Is your vehicle ready for an emergency?
Emergency kit basics
| At minimum, your vehicle should always contain these items: | In the winter months in cold regions also include: |
|---|---|
| A properly inflated spare tire, wrench, and jack | Salt or kitty litter |
| Complete first aid kit | Folding shovel |
| Flashlight and extra batteries | Ice scraper |
| Multipurpose tool and utility knife | Blankets |
| Jumper cables | Extra gloves, hats, etc. |
| Road flares | Non-perishable food |
| Extra phone charger and/or battery backup | |
| Bottled water | |
| Emergency cash |
Extra useful supplies
| If space in your vehicle allows or severe weather is predicted, you may also want to include: |
|---|
| Car fire extinguisher |
| Hand wipes and paper towels |
| Rain poncho |
| Duct tape |
| Tarp |
| Sunscreen |
| Paper map of the region |
| Pen/pencil and paper |
Equally important
Know your car is safe and reliable.Have your vehicle inspected regularly by a certified mechanic.
Routinely keep your gas tank over a ¼ full.
Replace your tires when their tread is less than 4/32 or if they develop uneven wear. Having low tire tread greatly reduces your grip on the road and is especially dangerous in wet or snowy conditions.
Check your tire pressure monthly when they are cold.
A complete brake inspection should be performed once a year, and have any trouble signs checked out as soon as possible.
Check your fluid levels once a month, and bring it to your mechanic right away if you suspect a leak.
Have your battery tested to verify it is charging at the correct rate. If it is over 3 years old it may be time for a replacement.