It’s safe to assume that nobody ever plans to break down on the side of the road. It’s not exactly a fun experience, and it always seems to happen at the most unexpected time. And that, of course, is why we do what we do at B&B Towing and Recovery. One of our essential services is roadside assistance and towing for those unfortunate folks whose car decided to quit on them suddenly. And while we are happy to provide our services, we understand that nobody really wants to call a tow company unless it’s absolutely necessary.
As experts in auto maintenance and repair, we’re here to help. While some problems simply can’t be fixed on the side of the road, sometimes you can work out a solution so long as you’re equipped with the right gear. There are some items that you should simply never go without. And with all that storage space in your car, there’s really no excuse not to pack the essentials.
Want to avoid being totally hopeless the next time your car breaks down? Consider having the following items in your car at all times:
A Tire Changing Kit
This is actually several items. One of the most common breakdowns is a flat tire, and it’s also one of the easiest ones to fix on the spot — albeit temporarily. The good news is that most cars already have tire-changing essentials baked in. Your car should have a spare tire packed away somewhere, and most of them include a tire jack and a lug wrench. These are all the essentials you need to swap out a tire, though it doesn’t hurt to have some WD-40 on hand as well.
If you’ve inherited your car and you don’t think you have these items, consider doing a thorough examination of your car and consulting with the owner’s manual — they might be hiding away in secret compartments. But if you really don’t have a spare tire or a jack, be sure to get them ASAP!
Tire Sealant
In addition to a tire changing kit, it doesn’t hurt to have tire sealant in your car as well. For the most part, your spare tire is reserved for emergencies, those rare situations where your tire gets hopelessly blown out. If it’s just a small leak, some sealant might be enough to take care of the problem until you can reach a tire center.
Jumper Cables
You know what’s even worse than having to flag down strangers for help in the middle of nowhere? Watching them drive away after they tried to help you since no one had jumper cables.
Dead batteries are also one of the more common car problems, and you’re pretty much out of luck if you can’t jump your car. Sure, there’s a decent chance that strangers might have jumper cables with them, but it’s better to have assurance instead of having to rely on other people — especially when your battery dies somewhere remote.
Jumper cables are inexpensive and they massively improve your peace-of-mind when you’re broken down. If you’ve got cables, all you need is another car. Without ‘em, the odds are stacked higher against you.
A First-Aid Kit
If you’re like many of our customers, you might just break down on a well-trafficked Vermont highway, perfectly placed in the middle of civilization. But America is a big open place, and even in Vermont and New Hampshire where we do a lot of business, there are a lot of locations where you could find yourself totally alone.
A first-aid kit is an accessory that no car should go without. In a situation where you’re stranded, it can tend to any minor injuries. But it also just makes sense to have in a car. Suppose you get in a wreck or you spin off an icy road. Yes, you’ll want to call for assistance ASAP, but there could be injuries that are immediately treatable with some first-aid. Whether it’s something as minor as a band-aid, or something major like wrapping up heavy bleeding, a little first-aid kit can go a long way.
Also, while we don’t recommend people attempting auto repairs that they’re not trained for, a lot of people try it nonetheless and hurt themselves in the process. Like it or not, there are a lot of ways to get hurt in a car, so pack that first-aid kit!
Emergency Food and Water
We’re not saying you need to have a food and water supply that’s fit to carry you through the zombie apocalypse, but it’s wise to have at least a day or two’s worth of food and water in your car. There are many non-perishable dry foods that can sit in your car for an eternity without going bad, such as granola/energy bars. These don’t take up much room and they can be a lifesaver if you’re stranded somewhere remote.
And water, of course, speaks for itself. Pack a couple gallons, and make sure to store them in containers that can withstand strong heat and cold!
A Tool Set
Unfortunately, it’s not enough to have the mechanical know-how of fixing your problems. Even if you know what the solution is, sometimes you’re powerless to fix your car if you don’t have tools on hand.
While you don’t need a giant tool chest in your car, it’s good to be stocked with the essentials. A ratchet set is indispensable, but it also won’t hurt to have a screwdriver and adjustable wrench.
A Light
In the event that your car does break down somewhere, the last thing you want to die on you is your phone — and you can bet that you’re going to lose battery a lot quicker if you’re constantly using it as a flashlight to look under your hood.
The first thing you should do when you’re stranded is call for help. If you’re in Vermont or New Hampshire, our team at B&B Towing can come to the rescue, but in general, you should seek the assistance of professionals who can provide roadside assistance. Don’t waste your phone juice as a light, because if your phone dies, your situation becomes much more desperate. Besides, what else are you going to use to pass the time while you wait for us to arrive?
Towing and Recovery Services in Vermont
In truth, there are many more items that you should keep in your car, but we’ll save the rest for another post. At the bare minimum, having the things on this list will ensure that you have the essentials. But remember — even if you have the right tools, you can’t always fix your car on the spot. And even if you can, it’s not always recommended if you don’t know precisely what you’re doing.
Do you want a safe, reliable solution to your breakdown? Contact B&B Towing and Recovery. Whether you’re in Brownington, or across state lines in Littleton, we serve Vermont and New Hampshire with quality towing and roadside assistance services. Contact us today to get started!
