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When Your Car Breaks down

If your car breaks down, think safety first.  Be careful when getting out of the car if you are near a busy intersection or on a highway.  If at all possible don't get out.  Try to get the car to a safe place first.  If the car won't move, consider staying in the car, putting on your hazard lights and wait until help arrives.  Use a cell phone (if you have one) to call for help. 

Its a good idea to have a safety kit in your car for emergencies.  You can buy a car safety kit with most of the items or you can put together a box of the things you need to keep in your trunk.  Below are some of the items we recommend.

• Flares or triangles -  Marking your location warns other drivers that there is a problem so they can be extra cautious when passing you. 

• A first aid kit - a good first aid kit may be needed if someone has been hurt either in your vehicle or another's.

• Fire extinguisher - Although auto fires rarely happen a small fire extinguisher doesn't take up much room and may save your car.

• Flashlight - If you break down at night, you'll need this.  Make sure to check it periodically to make sure the batteries still work.  Or, invest in a "batteryless" flashlight.

• Kitty Litter (cold weather drivers) - If you plan to drive in snow or slushy weather, kitty litter can be just the ticket to give you traction.

• Fix-a-flat product - A product that fixes a flat tire until you can get to a place to buy a new one will prevent you from being stranded due to a flat tire.

• Jumper cables - Should you or any one else get a dead battery, jumper cables can get you started with the help of another vehicle.

• Tire Pressure Gauge - A tire pressure gauge will determine if your tire pressure is too low (or too high) when filling your tires with air.

• Clean rags or paper towels - These may be needed to clean up an leaks or messes.

• Wipes - Moist wipes will allow you to clean up if you find it necessary to work on the car.

• Water - Not a bad idea to carry extra water with you.  It can be used to cool your car, or to cool you if driving in warm areas.

• Air Pump - A small air pump can be a GREAT help if you find you are low on air in your tires and aren't able to get to a place to fill them.  Or, should you get a flat tire - use the Fix-a-flat and then use the pump to fill the tire to get to someplace to make a proper repair.

• Blanket - A small blanket is always helpful if you get stranded in cold weather or stop to help out at an accident.

OK - sounds like a lot of stuff.  But, it really isn't if you organize it all in a plastic box in your trunk.  If you ever need any of these items, you'll be glad you went to the trouble.