What You Should Keep in Your Car on Long Island
When you break down on the side of the road or get into an accident on Long Island, it can be a very scary thing. That’s why the experts at Elite Towing and Transport Inc. have created a list of some essentials to keep in your car at all times to help you get back on the road when you break down or to help keep you safe while you wait for roadside assistance or a tow truck.
Spare tire – Most cars are already equipped with a spare tire, but do you know exactly where it is? Also, do you know how much air is in your spare tire? A lot of people forget to check to see if there is air in their spare tire and sometimes, the air pressure is so low, it’s just as bad as the flat. This is why we also recommend having a tire inflator, sealer, and air pressure gauge in your trunk as well. Using the air pressure gauge will help you determine if your flat tire is inflated enough to drive. If your flat isn’t terrible, you can inflate it and use the sealer to drive to the nearest mechanic or tire store. You can also use the gauge to check to see how much air is in your spare tire. If you can’t fix the flat and your spare is out of air, then the next best thing to do is call a tow truck.
Pro Tip: Having an oil-based lubricant like WD-40 is also beneficial to keep in your car, especially when changing flat tires. Sometimes the lug nuts to your rim can be tight. Use the lubricant to help take them off. Don’t over lubricate though!
Jumper cables – Dead batteries are bound to happen at one point in your lifetime. It’s hard to determine whether or not your car just needs a jump or if the battery is completely dead. This is why we also recommend having a volt reader to check to see if the battery is completely dead or just need to be kick started. If your battery voltage is less than 12.45 volts (75 percent charged), it can be jumped and recharged. If you are not able to read the battery, then it most likely has to be replaced. Keep in mind most car batteries only last about 4 to 5 years. You can call roadside assistance if you need a jump or if you need to get towed to a mechanic to replace your battery.
Pro Tip: Also always keep in your car a flashlight, flares, and a reflective triangle. These are important especially if your battery dies at night and there are no headlights for people on the road to see your car and you are in a not well-lit area.
Other items that you should keep in your car, especially during an accident, include a seat belt cutter and window breaker. A seat belt cutter is mostly used if your vehicle has been flipped over and the seat belt will not dislodge from its buckle. A window breaker can help you get out of an overturned car via the door window or even through the windshield if the car door is damaged.
Pro Tip: We recommend keeping these tools in your glove compartment because, in case of a bad accident, you’re not going to be able to get into your trunk to retrieve these tools. We also recommend keeping a first aid kit as well in case you suffer any injuries and to prevent further injuries while you are waiting for paramedics or the police to arrive.
One thing that most people already have in the car is a charger for their mobile device. If you are stuck on the side of the road and you need to call a tow truck or the police, you need to have a charged mobile device to make that call.
Pro Tip: If your cell phone is dead and you aren’t sure where you are, keep some paper maps in your car. You’ll hopefully be able to find the closest intersection and find your way to an area with people who can help you contact emergency services.
For more information or to schedule a tow, please give us a call at (631) 737-8439 or fill out the contact form.
