Getting caught with your pants down. It’s a phrase we’ve all used and a few of us have probably experienced. Freeman Grapevine, wants to know if you you have your new car survival kit as to NOT get caught with your pants down in the event of a road side emergency or inconvenience.
What’s in a New Car Survival Kit you ask? All of the essential that will get you, at the very least, off of the side of the roadway and to a safe area you can leave your vehicle until further help arrives.
Jumper Cables
None of us ever leave our lights on on purpose, or run the radio just off of our battery because we know that it will wear down the charge. That’s not even saying anything about having an old tired battery that is on it’s last legs and always seems to struggle when that key is turned over. How many time are you going to cross your fingers hoping that battery has enough of a charge to actually start your car? If you say, “until it doesn’t start any more”, then you’d better have a set of jumper cables in your car. Or better yet, a portable battery charger/jumper. This way you don’t need a good Samaritan to help you in your time of need.
Flashlight
It doesn’t have to be night in order to need a flashlight. Have something to look at in your engine for whatever reason? A flashlight will come in handy. Then again, breakdowns at night always seem to be the norm, or at the very least, Murphy’s Law. Don’t have a flashlight in your new Atlanta GM? Expect to break down when you need light the most.
Tow Rope
It takes up very little space and can really get you out of a jam, quite literally. Now towing your car yourself should be reserved for the experienced, as it can be a little tricky if you don’t have your tow rope at the proper length. Plus, you have to be able to locate the appropriate tow points on your vehicle. A poorly anchored tow rope will pull the bumper off of your car. It’s a good thing to have, just consult your owner’s manual for proper tow points.
Blanket
This is obvious. If it’s cold outside, you are going to want a blanket in the case of a breakdown. Plus, if you travel long distances at any given point and need to pull into a rest area, to take a nap, it will be nice to have a little extra comfort.
First Aid Kit
We all keep a cabinet of first aid items in our home, so why not in the car? It will come in handy for a paper cut, or aid in a more serious situation.
Tire Gauge
I do posts on the importance of proper tire care all of the time. If you don’t own a tire gauge, you need to read my blogs a little more carefully. It’s an invaluable tool, costs less than $5 and is the size of a pen. Just get one already!
Empty Gas Can
I still don’t understand how people run out of gas on the road, but it happens. If you are the type who never looks at your instrument cluster, then it might be a good idea to throw a spare gas can in the trunk of your car. I’ve seen people walking down the road with them, so apparently people still don’t understand that your car will tell you that you are almost out of gas. Regardless, at least they were smart enough to prepare.
Have any other suggestions about what should go in your New Dallas, or Fort Worth vehicle? Tell Freeman Grapevine!
