Safety First | Here’s What Should Be In Your Emergency Kit While On The Road

 


Whether you're going just around the corner, or on a 4-hour road trip, safety always comes first.

Being prepared for the unexpected can save you from unnecessary frustration, difficulties and danger. That's why the team at Lester Glenn Auto Group recommends you travel with an Emergency Supply Kit on a daily basis. Whether homemade or store-bought, you can tuck your kit away in your trunk for safe keeping until it's needed - and hopefully it never is.

It is important to note that some things in your kit might expire or go bad over time. It's important to check these items over the course of time to make sure they are working as intended. The only thing worse than having no supply kit is having one that can't help you when you need it most.

Here are some items your vehicle's emergency supply kit should include. Remember, you can buy pre-made kits from our Parts Departments as well as retailers like Amazon, Wal-mart, Target and your favorite auto-supply store. But, you can also make your own - which can be cheaper in some cases!


1. Jumper Cables

If you've ever experienced a dead battery, you'll know it's no joke. Hearing the click noise and nothing happen can be quite defeating. Jersey winters can be especially brutal on a weakening vehicle battery. Don't be caught in the cold (or heat). Jumper cables can get you moving when your battery gives up. It beats needing to get towed to Lester Glenn when you can simply get a jump from a good Samaritan and have our technicians replace your battery once you pull into our service center yourself.

2. Flashlight and Extra Batteries

This is a very important safety item. Having a flashlight can help in a number of ways, including signaling people as to your location or presence in the dark should you be on the side of the road in an unsafe position. They are also a tremendous help for trying to work on whatever might be ailing your vehicle in the moment, should an issue occur at night. And if you can't fix what's going on as it happens and need to get towed, you can pass time by making shadow-puppets with it.

3. Reflective Triangles/Clothing/Material

Very similar to having a flashlight, having something reflective will help make sure motorists passing by can see you. Have you ever seen one of those little reflective triangles behind a disabled vehicle? That's why! Stay seen, stay safe.

4. Duct Tape

Human beings have yet to find all of the uses for duct tape, and that's why it should be included in your kit. From leaks, to cracks, to hoods flying open, glass breaking or doors and trunks not staying shut. Duct tape is the tool for the job - at least temporarily. If it's good enough for MacGyver, it's good enough for you.

5. A Properly Inflated Spare Tire, Wheel Wrench and Tripod / Or A Tire Patch Kit

Should one of your tires go flat, having a spare is a huge plus. But, is your spare tire properly inflated? Make sure it is before you need it one day. And make sure you have all of the tools you need to actually change your tire if you need to. A tire patch kit can work too if you catch your tire before it gets becomes flat or you have the means to add air back into your tire. But remember, these are temporary fixes until you can get to the closest service center! Spare tires should not be driven on for long distances or at high speeds.

6. First Aid Kit

The point is, you never know - so be prepared. Having a basic first aid kit with bandages, tape, gauze, gloves, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointment and aspirin can be a life-saver - literally. Don't leave home without it.

7. Nonperishable Food / Drinking Water

Having a few nonperishable snacks and water available can also be life-saving should you find yourself in a dangerous-enough predicament. It can also be especially useful should your vehicle become disabled on a warm Jersey summer day where temperatures inside your vehicle can become extremely dangerous.

8. Car Charger For Your Cell Phone

This might be a no-brainer for some, but if you don't have a car charger for your phone - get one. If something happens to you or your vehicle and your phone is dead, you limit your options of getting help. Take control of your own fate and be prepared.

9. Owner's Manual

From diagnosing basic malfunctions and warning lights, to learning how your vehicle should be lifted to change a tire, to learning how your vehicle should be secured for towing, the owner's manual gives you a wealth of information about your vehicle when you might need it most. Keep yours safe and remember to reference it as needed. It has many of the answers you might need in the moment.

10. Blanket/Poncho/Warm Clothing

Jersey winters can be especially brutal. Having a cloth blanket, a space blanket and warm clothing available to you can be a tremendous help to keep your body at a regular temperature should your vehicle become disabled in the snow/cold. A poncho will help you stay dry should something happen to your vehicle in active precipitation. Nothing is worse than being broken down and having wet clothes. Add cold weather and no heat to your wet clothes situation and it's potentially very dangerous.

11. Tool Kit

Consider bringing a basic tool kit along with you in your emergency kit. Basic tools might assist you with attempting to fix minor happenings to your vehicle. Be sure to include a tire pressure gauge in your tool kit so you can monitor the pressure in all of your vehicle's tires, including your spare tire (see #5 as to why). A snow brush and small shovel are also great additions to this kit.

Our hope is you never have to use this kit we've helped you build, but if you do, it's better to have it and be prepared for the worst.
Should your vehicle become disabled in any way, your personal safety is the top priority. When it make sense to wait with your vehicle while you wait for assistance, do so. When it makes sense to abandon your vehicle while you wait for assistance, do so. Give yourself the best opportunity for success and safety and listen to your gut, but remember the tools you have at your disposal. Once you are able to safely travel again, our team of technicians will be happy to assist you at our service center.

We wish you all safe travels!