A Roadside Emergency - Preventive Measures

Flats and Jumpstarts - Breakdowns - Preventative Measures

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night ...

Motorists don't have the option of scheduling a breakdown, but preventive measures are easily scheduled. A car owner's best defense is to be proactive. Avert a crisis with planned maintenance.

The One, Two Punch 

There are two ways to ensure your car is always road ready: scheduled maintenance and an annual inspection.

Scheduled Maintenance 

Haphazard maintenance leaves your car's condition constantly in question. The 3,000 mile/3 month oil change is a good example of preventive car care measures designed to avert a crisis and extend the life of your car. 

Annual Inspection  

"Early Detection" is a term we associate with saving lives. It applies in the automotive world, too, where an undetected condition could be life threatening. Investing in an annual check up for your car can pay big dividends. 

It Will Happen 

If Murphy's Law is credible, sooner or later you will experience car trouble. Whether it's a flat tire or adverse weather, it pays to be prepared. Of course, your first defense against an emergency situation is a mechanically dependable vehicle. Second, is adhering to the information in this article. 

These are the items that you'd want in your car if you were stranded:

• Blanket (woven or space) 
• Electrician's tape 
• Rope 
• Empty gas can
• Area extinguisher 
• White rags 
• Hares and/or reflectors 
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight 
• Ice scraper 
• Pliers (locking) 
• Tire inflator (pressurized can) 
• Water/non-perishable food 
• Screwdrivers (slot head and Phillips) 
• Coffee can candle matches (makeshift heater)
• First aid kit (including important medications)
• Wide board to put under jack on soft ground

Courtesy of the Car Care Council

Flats and Jumpstarts - Breakdowns - Preventative Measures