Nobody likes to think about it, but things can go wrong when you’re driving. Sometimes very wrong.
One reason we often tell people to bring their vehicles in for regular maintenance is that things are less likely to go wrong if you take care of your car. You’re far less likely to have a flat tire or to see your car engine suddenly go up in smoke if you’re bringing in your car to Milex Complete Auto Care / Mr. Transmission of Cary for regular oil changes. After all, it’s has Complete Auto Care in the name for a reason. Fluids are topped off, and if there’s a filter that needs changed, or the tires are looking anemic, we’ll let you know. But sometimes things can go wrong even if your car is being routinely inspected and is running well. So, please, look around your car sometime and make sure you’re carrying the following:
Your cell phone. Probably obvious, and you probably don’t need to be told. But, still, sometimes people forget their phones. But if you have an old phone you never use, you might want to toss it in the glove compartment. As long as that phone has a working signal, even if it isn’t charged, it may be able to call 911.
Car window breaking tools. There are some on the market – or probably any regular hammer would do. You could keep one in your glove compartment along with that extra, old cell phone. It’s not a fun thought, but if you did get stuck in your car somewhere, and you needed to break out, a hammer would be a pretty nice thing to have.
Roadside flares or reflective triangles. If you do break down and your car is on the side of a road at night and it’s pitch dark, you might want to use flares or reflective triangles. This will make you and your car more visible to other vehicles passing by the let them know you need assistance.
A flashlight. If you do break down in the middle of the night, and you need to look at the engine, a flashlight could come in handy. You may have a flashlight feature on your phone but would want to preserve the battery while you wait for help.
Jumper cables. If your car fails to start, one of the most important items you can have in your car is a set of jumper cables. You can ask someone nearby for assistance and all you need is the proper connection with the cables to a running car. That will get your vehicle started and you to where you need to go, and then you can drive on over to Milex Complete Auto Care / Mr. Transmission of Cary and get your alternator and battery inspected or replaced.
A first-aid kit. You certainly don’t like to think of a situation in which someone gets hurt in an auto accident, but unfortunately it does happen. Make sure you have a first-aid kit with things such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes and an instant cold compress to help in an emergency.
Water bottles and maybe some snacks. We don’t have control over how long we may be waiting for assistance if our car breaks down. Be sure to pack several water bottles and protein bars in your car, which could come in handy if you are waiting for an extended period of time for help.
Blankets. In many situations – daytime, summer temperatures, short wait for help – you will probably be fine. But if you are stranded at night or in cold weather, having some blankets handy in the truck suddenly becomes and important thing. The emergency blanket made of mylar are small but really keep you warm when you need it.
A spare tire. Although many new cars don’t come with spare tires, for most other vehicles, it is useful to have available. A quick change of the tire can get you on your way and help avoid a potentially long and expensive wait for a tow truck.
Of course, you could probably fill up your car with numerous things in case of an emergency. Plan and think about the scenarios that seem plausible and prepare for them. It is always important to bring in your car to Milex Complete Auto Care / Mr. Transmission of Cary for regular service. Many car emergencies, like a tire blowout or brakes failing on a busy freeway, are completely preventable.