), a gallon of water and antifreeze, brake fluid, power-steering fluid (if applicable), and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable).
Step9
Add flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench (only to be used in an emergency - adjustable wrenches can easily round the head of bolts).
Step10
Buy jumper cables (at least eight feet long).
Step11
Toss in work gloves or latex gloves, duct tape (of course), a blanket, spare fuses and a can of Fix-a-Flat.
Comments
destryer said
on 7/3/2008 I would respectfully recommend instead- a product called Slime and a good small 12 volt air compressor. The compressor has helped me countless times to air up low tires that can be driven to a station for repair. As far as jumpers- don't skimp on quality! Quality cables can handle heat and current that cheaper ones won't and the longer the better. I have a pair that start 2 cars end-to end. You are never parked in a convenient place when you need a jump.
You might include a faraday (shaker) type LED flashlight that will never run down in the back of the trunk.
In winter a couple candles for heat and kitty litter for traction (sand gets everywhere).
Fike said
on 7/3/2008 My experience with Fix-A-Flat was less than optimal. Thanks for the article.
welch said
on 7/3/2008 This is a Must for traveling...thanks! 5~stars~
afro2358 said
on 7/3/2008 That's a whole lot to keep in ones car, but, i guess you need something like that if you do a lot of "Long Distance" driving. There is one "IMPORTANT" thing you "Most Have" if you dont have any of those things that was mention, and that is a "Cell Phone".
GunslingersWife said
on 7/3/2008 Good advice, except I'd say "all necessary fluids" is a bit overkill. Unless you're a complete dope and don't maintain your car in the least, that probably isn't going to be your problem if you get stranded. Most of the time it's: no gas, flat tire, stuck in mud or snow, dead battery, etc. One added tip: consider what climate you live in (or are driving to). You might want to consider things like sunscreen, water (in a non-plastic bottle), etc. if you're in a warm climate or season, and shovel (as the author suggested), chains, solar blanket, and so on if you'll be driving in frigid conditions. Also important, you might want to keep a few medications you cannot be an extended time without -- in a child-proof container, of course. Overall good tips, though, and a great reminder of "better safe than sorry."