If you are like us at D Mac’s Auto Repair in Escondido, CA, you think that half of the fun of a vacation or journey is the road trip. Unfortunately, most of us don’t give as much thought as we should to road trip preparation. We stock the car with drinks, snacks, music or entertainment, pillows and blankets, and even stuff for the pets, but what about emergency items? Are you ready to help someone broken down by the road? Can you help yourself and keep everyone in the car safe as well as get the car to the nearest garage or service area?
To ensure you can say yes to these questions, we offer the following list of key emergency items for every car and every road trip:
- Road flares – Make sure you are seen and avoid any dangerous situations by tossing a few into your emergency items kit.
- Flashlight AND batteries – Because breakdowns and emergencies don’t always happen in broad daylight!
- Water – Always keep at least one gallon of water – unopened and sealed – for your own consumption and to help if the car overheats.
- Empty gas can – If you have ever run out of gas, you already know that a lot of gas stations don’t have empty cans. Don’t find yourself within sight of rescue only to be foiled by no gas can on hand.
- Fire extinguisher – Whether it is to put out a fire on your car or someone else’s it really can save lives.
- Oil – This is one of those no brainer items, but it is surprising how many of us hit the road without a quart or two of this essential material.
- Jumper cables – Do you know how to use them? If not, learn or keep a simple how-to booklet with your set.
- First aid kit – You have no idea how much you will appreciate a first aid kit until you find yourself without one. They are affordable and can be as simple or detailed as you want.
- Fix a flat – You have a spare, but if you can just mend the tire you already have in place, well…enough said?
Visit Us Before Your Road Trip
Does your car have these emergency items? What about a recent maintenance service? If not, give us a call at our Escondido, CA office at 760-746-0111. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.
