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Mar 18, 2013

Drivers can face a wide variety of obstacles and challenges when on the road, from a minor roadside situation to a full-on emergency.  While we can never predict every possible situation we could face, there are a number of common scenarios drivers experience that you can actually prepare for.  Being prepared helps reduce anxiety and helps you take action to remedy any negative situation.  One way to prepare for common situations on the road is to keep a fully stocked car emergency kit available at all times.  Here are some suggestions for what to keep in your car emergency kit from a Kia dealer near Clearwater:

Car Emergency Kit: Items for the Vehicle

Even a well maintained vehicle can experience unexpected maintenance issues.  Keeping the following items in your car emergency kit will help you get back on the road faster:

  • Fuses that fit your Kia (in case a headlight goes out or the lights in your dash, for example)
  • Road flares or emergency caution sign/cones to alert other drivers in case you break down on the side of the road
  • Jumper box or cables, to give your battery a boost if your car won’t start
  • Travel-size tool kit (screwdrivers, scissors, etc)
  • Fluids for your vehicle, things like windshield washer fluid, oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze.  Keep a jug of water handy too, in case of overheating.

Car Emergency Kit: Items for People

In addition to keeping items handy for minor repairs for your car, you can also keep a number of things around to help people in minor situations, including:

  • Aspirin or pain reliever
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit (bandages, cleansing wipes, burn ointment, gauze)
  • Drinking water, nonperishable snacks (in case you are stuck waiting for help for long periods of time)
  • Sunscreen
  • Clean rags or a roll of paper towels
  • Road atlas (in case your GPS fails and you don’t know where you are!)

 

These items can be kept in your trunk at all times to minimize the negative effects of many common roadside emergencies.  If you are going on a longer road trip through colder areas during the winter months, you might also want to include a blanket and perhaps a pair of gloves for each passenger in case you break down and need to wait for help.  You don’t want to count on your heater working if your car is out of commission, particularly when traveling through cold weather states.