Having the right tools and knowing what to do in case of an emergency will help drivers feel more confident on the road. This is why many families choose to invest in a peace of mind add-on policy like Emergency Roadside.
A well-stocked emergency car kit is a must-have for all road trips. Make sure to pack jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, basic tools (like screw drivers and wrenches), a pair of mechanic gloves, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
A car battery provides the crucial jolt of electricity needed to turn over the engine and power all electrical components in your vehicle. It’s a serious responsibility, and one that demands regular attention. Car batteries are not indestructible — they deteriorate over time, and their ability to hold a charge diminishes with age. This is accelerated by a lack of routine maintenance, which includes removing corrosion from terminals, topping off fluid (if the battery has removable caps), and visual inspection of their condition at least once each year.
The most common cause of a dead battery is age, but other factors can also contribute to this problem. In some cases, batteries may become discharged or weakened by long periods of inactivity, especially during hot summer temperatures. And, as a result of this deterioration, they can fail to start a car on its own.
Fortunately, most battery problems are easy to fix with the right equipment. Stash a set of jumper cables in your trunk to be ready for roadside emergencies, and consider adding mechanic gloves for safe handling of oily or dirty items. Some types of these gloves are also designed to protect your hands from sparks or other hazards while you work on a difficult task, such as changing a tire.
When a battery is in need of replacement, it’s important to select a new unit that matches the specifications of your specific vehicle. This ensures optimal compatibility and avoids potentially disastrous issues such as a defective alternator or parasitic drains.
When determining the appropriate type of battery for your vehicle, consider its Ah (ampere-hours) rating and voltage. A high Ah rating translates into more starting power for the engine, while a higher voltage indicates greater charge capacity. A battery’s chemical makeup is another key factor, with lead plates interacting with electrolytic solution to form a positive and negative charge. Lastly, look for a sealed unit that does not leak acid or require ventilation. It’s also a good idea to purchase a battery charger for periodic maintenance and recharges. This will help extend the life of your battery.
Tires
A flat tire is one of the most common roadside emergencies and it can happen at any time, usually when you least expect it. It happens from a variety of causes including punctures, slow leaks, and damage to the valve stem from hitting a pothole or other road hazards. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent it by keeping the proper emergency roadside tools in your vehicle and knowing how to use them in a crisis.
A quick fix for a flat tire is to apply foam tire sealant to the punctured area. This will temporarily seal the hole and allow you to continue driving until you can get to a shop for a permanent repair. It is a good idea to carry this in your emergency kit along with a tire pressure gauge, which will ensure that the tires are properly inflated and reduce the likelihood of a flat tire happening in the first place.
In addition to a spare tire, a good emergency car kit will include a lug wrench and jack, wheel wedges, gloves, head lamp and a tire plug kit. It is also a good idea to keep an air pump or a can of compressed gas in the car for filling up the spare tire when it gets low. In addition, a good quality set of sockets with several different sizes can help make changing a tire easier if you’re stuck on the side of the road and need to remove the lug nuts.
Whether you’re commuting to work or taking your family on a vacation, no one plans on having car problems. But if you’re prepared, these simple tools can save you the hassle of waiting for a tow truck and can put your mind at ease when traveling in an unfamiliar city or country.
Locked Keys
If you lock your keys in the car, it’s important to remain calm and take the right steps. Whether it’s a simple inconvenience or an emergency with a child or pet trapped inside, there are many ways to resolve this situation, including calling roadside assistance or a locksmith.
You should also try to locate any spare keys you might have on hand, such as a key fob, smart phone or wallet. Having a spare set of keys can prevent this type of breakdown from becoming a much bigger problem. You can even have a third key cut and stored with a friend or family member, if they have the time and willingness to do so.
Some people might be tempted to pull a MacGyver and use DIY tools, such as a coat hanger or Slim Jim, to unlock their vehicle. However, these methods can be risky and may damage the door or windows. In the case of an emergency, it is generally best to call roadside assistance or a locksmith to assist with the unlocking process rather than trying to force the lock.
When you call for assistance, be sure to provide the vehicle’s make and model and let them know if there are children or pets in the vehicle. This will allow them to dispatch the appropriate help in an efficient manner and ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, you should wait for assistance in a safe location and be aware that it can take an hour or more for an emergency service to reach you.
It’s worth noting that many registered roadside assistance programs offer locksmith services as part of their coverage. If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, it’s worth checking with your provider to see if you are eligible for this benefit, which can save you money and stress in the event of a lockout. Getting locked out of the car can be an embarrassing and frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the right steps, staying calm and having a plan of action can help prevent these situations from becoming an emergency.
Fuel
If you’re stranded on the side of the road because your fuel tank has run out, emergency gas delivery services will bring your car, truck, or motorcycle some gasoline to get you back on your way. This type of service can be very useful for travelers who are unable to reach a fuel station before their vehicle runs out of gas and for drivers who are in remote locations with no access to gas stations.
To prevent running out of fuel during a road trip, it’s important to carry extra fuel with you and plan your refueling stops ahead of time. You should also familiarize yourself with your route and note the locations of fuel stations along the way. It’s also a good idea to keep a flat tire repair kit and a spare tire with you, as well as an air compressor for filling tires. Keeping these items with you will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable, regardless of the situation.
Whether you’re experiencing a mechanical failure or are out of gas, it’s essential to remember how your vehicle acted before it stopped working. This will help emergency roadside professionals determine whether the issue is a true “car out of gas” situation or if your vehicle has suffered a different type of malfunction.
When refueling your vehicle, it’s important to use safe handling practices and never touch the nozzle with a bare hand. This can cause static electricity to ignite the vapors of the flammable fuel, creating an explosion or fire. Additionally, fuel vapors can be toxic to human beings if inhaled.
If you’re in need of emergency roadside assistance, stay inside your vehicle if it’s safe to do so and turn on the hazard lights. This will increase your visibility and make it easier for roadside services providers to locate your location. Additionally, you should provide your dispatcher with a description of your vehicle and any landmarks nearby to expedite the process. You can even add a roadside assistance plan to your auto insurance to cover these types of situations and other common breakdowns.
