It is often more than amazing. Motorists will spend a fortune purchasing and dolling up their new vehicle but will often scrimp on basic maintenance and care in order to keep their vehicle and its seasonal parts up to snuff.
Generally it can be said that the two most frequent causes of breakdowns are either running out of gas and flat tires. While it can be said that in 2010 with cell phones readily available as a standard communications and safety for most motorists and the general public that help in the form of local CAA, AAA, auto manufacturer or big box store roadside assistance or available tow truck can be had readily easily if not in a flash, that it never hurts to carry an empty, gas can – just in case of emergencies like this. Either it may come in handy for you, or to help out another stranded motorist on the road. A word of caution though. Never carry that gasoline container full of gas. It’s a safety and fire hazard in your trunk.
In terms of flat tires, you will need a spare in good working order, a jack and lug wrench – all of which you must easily find in the dark. Hence it never hurts to have a fully charged and working flash light in your glove box. As well it may be reassuring too, if you taken the preparation time to have practiced changing a tire in the safety and ease of your own driveway. The military frequently runs tests and exercises for its staff and you aught too as well.
As far as tools go, here are some basic items. A strong pocket knife, a medium screwdriver, a good quality set of pliers or Vise grips, a few wrenches and a flashlight. Of course their standard safeties practice to test your flashlight on a regular and ongoing basis. Wrapping everything in an old towel will keep the kit from rattling around. As a bonus the cloth will give you a clean up kit as well.
Lastly and interestingly one of the most versatile and important items in the bottom of your auto and household tool kit can be duct tape – the grey fabric with the stick-to-anything adhesive. In an emergency duct-tape can patch or hold up any of a variety of things. More than one car, truck or SUV has limped many many miles or kilometers into a service station, garage or auto dealership with a ruptured water hose held temporarily together with simple Canadian tire duct tape. A few strips can hold your trunk lid closed, if it is over loaded or even if the trunk latch itself is broken. You can even make the letters for a simple yet effective “Help ” sign that is readily visible at night – safety and emergency means – with this solid performer due to duct tapes highly visible light reflecting qualities.
Edmonton Dodge Grand Caravan Service Center
Tags: auto, automotive, dealership, diesel, garage, gas, GM, Insurance, maintenance, repair, transportation, travel, Travel & Leisure, truck, trucking
