10 essentials for your car

Imagine: it's 10 pm, you ran off the road in the middle of nowhere, and your phone is dead. Be sure to bring your charger next time. But for now, what are you doing?

If you're dealing with a flat tire, you're probably in the mood; most vehicles are equipped with a jack, wrench, and instructions for changing a tire in the vehicle's owner's manual. But if you're facing a different kind of incident, you may need more help. Trained drivers carry roadside assistance kits to help them in emergencies until they can get to Chapel Hill Tire for repairs!

Pre-packaged kits from your dealership or store are one option, but if you know what items to include, it's easy to put together your own. Here are 10 main things:

1. Emergency blanket.

If your incident happened in the winter, you may have a long cold wait. In these situations, it's important to have an emergency blanket: a lightweight, compact layer of very thin, heat-reflecting plastic (also known as Mylar®). These blankets keep your body heat in, reducing heat loss. They're the most efficient way to keep warm in bad weather, and they're so small you can put them in your glove box. Just remember to put them on the shiny side while using!

2. First aid kit.

After an accident, you can face bumps and bumps - and not just your car. Always be prepared to provide first aid to yourself or your passengers. Among other things, a good first aid kit will contain an elastic bandage, adhesive tape, band-aid, scissors, gauze, a chemical cold compress, sterile gloves, and an over-the-counter pain reliever.

(Remember: even the best first aid kit cannot deal with serious injuries. If someone is badly injured, call an ambulance as soon as possible.)

3. Emergency stop signs.

When your car breaks down on the side of the road, you need a way to protect yourself from the traffic behind you. Warning triangles - bright orange reflective triangles that prop up the road - warn other drivers to slow down.

The AAA guidelines for warning triangles recommend installing three: one about 10 feet behind the left bumper of your car, one 100 feet behind the center of your car, and one 100 feet behind the right bumper (or 300 on a divided highway). ).

4. Torch.

Nobody wants to be stuck changing a tire or working on an engine in the dark. Always carry a flashlight with you in your car and make sure its batteries are working. A handheld industrial flashlight will be effective; you can also opt for a headlamp to keep your hands free.

5. Gloves.

A pair of good work gloves will come in very handy when repairing a car, whether you're changing a tire or unscrewing a stuck oil tank cap. Gloves will keep your hands warm and help you work in the winter, as well as help you better hold your tools. Choose a pair of heavy duty gloves with non-slip grips on the fingers and palms.

6. Adhesive tape.

There is no end to the usefulness of a good roll of duct tape. Maybe your bumper is hanging by a thread, maybe you have a hole in your coolant hose, maybe you need to fix something to broken glass - in any sticky situation, duct tape will come to the rescue.

7. A set of tools.

Most cars come with a wrench to help you change a tire, but what about a standard wrench? If the oil cap we talked about is well and truly stuck, you may need mechanical help. Keep a basic set of tools in your car, including a wrench, screwdriver, and a knife (for cutting duct tape, among other things).

8. Portable air compressor and tire pressure gauge.

Okay, it's really two, but they have to work together. A portable air compressor with tire inflator is all you need to bring a flex tire to life. You'll know how much air to inflate by checking the level while you're driving with, you guessed it, a tire pressure gauge. (Did you know that the ideal tire pressure is usually printed on the side? Have a look and see for yourself!)

9. Connecting cables.

Dead batteries are one of the most common car problems, and they can happen to anyone - who hasn't accidentally left their headlights on and drained their battery? Carry jumper cables with you so you can easily start the engine if the Good Samaritan shows up. Check out 8 steps to car jump here.

10. Towing strap.

Say that good samaritan is coming, but your battery isn't the problem: your car works great, except for the fact that it's stuck in a ditch! Having tow straps on hand can help you. If you can't call or wait for a tow truck, but you have help from another very kind motorist (especially with a truck), another car can get you to safety.

Good tow straps will be able to handle pressures of 10,000 pounds or more. Before use, make sure your straps are not worn or damaged and never attach them to the bumper or any other part of the vehicle except at the proper attachment point. (In most vehicles, these are located right below the front and rear bumpers; check your manual to find yours. If you have a tow hitch, it will probably also have a mounting point.)

This procedure can be dangerous for both you and your car, so make sure you have the correct belts and know how to use them. Be sure to read the towing instructions before attempting to tow your vehicle.

Preventive maintenance

No one wants to be in a situation where their car suddenly stops working. Be sure to find a reliable mechanic to make sure your assistance works to the best of its ability. A good mechanic diagnoses possible common car problems before they cause you problems, make an appointment with Chapel Hill Tire if you need car service in Raleigh, Durham, Carrborough or Chapel Hill!

Good preparation means more peace of mind. Expect the unexpected and stock your car with these essentials!

Back to resources