Are these ten items in your car? They should be!

In January 2012, I had a flat tire in an extremely isolated area. It was 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Although I had AAA, it was almost two hours before one of their drivers could get to me. It was one of the longest two hour periods of my life.Be sure the flashlight is large enough to create a large sphere of light. Since flashlights that are kept in cars are not used as often as others (in most cases), it would be wise to have an extra set of batteries for the flashlight as well as not to keep batteries in the flashlight. It is important to keep the batteries near the flashlight.The following fluids should be kept in your vehicle at all times: 2 quarts of motor oil; brake fluid; gallon of water; gallon of anti-freeze; power-steering fluid (if applicable); and, automatic transmission fluid (if applicable).View the list ยป
Jumper cables are not only essential to the driver of the car in which they are stored, they also make it possible for you to assist other drivers. In particular, you don't want to be stranded late at night, with small children in your car, or in an isolated place without them.

Public Schools newsletter

Related topics

Advertisement

Recently I cut off my vehicle's motor while waiting for a coal train to pass through town. Even though I had not had any indication there was a problem with my battery, my car would not start when the crossing barriers rose to allow traffic to continue. After listening to five minutes of constant honking, several kind gentlemen pushed my vehicle off the main thoroughfare. Shortly thereafter, a police officer stopped to offer assistance at which time I realized I no longer had jumper cables in this particular car. As a result, I had to wait for a family member to come to my rescue.

While common sense may dictate a set of jumper cables should be in every vehicle on the road, it does not mean everyone has a set (obviously). There are some other items drivers should keep in their vehicles at all times. A quick check of my car revealed I already had six of these ten suggested items - including jumper cables. Check your vehicle against this list, then add the items you are missing.

View the list
  • Jumper cables are not only essential to the driver of the car in which they are stored, they also make it possible for you to assist other drivers. In particular, you don't want to be stranded late at night, with small children in your car, or in an isolated place without them.
  • The following fluids should be kept in your vehicle at all times: 2 quarts of motor oil; brake fluid; gallon of water; gallon of anti-freeze; power-steering fluid (if applicable); and, automatic transmission fluid (if applicable).
  • Be sure the flashlight is large enough to create a large sphere of light. Since flashlights that are kept in cars are not used as often as others (in most cases), it would be wise to have an extra set of batteries for the flashlight as well as not to keep batteries in the flashlight. It is important to keep the batteries near the flashlight.
  • In January 2012, I had a flat tire in an extremely isolated area. It was 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Although I had AAA, it was almost two hours before one of their drivers could get to me. It was one of the longest two hour periods of my life.
  • Keep a bottle of water (or two) in your vehicle. Also, peanut butter nabs, granola bars and/or a jar of peanuts will tide you over should you get caught up in a lengthy traffic jam or happen to breakdown somewhere and have to wait a good while before help arrives.
  • Is there anything duct tape cannot fix? It can be used to re-attach side-view mirrors, bumpers, and grills. It can be used to secure plastic over a broken window. It can even be  used to keep hoses from leaking if the hose is wrapped when it is dry.
  • How many times has someone asked you if you had a pair of scissors, a band aid, a cleanser, or something for a headache? Have you or anyone else ever cut or burnt themselves while working on your vehicle? Has one of your children ever been injured at a ball game or on a playground? A good first aid kit is essential.
  • Triangular folding reflectors and safety flares not only serve as a warning to others when your vehicle is not working properly or has been involved in an accident, they are essential if you happen to stop to assist others in similar straits.
  • Wool or mylar blankets are especially helpful if you happen to breakdown in the dead of winter or in rainy weather and have small children with you. It does not take long for your vehicle to become really cold once your breakdown. More importantly, it is wise to move away from your car until it is repaired or until someone comes to take you and your riders home.
  • Believe it or not, cars can get dirty - filthy even! Having clean oil rags to use when checking the fluids in your vehicle is a must. Having hand cleaner to use after you've worked on your car will make you feel much better. Hand cleaner comes in especially handy if you travel with children in your car.
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Suffolk Public Schools Examiner

Janice Holland is a retired public school educator having served her hometown of Suffolk, VA as as the assistant superintendent for administrative services; an elementary principal; a high school assistant principal; and, as a high school mathematics teacher. Since retiring, Janice has worked as...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...