Every driver needs roadside assistance at one point or another. Your emergency roadside kit will keep you safer and more comfortable while you wait for help.
From the moment you pull your vehicle to the side of the road until your roadside assistance or two truck company arrives, focus on passenger safety, visibility, and all-season comfort.
First, focus on the first three rules of roadside safety:
Read our post, What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway, for a more detailed explanation of how to keep yourself and other vehicle occupants safe while waiting for assistance.
Once you’ve moved the car off the road, activated the hazard lights, and called for help, you begin making use of relevant emergency roadside kit must-haves.
A single, durable canvas bag is the best way to create a one-stop-shop for roadside kits. The bad should remain in your trunk or on the floorboard behind the seats at all times. You can pick these up for cheap at army surplus stores, Goodwills or local thrift stores, and garage sales. There’s no need to buy something brand new.
This is probably the Number 1 item used from anybody’s roadside kit. They’ll be handy when you need them and allow you to play hero when someone else’s battery dies. Cables should be 12’ to 20’ feet long (longer is helpful) and should be the correct gauge for your vehicle.
Visibility is vital when stopped on the side of the road. This is especially true in low-visibility situations, dark, fog, or in the midst of illegally texting drivers. If your hazards don’t feel enough, battery-operated flares are a huge bonus.
Flat tires are another common and unavoidable scenario in the lifetime of the average driver. Non-explosive, flat tire canisters can quickly get you to the next destination without needing to change your tire for the spare if it’s not a blowout.
Sure, you probably have information about roadside assistance on the back of a card or in an “online” policy. However, if you need a tow truck or roadside assistance, trying to hunt through small print or online portals is frustrating. Instead, laminate a single piece of paper with all of the relevant details written large, so you have immediate access to the phone numbers and any policy information without any stress.
First-aid supply kits come in handy at unpredictable times. Odds are, you’ll use yours far more often in situations that don’t involve roadside assistance. If, however, minor injuries occur at the scene of an accident, your first-aid supply kit is great to have on hand until the first-responders arrive.
It’s nice to have at least two gallons of potable water on hand. It’s great for drinking, washing hands after a tire change or DIY engine repair, or to substitute as a coolant if you don’t have any on-hand
If your trunk is large enough, it’s good to have a gallon of coolant on hand. REMEMBER: Never open the coolant cap while the engine is still hot! You risk debilitating steam burns. Instead, wait until your car has cooled down and then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding fresh coolant.
Most roadside assistance companies try to get there in 20-minutes or less, but that’s not always possible. Having granola, energy bars, or other high-protein snacks on hand can quell empty tummies and keep you nourished until help arrives.
Light, fleece blankets, or space blankets don’t take up much space but provide comfort and warmth for the wait. They are also good to put over or around car accident victims to help ward off shock.
Car fire extinguishers (ABC types) are wise to have available in case your car, or a fellow road traveler’s car catches on fire. Here in California, they can also help prevent a small roadside fire from becoming a devastating wildfire. Make sure to follow the instructions and have it inspected/recharged each year.
If you run out of oil on the road, odds are your engine will seize up. If, however, you notice your oil is low while checking it at the gas station, your on-hand quart will do the trick and is far less expensive than the oil available at gas stations.
From checking the oil to working on a car, to spills and handwashing, a roll of paper towel or a small stack of washable old rags is handy to have in the trunk.
Always carry a flashlight and a set of extra batteries. Once the sun sets, you don’t want to use up your car battery with cabin lights and phones may have enough charge to provide the light you need while waiting for assistance.
Bay area evenings are on the cooler side, even during the spring and summer months. Also, those who have been in an accident or while stressed can feel chilly or colder than usual. Keeping light jackets, thick socks, hats, scarves, and gloves in the emergency roadside kit can provide warmth and comfort.
Again, most of these items you may already have on hand can be purchased for very cheap at local thrift stores and military supply stores.
Do you currently need roadside assistance? Contact J & T Towing at 707-356-4613, and we’ll be there ASAP.
