Emergency items for your vehicle

Emergencies drivers may encounter can range from a flat tire in downtown to being stranded in a snowy ravine for three days. So you may want to consider a basic car emergency kit to keep in your vehicle at all times and a travel kit tailored to a specific trip.

Your close-to-home kit would have some basic items to work on your car: everything you need to change a tire, gloves, a couple of quarts of oil, some antifreeze and water. A can of tire inflator is a great temporary fix for minor flats. You’ll also want jumper cables or a booster box, flares, a flashlight and some basic hand tools.

Now for your comfort and safety: a first aid kit, drinkable water, high calorie food (like energy bars), blankets, toilet paper, cell phone, towel, hat and boots. Keep some emergency cash and a credit card available. If you live in an area in California with frequent severe weather and/or earthquakes, you may want to carry provisions for longer emergencies.

For trips away from Tehachapi, consider the weather and California geography as you assemble your emergency auto supplies. You’ll need to have a source of light and heat and will also want to provide protection against the elements. Have adequate food and water for everyone in the car. Always tell someone where you are going and have a plan for checking in at waypoints. Then, if you run into trouble, you can be reported missing as soon as possible and rescuers will be able to narrow the search area. The key to safe travel is to keep your vehicle properly maintained, plan ahead, and let others know your itinerary.

If your car needs servicing before your trip give us a call at Protech Auto Service at (661) 822-1100.