Automotive safety is always a serious concern for all responsible drivers. Lives are literally on the line. With the advancement in automotive technology, manufacturers have attained faster speed, but the main challenge is still safety. Although most manufacturers have put various safety measures in place, accidents continue to occur. Although most vehicles come with major car safety features such as seatbelts, a lot of drivers don't use them. Most states take the issue of car safety very seriously, and drivers are required to put all safety measures in place or get fined by law enforcement. Thank heavens for passive safety devices like airbags and crush zones that absorb dangerous crash energy.
Maintenance: Although automotive reliability has improved a lot over the past several years, it's always important to check your car regularly. There are a few things every driver should do at least once a month to improve automotive safety. Check your tires for unusual or excessive wear and check the pressure regularly. Make sure you purchase quality tires suited for your vehicle and your driving style. Ensure that you have the correct spare tire in the car and don't forget to check the air pressure in it on a regular basis. Here are some things you should always have in your vehicle in case of an unexpected breakdown: Breakdowns happen unexpectedly and can be both scary and stressful if fail to have the correct safety equipment on hand. Waiting for help can be unpredictable, and it's important to have a readiness kit everywhere you travel. Personal Items You Must Have In Case Of An Emergency
- Cell phone, charger, and emergency numbers: A mobile phone can be a lifesaver if you have the right numbers. Always have your cell phone charged and ensure you have a list of emergency numbers. You can call 911 if you cannot find any other emergency numbers.
- It's not a bad idea to carry a portable power bank to charge your mobiles devices. If your breakdown includes a failed battery, you may not be able to use your regular car chargers.
- Flashlight with extra batteries: Keep a quality flashlight in your vehicle. It can be vital for inspecting your vehicle, checking under the hood and for changing a tire when necessary.
- Gloves, blankets, and sleeping bags: The desert gets cold at night and having items to keep you warm in case of low temperatures is crucial. You can keep blankets under the seat storage and keep gloves at gloves compartment or seat back pockets. Also keep a large trash bag with you. Among other things, it offers extra insulation and can protect you from rain and inclement weather.
- It's just as important you prepare for the heat. Keep some lightweight clothing on hand and a good shade hat. A battery powered fan is also something you won't regret having with you.
- First aid kit: it's always important to carry with you a complete first aid kit, which includes antiseptic, eye wash, small scissors, pain reliever, gauze, tape, and tweezers. Also, make sure you have a small supply of any medications you need to take on a regular basis.
- Water and snacks: it's always necessary to carry some clean water or stable juice boxes and snacks in the car while traveling. Carry as much drinking water as possible. It can also be used to wet cloths for use in cooling yourself down in the heat.
What To Keep For Automotive Safety
- Duct tape: MacGyver loves the stuff, what more is there to say? :) Duct tape can often be used to make a creative repair or patch that can get you a short distance to where you can get more help.
- Important fluids: It's always handy to have some extra coolant on hand. Look for the 50/50 type, which is already premixed with the right amount of water. Keep a couple of quarts of the correct motor oil stashed in the trunk as well. If you have room, include some power steering fluid and some transmission fluid.
- Ice Scraper: If you'll be traveling up north in the winter this is a no-brainer.
- Jumper cables: Jumper cables help a great deal when you or another driver has a dead battery. Apart from keeping the jumper cables in the car, learn how to use them correctly. Also keep a small strip of sandpaper in the car to help in case of corroded battery terminals, or you can buy an inexpensive tool for this at your local auto parts store.
- 12V portable air compressor: This is an awesome tool to have at your disposal and can usually be had for around $30. This device plugs into a power terminal or cigarette lighter and can pump up a flat tire in just a few minutes. If your tire if flat due to a slow leak this can get you back on the road for several miles to the nearest repair shop. Also, no ugly tire changing experience or expensive towing bill!
Roadside Maintenance A membership with an organization like Partners Network can be a godsend. Roadside automotive service maintenance companies offer various services, which includes winching, lockouts, tire changes, towing and automotive first aid. In the case of an emergency, call the service provider, and they will find a local company to assist you. Popular car service providers like Partners Network have connections in all states and have affiliations with local automotive service companies. They should be able to respond promptly when you call. If you adopt these tips, you'll always be prepared and safe on the road!
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