Anyone who has spent time in the Boy Scouts knows the importance of being prepared. Even if you didn't don the uniform, it's certainly a maxim that should be taken to heart. While car safety features and good driving can go a long way in keeping drivers and passengers safe, it's impossible to predict or prevent every possible snafu. In instances where things don't go as expected, having the right tools on hand can be the difference between inconvenience and disaster. Here are some things to keep in mind when crafting your own driver's survival kit.
Make friends with foresight
Principle No. 1 when it comes to preparing for emergencies is to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. It's a good idea to assume that Murphy's Law counts double when you're in your car, which means that you'll want to prepare for anything that could potentially go wrong. Of course this isn't to say that you should tote around an extra engine "just in case," but in general it's better to over-prepare than under-prepare.
Have your car covered
Automobiles are some of the most complicated machines around. Thankfully, you don't really have to worry about every single component when you're planning for emergencies. In general, there are a few areas that are either more prone to potential issues or more essential to your car's basic operation that you should take into consideration when putting together a survival kit.
As the Department of Motor Vehicles noted, a spare tire is perhaps one of the most necessary emergency repair items to pack, along with a jack and a tire iron, so that if you do encounter a flat, you'll be well equipped to deal with it. On the subject of tires, a pressure gauge is a good thing to carry around, especially since these tools are small and can easily be stowed in your glove compartment. Jumper cables are important to have on hand as well to get yourself out of a pinch if you end up with a bum battery.
Safety first
Nothing is more important in an emergency than your own safety, so make sure your kit has some crisis basics. Reflective cones or flares were recommended Consumer Reports, as they allow you to create a safe perimeter around your car if you break down on a busy road. Flashlights can help you see better, and they will make you more visible to other cars as well.
If your car needs repairs, make an appointment with the NJ State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center. The knowledgeable mechanics on staff can help you diagnose any maintenance issues, and will perform any necessary repairs to keep your car on the road.