Have you ever had a flat tire? Did it occur in a convenient place safely away from other traffic or was it in a very unsafe spot? Did you ever have a breakdown part way through a long trip? Many of us have to answer "yes...and yes" to these questions. For me, it certainly happened much more often when I was young and had a less reliable car, but it still happens occasionally. Do you carry a car emergency kit?
Currently, there are T.V. commercials to convince you to purchase the OnStar option from General Motors. This may be a good choice for you but you can also prepare yourself for a car emergency.
Your cell phone or even OnStar (if you have it) may get you started toward a solution to your car breakdown but why not be really prepared as well, just in case the cell phone doesn't work or you didn't pay your OnStar plan renewal?
You will need more than just the spare tire and jack your car came equipped with. Some appropriate survival tools and warning devices to make the scene safer for you, and others are needed. Also some gloves and a flashlight are just a sample of what might come in handy. But if you have a car breakdown, either in town on a city street or on a lonely mountain road after dark, you'll need more. If you have the misfortune to have a breakdown during bad weather, your situation may get even worse. If you're in danger, don't hesitate to call "911".
Here are a few items you should carry in your car emergency kit:
Food Bars or emergency food rations and drinking water (replace them before the expiration dates)
30 Minute High-Intensity Light Stick
Tow Rope - (stay a safe distance away when using)
Auto Spot Light -
Jumper Cables - (if you know how to use them)
First Aid Kit -
Flashlight with Batteries plus spares
Fire Extinguisher - (check annually)
Solar Sleeping Bags and/or blankets (1 per occupant)
Waterproof Poncho - (1 per occupant)
Swiss Style Army Knife
Leather Gloves
Whistle - (1 per occupant)
Duct Tape - a million uses
Utility Knife
Emergency Instructions and "Help" Sign
Wet Naps -
Reflecting Triangle (and/or flares)
You can either assemble these items yourself or purchase a pre-made car emergency kit.
If you choose to run the car to stay warm, run it periodically, but not constantly, so your fuel will last longer. Allow a small amount of ventilation to counteract possible carbon monoxide fumes.
The more prepared you are for an emergency, the less of an "emergency" it becomes.
Currently, there are T.V. commercials to convince you to purchase the OnStar option from General Motors. This may be a good choice for you but you can also prepare yourself for a car emergency.
Your cell phone or even OnStar (if you have it) may get you started toward a solution to your car breakdown but why not be really prepared as well, just in case the cell phone doesn't work or you didn't pay your OnStar plan renewal?
You will need more than just the spare tire and jack your car came equipped with. Some appropriate survival tools and warning devices to make the scene safer for you, and others are needed. Also some gloves and a flashlight are just a sample of what might come in handy. But if you have a car breakdown, either in town on a city street or on a lonely mountain road after dark, you'll need more. If you have the misfortune to have a breakdown during bad weather, your situation may get even worse. If you're in danger, don't hesitate to call "911".
Here are a few items you should carry in your car emergency kit:
Food Bars or emergency food rations and drinking water (replace them before the expiration dates)
30 Minute High-Intensity Light Stick
Tow Rope - (stay a safe distance away when using)
Auto Spot Light -
Jumper Cables - (if you know how to use them)
First Aid Kit -
Flashlight with Batteries plus spares
Fire Extinguisher - (check annually)
Solar Sleeping Bags and/or blankets (1 per occupant)
Waterproof Poncho - (1 per occupant)
Swiss Style Army Knife
Leather Gloves
Whistle - (1 per occupant)
Duct Tape - a million uses
Utility Knife
Emergency Instructions and "Help" Sign
Wet Naps -
Reflecting Triangle (and/or flares)
You can either assemble these items yourself or purchase a pre-made car emergency kit.
If you choose to run the car to stay warm, run it periodically, but not constantly, so your fuel will last longer. Allow a small amount of ventilation to counteract possible carbon monoxide fumes.
The more prepared you are for an emergency, the less of an "emergency" it becomes.