Are You Equipped for Roadside Emergencies?

You've filled your travel mug to the brim with hot coffee, plugged your cell phone into the dash, and your road atlas is tucked into the door pocket. So now you're ready to head down the road, right? Well, maybe—but what's in your trunk? Are you prepared for a breakdown?


Car reliability has come a long way from the days when blowouts and boil-overs were common occurrences, but run-flat tires and modern cooling systems can't prevent every sort of roadside emergency. A recent survey by the AAA of 1,500 motorists nationwide revealed that 28 percent of those responding had experienced at least one automotive breakdown during the prior 12-month period. Getting stranded on a lonely road, in unfamiliar territory, and without the appropriate equipment is every motorist's worst nightmare. Here are few things you should have in your car that can turn this high-stress event into a minor inconvenience. For simplicity, we'll break the list of emergency equipment into two basic groups: "Must haves" and "Not a bad idea to have on hand as well."

To Have or Not
In the "Must have" department, a cell phone is great for contacting a tow service, but that's not the only thing you need to carry in your car, especially if you're stuck in an area where there's no cell coverage. A can (or two) of tire sealant is one of those easy-to-use, quick-fix items that can get you rolling again in minutes, instead of struggling with a jack or waiting for a tow truck. It not only can plug a hole, but also inflate the tire. Keep in mind, though, that these products are only effective on minor punctures. You still need to carry a spare (don't forget to check its inflation level regularly) or have run-flat tires.


Bring along some essential fluids, too: oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. If your vehicle starts to run dry on any one of these, you may be able to add enough to get you to a service station for repairs. And make sure you have funnels as well, especially one of those narrow-neck types for automatic transmissions.


A basic toolkit might help you fix a problem that would otherwise leave your car stranded. For instance, what if the problem is as simple as a loose battery cable? Having a screwdriver or a wrench will get you out of that situation in no time. The older your car is, the more likely a tool kit will come in handy. If your worn radiator hose is starting to leak or an exhaust pipe is coming loose, duct tape is a great fix-all. Also put jumper cables in your tool kit. Even if your car doesn't break down, they're good to have to help somebody else. Another option for recharging a dead battery is a mini-battery that plugs into your cigarette lighter.