9 Ways To Prepare For A Roadside Emergency
Few things can ruin your day like breaking down on the side of the road. It’s even worse when you don’t have the necessary supplies and coverage to get back to your trip quickly and safely.
It’s your responsibility to make sure you get from point A to point B without mishaps and handle any that arise. Follow these nine tips to prepare for a roadside emergency so that you’re never caught unawares.
1. Get an Inspection
Depending on where you live, your state may or may not require an annual vehicle inspection. However, you should take your ride to the shop for a tune-up every few months, even if your jurisdiction doesn’t mandate it.
A vehicle inspection helps identify issues before they can become hazards on the roadway. According to the experts from Elite Campbell, that worn tire tread could result in a devastating accident, and a torn belt could leave you stranded.
2. Check Your Fluids
Knowing how to check your radiator fluid before you drive off through the desert can spare you from overheating. If you do see your thermostat go into the red, please wait before opening the hood — steam can cause burns.
Likewise, you should know how to check your oil, especially if your vehicle is prone to leaks. Besides creating an environmental hazard, too little motor oil can destroy your engine, costing thousands to repair. You might find it less pricey to replace your entire car.
Even your windshield wiper fluid is vital. You might not think so — until you get caught in a dust storm that turns your windshield into a solid pane of mud.
3. Carry Water for Humans
You might think the directive to carry water in your vehicle only applies if your radiator goes on the fritz. While you certainly can use it in a pinch, you should opt for antifreeze. Instead, the rule refers to the human need for hydration.
You can last for days without food, but you won’t survive long without water. Dehydration can strike in hours in some climates, so please keep a gallon or two on hand for emergencies.
4. Master Pit Stop Skills
Do you know how to change a tire? If you’re 50 and still saying “no,” isn’t it time you honed your pit crew skills?
Check with your local community center or college. Many such facilities offer basic automotive know-how courses — it pays to study up before you take that summer road trip.
5. Understand Car Terminology
Do you know what a solenoid is and what it does? You don’t have to become a mechanic. However, understanding basic car terminology elevates you into a savvy-sounding customer, potentially keeping you from getting snookered by the only mechanic you can find for miles.
Fortunately, you have the internet at your disposal. You can find auto repair classes for budding mechanics and folks simply wanting to understand general mechanics on sites like Udemy.
6. Keep First Aid Stocked
If you get in an accident, it can take paramedics considerable time to arrive, depending on your location. What will you do if someone is bleeding or needs CPR?
Please keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle. It should contain various bandages and wraps to stop bleeding until first responders arrive and personal protective equipment (PPI) for administering treatment. After the past year, you might have a stash of disposable gloves, and you can purchase barrier devices that let you perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation without risking direct contact.
7. Use Roadside Assistance
Few things give you more peace of mind than knowing that a tow truck is only a phone call away if you break down on the road. Some insurance policies include roadside assistance as an amenity, although many place limits on how far they will tow your vehicle.
Check with your carrier before purchasing an additional plan. If you find the one that your present provider offers to be inadequate, consider separate policies like AAA and GoodSam.
8. Refresh Your Stranger Safety
Your tow truck gives you a 4-hour ETA. A kindly stranger pulls over in a van and offers you a ride to the nearest gas station. Should you take them up on it?
It’s ultimately your choice — but it’s always wise to refresh your stranger-safety. Getting into a vehicle with someone you don’t know puts you in their power — do you want to entrust yourself or a family member to this person, no matter how kind they may seem?
Recognize that someone who genuinely wants to assist you will respect your boundaries. A safer bet is requesting to use their cellphone or asking them to call for help when they reach their destination. Be wary of anyone who insists on “helping” by getting you into their ride and have a plausible excuse ready.
9. Keep a Spare Charger and Comfort Supplies Handy
It’s smart to pack a backup battery charger for your cellphone on the road if you can’t use your vehicle. A solar-powered model ensures you’ll never run out of juice.
While you need your phone to call for help, it also helps to have something to do to pass the time while you wait for your tow truck to arrive. A game like solitaire can provide a much-needed mental escape when you’re frazzled and have no internet connectivity. Likewise, it’s a wise idea to pack a few snacks and maybe a blanket or pillow in your ride on longer road trips to keep you cozy if you have to wait.
Prepare for a Roadside Emergency With These 9 Tips
Few people enjoy dealing with breakdowns, but they happen. Prepare for a roadside emergency with these nine tips.