This post by Ed Welliver in Mission will take you through the items you need to assemble a car emergency kit, as well as a few maintenance tips. If you are interested in this topic, continue reading.

It goes without saying that traveling by car can be enjoyable; after all, doing so allows you to explore new places and enjoy a wide range of scenic spots. Nonetheless, it is also true that the road is unpredictable; therefore, you must prepare for any mishap ahead of time by making a car emergency kit. For example, suppose one of your tires goes flat, you run out of fuel, or your vehicle overheats in the middle of an isolated road. In either case, you will need certain supplies and items to keep you safe while you fix your car or help arrives, hence the importance of having a car emergency kit. If you are interested in this topic, this post by Ed Welliver will guide you through the supplies you need to put together in your kit, as well as a few maintenance tips.

Keep your vehicle in top condition with the continued use of the most effective synthetic oil in Mission. To place an order for the highest quality lubricants for your car, call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399 or browse AMSOIL's online store.

How to Put Together a Car Emergency Kit

Must-Have Items

First, it's essential to consider the conditions you'll be driving when assembling your kit. For example, you should include items to endure low temperatures when driving through snowy roads; conversely, going through desert roads in the summer requires you to pack supplies to withstand the heat. Regardless, the following list includes items that will serve you well in whatever conditions you drive in. So, stay safe on any road by having the following items in your kit:

• The first thing you must include in your car emergency kit is drinking water. Having something to drink is crucial to overcome any road inconvenience, especially when the heat and the direct sun can lead you to extreme sweat, thirst, weakness, and dizziness. Hence, you can also opt for sealed water packets that can last up to five years or pack as many water bottles as you can fit into the kit container; either way, it's important that you avoid the risk of getting dehydrated.
• It is also important to maintain your energy levels if you get stranded on the road, especially if you have to repair your vehicle yourself. Therefore, make sure to include non-perishable, high-calorie foods in your kit. You can store energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, or any snack you like; what matters is having something to eat to sustain your energy during an emergency.
• Suppose you get stranded on the road with your car broken down; in that case, you need your phone to be charged for calling the emergency roadside assistance and for keeping your family and friends updated on your location and overall situation. So, to avoid your phone battery from draining out during a road emergency, include a hand-crank cell phone charger in your kit.
• If you were to have a mishap on the road at night, you would appreciate having road flares in your kit, as they are an essential signaling device to gain visibility and call for help.
• As mentioned earlier, the road is unpredictable; therefore, you must be prepared with medication and medical equipment if you get sick or hurt when stranded. Hence, be sure to pack aspirin, antiseptics, antihistamines, gauze, band-aids, saline solution, disposable gloves, masks, a tourniquet, and of course, your prescription medications.
• Last but not least, you'll need specific equipment and tools to inspect and repair your car in case of an emergency; for example, if you get stranded because of a dead battery, you'll appreciate having the right tools to repair your vehicle. In any case, be sure to include the following in your kit:
  1. In the event of getting stranded at night, you'll need a flashlight or a headlamp to improve your visibility while checking and repairing your car.
  2. You'll be glad to have a pair of jumper cables in case your battery drains out in the middle of the road.
  3. Ensure to include a small, portable fire extinguisher in your kit to prevent your car from catching fire if your engine has issues with the electrical wiring or the fuel system.
  4. Your kit should include the primary fluids your engine needs to run; therefore, make sure to put engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid.

Visit AMSOIL's online store to explore the wide range of high-performance lubrication formulas for your engine, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil. For more information on the most reliable synthetic oil in Mission, reach out to the oil professionals at Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399.

How to Upkeep Your Car Emergency Kit

Last but not least, consider the following suggestions to give your car emergency kit the best use and maintenance:

• If your kit has items or tools that you don't know how to use, take the time to read their instructions to learn how to use them safely.
• Ensure to store everything in a waterproof and fireproof container; this way, your supplies will be safe.
• Since your kit includes food and medicines, be sure to check it every six months to replace all expired items.

Besides including a car emergency kit on your trip, stay safe on the road by taking care of your vehicle; to that end, give it a synthetic oil change in Mission. To place an order for high-quality lubricants, call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399 or visit AMSOIL's online store.