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Auto Club: How To Create A Winter Roadside Emergency Kit For Your Car

(LOS ANGELES, Dec. 26, 2008) With scores of auto travelers hitting the roads this winter during rainstorms and expected snow, the Automobile Club of Southern California reminds motorists that it’s important to be prepared for a possible break down any time, including while vacationing, and even in a properly maintained vehicle.

According to the Auto Club, it’s important for drivers to be prepared for breakdowns or emergencies by outfitting their vehicle with food, water, blankets, tools, clothing and other gear in a roadside emergency kit should their vehicle become disabled, or they become lost. Properly stocked, an emergency kit will help drivers repair minor breakdowns, or possibly survive, until help arrives.

“Placing several items in an emergency roadside kit in your trunk will help prepare you to handle minor mechanical problems to get yourself back on the road or until the Auto Club or other rescue help arrives,” said Steve Mazor, the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center Manager. “In this day and age, it’s very helpful to have a fully charged cell phone in your vehicle, along with water, blankets, a jacket and a disposable camera in your glove box in the event that you require a tow, 9-1-1 emergency assistance, or documentation of a crash,” added Mazor. The Auto Club recommends the following items be included in a basic roadside emergency kit for a vehicle:

Basic Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist:
  • Auto Club or AAA Membership Card (in your wallet)
  • Blanket
  • Cell Phone (charged and in vehicle)
  • Disposable Camera (in glove box)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Food
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Flares, Warning Triangles or Reflectors
  • Flashlight with Extra Batteries
  • Heavy Gloves, Jacket, and Hat
  • Jack for Tire Changing
  • Jumper Cables
  • Paper Towels, Pencil and Notebook, Rags
  • Quart of Oil and Coolant (specific to your vehicle)
  • Reflective Sun Shade
  • Snow chains
  • Umbrella
  • Water
CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.
The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.