It has happened to all of us. You’re happily driving along when you hear a sound that your car should not be making. Dread fills you!
No one likes car trouble; it is inconvenient and can be expensive. But when you add in snow, ice and below freezing temperatures, it becomes dangerous. Even stopping on the side of the road can be unsafe. If you find yourself there, be sure to stand clear of the road.
If it is a problem with a tire, you can most likely fit that on the side of the road yourself, however, if it is anything else, you are out of luck. Your cell phone and a phone number for roadside assistance are your best bet. Cars these days are computerized and require special tools to fix. They are too complex to fit on the side of the road.
There are few deeds we can do and doing them beforehand can go a long way. Firstly, it is important to keep up the maintenance. Those oil changes and specific mile services hopefully will keep you from being broken down on the side of the road. If not, the second deed is to keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your car at all times.
Click here to get a free downloadable emergency kit.
Yes, you can go buy one but pre-made kits tend to be fairly basic. Here is how to put together your own kit. You can use a use a cardboard box or a large plastic container. I prefer a plastic container; it will last longer. Start with items from the downloadable list that you have extras of in your home already. Small items like the tire gauge may be your conveniently stored in your glove compartment. For everything else, purchase a couple a week until you have the whole list complete. Replace items like water and unperishable snacks annually.
In Colorado, if you are traveling on I-70 to go play in the mountain snow, be aware of Code 15 and add snow chains or an approved alternative. Click here to link to C-Dot.
Your best tool is your own common sense. Be prepared and be safe!