Peace of Mind
As much as we all want to avoid breakdowns, the best way to handle them isn't to ignore the possibility but to prepare and be ready for things that might go wrong in advance. That way, when something does go wrong (and it will), you'll be in a position to deal with it.
A well-prepared emergency tool kit for your car is essential to guard against breakdowns whilst giving you some peace of mind. At Dayton Toyota South Brunswick, NJ we know that this peace of mind is a valuable thing and we try to provide it to our customers any way possible. To help you with that, here are some guidelines on what to keep in your emergency tool kit.
The Tool Kit
Remember that the point of having a tool kit is so that you can perform minor repairs roadside or patch things up long enough for you to get to an auto repair shop. Here are some of the items you should ensure are in your tool kit:
- Jumper cables, 8 to 12 feet in length
- One gallon of antifreeze
- One gallon of water (not for drinking)
- Two quarts of motor oil
- Brake fluid
- Fuses (Make sure you have the right kind for your vehicle.)
- Tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench
- A flashlight with spare batteries
- A fire extinguisher
- WD-40
- Electrical and duct tape
- A tire pressure gauge
- A tire inflator
- An ice scraper and snow chains
- A lug wrench and jack
- Emergency signals such as road flares, a hazard triangle, or warning lights
- A pencil and paper
There are a variety of other items you might want, such as work gloves, rags, and a roll of paper towels. These are less necessary but can help keep everything cleaner while you work.
The Comfort and Survival Kit
A second consideration is for your own health and comfort while you are performing repairs or waiting for help. A rapid response might not always be at hand, especially if you break down somewhere remote or in bad weather. Make sure you're ready by having these items in your emergency kit:
- Bottled water
- Granola or energy bars
- A car charger for your cellphone
- Rain gear
- A first aid kit containing scissors, painkillers, adhesive tape, bandages, gauze, and antiseptic cream
- Blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags
- Small books and games or a deck of cards
- A roll of toilet paper
By having the above along you should be able to endure waiting for roadside assistance with a minimum of discomfort.
Plan for Your Journeys
The last point we want to make is to remind you that you'll need to pay some attention to your intended journeys and make adjustments accordingly. If you're taking road trips around South Brunswick, NJ in the middle of July, you can probably leave the winter equipment at home. On the other hand, if you're driving to Seattle for Christmas with family, you'll want to make sure you're well prepared to stay warm in case you break down in the middle of Montana! Think ahead about your upcoming plans, and revisit your emergency kit regularly to keep it up to date and in working order.
Finally, when you put your kit together, do some practicing to make sure you know how to use it all. For example, you may want to change a tire in your garage before you have to do it at 2 am in the driving rain.
For more tips on being prepared for your journeys, contact us at Dayton Toyota in South Brunswick, NJ.
