A sudden problem with your vehicle, whether on the road or in your driveway, can be a real nuisance. But if you have roadside assistance through your insurance provider, the stress is minimized.
Consider adding emergency roadside to your car insurance policy today. It’s affordable and gives you peace of mind. Click Emergency Roadside to learn more.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just want to ensure that your vehicle is road-ready, keeping a few items in your emergency kit to handle common situations like flat tires, dead batteries, and minor mechanical repairs is important. Having the right mechanic gear can make all the difference when you’re stranded on the side of the road.
Mechanic gloves protect hands from debris, sharp tools, and chemicals when working on vehicles. They also provide a firm grip while handling delicate parts. Several types of gloves are available on the market, including disposable nitrile and reusable leather options.
Disposable nitrile gloves are a great option for mechanics who often work with messy and toxic fluids such as brake fluid, grease, and oil. These gloves hold up well to these commercial substances and can be discarded quickly, saving time and effort when changing the glove.
Alternatively, reusable leather mechanic gloves are designed to protect hands from hot or cold temperatures and can be used to touch hot or cold metal components. These gloves are a good choice for long-term use and can be machine-washed, which is convenient for those who need to keep their hands clean on a regular basis. They are strong and durable but still offer flexibility and high dexterity.
Jumper Cables
Jumper cables (also known as battery booster cables) are used to connect two vehicles’ batteries, allowing one vehicle with a charged battery to charge the other. They can be purchased at most hardware stores and should have thick wire with well-insulated clamps. When using jumper cables, it is important to make sure the correct sequence of connections is followed to minimize the chance of sparking between the cars’ batteries or engine components.
Before connecting the jumper cables, it is important to make certain that both cars are in park and that their parking brakes are engaged. Also, any plugged-in car accessories should be disconnected from their cigarette lighters. Finally, the negative clamps of the cables should be connected to an unpainted metal surface in each vehicle for grounding purposes.
Once the positive clamps of the jumper cables are connected to the positive terminal (+) posts of both vehicles’ batteries, it is time to start the engine of the working vehicle. After the disabled car is running, it is important to remove the jumper cables in reverse order – starting with the black clamp from your own vehicle’s battery and then disconnecting the red clamp from the dead car’s battery.
Spare Tire
A spare tire is an important car accessory to have in case of a flat tire. It can help you get to a repair shop or even home. Having a spare tire in your car can also help you drive more safely by providing you with the confidence that you are prepared for an emergency roadside.
Depending on the type of car you own, there are several types of spare tires available. Some are larger, while others are smaller and take up less space in the trunk. It is important to understand the pros and cons of each type of spare tire.
Spare tires are useful tools for those who have a tire issue, but they should not be considered a replacement for regular tires. Driving on a spare tire for an extended period of time can compromise your safety and cause issues with handling and stability.
It is essential to regularly check the air pressure of your spare tire to ensure it is up to manufacturer standards. This will prevent it from deflating during usage, which can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. Additionally, it is important to use a tire pressure gauge on your vehicle to make sure the tire has the correct air pressure for your specific car model.
Mylar Blanket
Unlike a piece of plastic like a garbage bag, mylar emergency blankets have a reflective surface that can reflect up to 90% of your body heat back to you under ideal conditions (no direct contact with skin). The material is also waterproof so it can protect against rain and snow.
These blankets can be used to keep you warm in a survival situation, as a ground cover and for signaling for help. They are also useful for camping and hiking. They can be placed on the ground to add an extra layer of insulation or on top of a sleeping bag to prevent moisture. The blazing orange colors of these blankets make them easy to spot and are ideal for signaling to search and rescue teams.
Some emergency blankets have grommets that can be used to tie them up into a tarp shelter or lean-to. These can be especially useful if you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and need to stay dry. Just be sure to vent the tarp regularly to avoid condensation and sweat. The best emergency blankets are lightweight, compact and easy to store and carry. They can be found online or at most hardware stores and are a great addition to your roadside emergency kit.
Collapsible Shovel
A collapsible shovel is an important item to keep in a car emergency kit. It can be used to dig out a stuck car and help regain traction, or to clear space around a tailpipe during extended idling to prevent toxic fumes from entering the vehicle. Shovels can also be useful for digging cat-holes in a roadside accident, or when traveling to remote areas without facilities.
Collapsible shovels are made of durable materials and can be folded for easy storage in a small duffle bag or trunk. Some are equipped with adjustable handles and blade angles, allowing users to customize their shoveling experience. Some also include ergonomic add-ons, such as comfort grip handles and protective blade covers, to reduce physical strain and improve longevity.
A folding shovel can be easily carried with you on hikes or camping trips and is a must-have for your bug-out bag or car emergency kit. It can be used to build a firepit, dig out car tires or break up ice and mud on the side of the road. It can also be used to break down a tent or make a quick shelter in an emergency situation. Some models even come with a carry case, making it convenient to store in your trunk.
Snow Chains
Snow chains are a great tool to add to your emergency roadside kit. They attach to your tires and help increase traction, which can prevent the vehicle from sliding off of the road. They’re also quick and easy to install, which helps you stay calm on the roads during snowy conditions.
Typically made from steel links, they are covered in rubber or polyurethane to create friction with the road surface and help drivers maintain control of their vehicles. Snow chains are available in a variety of sizes to fit different tires. However, some are more difficult to fit than others. Regardless of the type of chain, it’s important to practice installing them in dry conditions before you ever have to use them in an emergency situation.
In addition to chains, there are other traction aids like snow socks that are made from a thick fabric and are more flexible. They are easier to handle and can be slipped onto your tires quickly, but they’re less effective than chains in most cases. They’re also not recommended for all vehicles, but they can be used as a last resort in extreme snowy conditions.
Car Sickness Symptoms
For those who suffer from motion sickness, having some over-the-counter nausea medicine stowed away can make all the difference. This can be especially important when traveling with children, women (especially pregnant ones) and migraine sufferers who are prone to motion sickness.
Symptoms of motion sickness typically begin with a feeling of queasiness, which then progresses to a cold sweat, fatigue, loss of appetite, a headache, or even dizziness. In a child, symptoms may include excessive salivation, pale skin, sleepiness, restlessness and abnormally rapid breathing, also known as hyperventilation.
To avoid motion sickness, try to focus your eyes on a steady point of reference such as the horizon or a stationary object. Some people find that sitting in the front seat instead of the back helps with this as well. It’s also helpful to eat something light before the trip, which reduces hunger pangs, which can contribute to feelings of motion sickness. A cool cloth placed on the forehead may help to reduce discomfort as well. If the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to sit in an enclosed space that feels stable such as the center of a ship, train or airplane. Fortunately, most of these symptoms tend to dissipate once the motion is over.