ASK THE EXPERT
Last year, my vehicle broke down in the middle of
our family road trip. Aside from a pre-trip check-up,
how can I prepare for an unexpected disaster?
The summer road trip is a generations-old tradition.
The last thing you want is for an unexpected breakdown
to ruin your vacation.
The number of calls we receive for roadside service
rises with the summer temperatures. In most cases,
the breakdown could have been avoided with preventative
maintenance. However, in triple-digit temperatures,
even the best-maintained vehicle can experience a failure.
As I prepare for my trip, there’s one item I always
make sure to pack: an emergency car-care kit. Actually,
it’s an item that should be in everyone’s vehicle at
all times.
In any case, an emergency car-care kit can help with
a temporary or minor vehicle fix, or at least make
the wait for help more bearable.
The kit should include:
- Jumper cables
- Heavy duty flashlight
- Batteries
- Safety vest
- Duct tape
- 2-in-1 screwdriver
- Assorted fuses
- Shop cloth
- Cable ties
- First-aid supplies
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Cell phone
You can assemble one of these at home, or purchase
a pre-assembled kit at any AAA office. Our kits include
an Emergency Car Care Guide, which can walk you through
jump starting a vehicle or changing a tire, among other
minor repairs.
If your vehicle does break down, know how to handle
the situation ahead of time. If you are on a freeway/highway,
exit if possible, and pull off the roadway. Turn on
your flashers, raise your hood, place flares/reflective
triangles behind your vehicle, and assess the failure
or call someone who can. If you are unable to exit
the freeway, stay buckled inside your vehicle. If you’re
a AAA member, you can call us at 800-AAA-HELP. AAA
will dispatch the appropriate help and do our best
to get you back on the road quickly.
If you are unprepared to handle a vehicle failure,
it could spoil your vacation. However, if you are prepared
for the unexpected, you’ll likely find yourself back
on the road in no time.
John Walter is general manager of automotive products for AAA Arizona.
