Spare Tire and Jack
Flat tires don’t make appointments or come at convenient times! They come without warning, and they jam up your mutation until either you or someone else fixes it. What do you need in your car at all times then?
- Fully inflated spare tire: spare tires don’t hold air for years and years. Have a reliable mechanic check your spare tire yearly in your annual inspection.
- A reliable jack: If you bought your car used, it may not even have a jack in it! If your car is new, the jack it came with may not even be able to lift the car. It is not a rule with car makers that they include a useful jack to lift up the car they built you. Look into your jack, use it and make sure it can actually lift your car.
- Breaker bar and lug nut tool: Whatever wrench comes with your spare tire kit (if there is one) is most likely designed for the leverage Captain Marvel or Thor can provide, not what your average Subaru Owner can produce even by standing on it. A Breaker Bar makes you equal with Thor and it can be bought at any Napa store. Be sure to get the right socket to go with the Breaker Bar (the one that fits your lug nuts).
- Your lug nut key: Not even Captain America can help with a flat tire if you cannot unlock the lug nuts.
Basic Toolkit
Having a basic toolkit in your car is invaluable. Include essentials like a screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, pliers and a tire pressure gauge, for instance. These tools can come in handy for minor repairs, tightening loose parts or, of course, checking tire pressure. Consider also adding a flashlight, duct tape (just think like MacGyver) and a multi-purpose utility knife to have some extra tools for unforeseen situations.
Jumper Cables
Car batteries can die unexpectedly, leaving you unable to start your vehicle. Jumper cables can come in handy, as they’ll allow you to jump-start your car using another vehicle’s battery. Learn how to use them correctly and ensure they are long enough to reach between cars. Having jumper cables can save you from the frustration and cost of calling for roadside assistance.
Emergency Kit
Prepare for emergencies by assembling a comprehensive emergency kit. Some items you might want to include are:
- First aid kit
- Reflective warning triangles
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency blankets
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Portable phone charger.
This kit could prove to be invaluable in keeping you safe until help arrives during unexpected breakdowns or accidents. To learn more about what to include in your emergency kit and why, check out our “Ultimate Guide to Outfitting Your Winter Roadside Emergency Kit.”
Owner’s Manual and Documents
Always keep your car’s owner’s manual and important documents within reach. The manual contains valuable information about your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, troubleshooting and other useful details. Additionally, be sure you always carry your vehicle registration, insurance information and emergency contact numbers in case you need them.
Stay Extra Prepared With Routine Maintenance
Owning a car comes with responsibilities, and being prepared for various situations is crucial. By stocking your car with these five essentials, you’ll be better equipped to handle common maintenance, emergency and safety issues.
To help avoid some potential issues and roadside emergencies altogether, be sure to keep up with your vehicle’s routine maintenance. When you trust METRO with your maintenance needs, we can help track everything for you, and we’ll even help you adjust your maintenance intervals to account for Alaska’s extreme conditions. Call or click to schedule an appointment for maintenance with one of METRO’s expert mechanics today.
