Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability.
Check for leaks and crimped pipes in the exhaust system; repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Check breaks for wear and fluid levels.
Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains.
Replace fuel and air filters. Keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
Add to your car emergency kit following items:
FOOD (Non-Perishable) - look at our food bars - they have 5 year shelf life, "power bars", hard candy,
WATER- our water also good for use for 5 years or plastic bottles
SLEEPING BAG or BLANKET (wool is best)- For combating shock, or using for picnic,etc.
SHOES and BOOTS- Sturdy sensible boots or shoes.. that you can hike in or walk in bad terrain in. A pair of heavy SOCKS should be stuffed in each shoe.
MATCHES - waterproof
FLASHLIGHT- with spare BATTERIES and BULBS.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER- and an obstruction how yo use it
FIRST AID BOOK- First aid Manual
FIRST AID KIT- look at our first aid kits section
YOUR MEDICATION- have at least 2 WEEKS supply if possible.
SPARE GLASSES?- This is VERY good idea to have..even you OLD prescription if it is useable ...in a HARD CASE. Write your correct prescription on paper in case. CLIP-ON Sunglasses?
PORTABLE RADIO- Portable AM/FM (or AM/FM/TV/Weather,etc) radio. with SPARE BATTERIES and consider an optional earphone. Please take a look at our communication section
MAPS- Have recent (last 5 years) map
NOTEBOOK- A small pocket size notebook with pen and pencil in a zip-lock bag.
GARBAGE BAGS- 2 of the 45 gallon HD size, or 33 gallon OK. These can be used for rain suit by cutting hole in corners and center of top of bag for arms and head. they can protect you and your property.
CLOTHING- Old COAT...
HOSE- 6' length of garden hose or SIPHON KIT from Auto Supply Store to siphon gasoline into approved container to add gasoline to empty tank.
DUCT TAPE- Stored in a baggie, along with ELECTRICAL TAPE, and couple "extra" Band Aids.
WIRE CLOTHES HANGER- 2 minimum...
PAPER GOODS- Box or Tissue (kleenex,etc). some loose tissue in zip lock bag and/or full box or travel size packet
TOOL KIT Minimum...Pocket Knife with can-opener/bottle opener, cork screw/ 4" blade, etc., Water-pump pliers, combo needle-nose/cutter, diagonal cutters, phillips and standard blade screwdriver, 6- twiistems from garbage bags, roll of electrical tape, piece of "medium" grit sand paper... SUGGESTED.. large standard screw driver for prying or a "wonder bar", 8" crescent wrench, vise-grips, set of metric and standard drive wrench ratchet kit, combination metric/standard box/open wrenches, carpenters hammer(baggie with assorted nails) safety glasses or goggles.NOTE- If you are mechanical you will know what you need, if not, don't take a lot of tools.
CASH- in a baggie 10 ones and 2 fives, along with 4 dollars in quarters (pay phone). Possibly a check folded up and hidden in your kit.
JUMPER CABLES- if your batteries terminals are difficult to get to, be sure you purchase proper length and type of cables. READ instructions before using.
CAR KEYS- Extra Set OUTSIDE of the Trunk or interior. DO NOT use full set with house keys,etc.wire them in place, cover with tape,etc.
EVALUATE- Do you have what YOU need? Is there more than you need?
WET TISSUES or BABY WIPES- Very handy on trips or clean up.
"WATERLESS" HAND CLEANER- Tube or container to clean hands
PAPER TOWELS- Roll or couple of CLEAN RAGS
TIRE INFLATION CAN- Compressed AIR with goop to fill hole
DISPOSABLE CAMERA- w/FLASH- for taking photos at accident scene or that picture of grandchild when you forget your "good" camera.
PHOTOCOPY of your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
ADDRESS BOOK- or short list of important phone numbers (DRS, INSURANCE, with policy numbers auto/medical, EMERGENCY LIST people to call to take care of you. in case you can not tell anyone and the car is searched.
MEDICAL INFORMATION- In envelope with LARGE LETTERS "medical information" put in things that the EMERGENCY ROOM doctor will want to know. including MEDICAL INSURANCE INFO.
FOLDING CANE- If you might need one, it is a life-saver, or used cane from thrift store.
CB RADIO- Portable 40 channel CB transciever, with antenna, 2 sets of ALKALINE batteries(marked and bagged), with a cigarette lighter power cord long enough to stand outside the vehicle and operate the radio.
Constantly evaluate what you have in your kit.. check condition at least every 6 months check condition of food and water.
EXPANDED TOOLS- as your experience dictates
EXPANDED FIRST AID KIT- as your experience dictates
FOLDING CHAIR- or stool... how many times have you wanted one?
COPY of FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN- Out of State Contact for separated family check-in,etc.
CONTAINERS- give thought to the containers used in your own SURVIVAL kit, consider a small "pack or knapsack" to hold some items, that you can put selected items in if you have to abandon the vehicle.
Roadside accidents happen at any time and anywhere. Do you have the tools to deal with and withstand a breakdown? Don't take a chance with your vehicle - and your safety. Be prepared to handle any auto emergency with one of our roadside kits. Containing auto tools, signaling and light devices, and personal accessories, all of our roadside emergency car kits have the necessary components for fixing your vehicle, getting attention, and waiting until help arrives.
All components are packaged and organized in a nylon carrying case, compact enough to fit in a trunk. To be equipped with the right supplies for any accident, breakdown, or emergency situation, find standard, winter, accident, and highway roadside kits in our store.