Car breakdowns are unpleasant in any time but they are particularly unwelcome in fall-winter period. Cold weather offers its own set of problems and you should be ready to meet them, otherwise you’ll have to spend much time on the roadside waiting for someone’s help.
Whether your business involves just driving around town, or you’re a road fan, it’s a good idea to keep a basic emergency kit in your vehicle.
The items listed below may not only help you out of a jam, but they also can help someone else ? passenger, pedestrian, other driver. Many of them can fit into a fairly compact plastic storage box. Some of the items, such as a flashlight, you may want to keep in a glove box, for instance.
* Flashlight of any kind and fresh batteries to it
* Windshield scraper.
* Can of aerosol tire inflator
* Jumper cables
* Small fire extinguisher (multipurpose for oil/gas and electrical)
* Necessary tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, small hammer, multi-tool or pocketknife, length of cord or bungee cord).
* Small spade or collapsible shovel – useful for digging out of snow
* Ice-melt chemical
* Warm blanket
* First-aid kit
* Cleaning wipes
* Paper towels
* Disposable rain poncho
* Clothes for work (cap and work gloves).
* Auto cell phone charger
For cold weather or longer-distance driving:
* Coat, hat and gloves
* Bottled water and snacks
* Chemical heat packs for hands and feet
* Extra windshield cleaner fluid
* Bottle of motor oil
* Empty gasoline container
Preventive Maintenance
The most important thing you can do yourself to keep your car sound is maintaining proper your tire pressure, oil, coolant and brake fluid levels. Running on low tires – just a few pounds down - weakens a tire and leads to premature wear and possibly a blowout, as well as lower your gas mileage. To make sure your tires are properly inflated check them at least twice a month. Also make sure that the jack and tire iron are in the vehicle and in working condition.
Before to start a long trip, check your lights, wiper blades, oil level, radiator fluid level, air filter and battery charge level. Driving in bad weather conditions, clean your headlights and taillights every time you stop.
Avoid distractions while driving. For example, don’t talk on the phone or tune the radio. Be patient and follow the Golden Rule in dealing with your fellow travelers – and be alert to changing conditions. By the way, don’t forget to wear your seat belt and insist that your passengers do the same.