Facing a breakdown or unexpected car trouble can be a stressful experience, but being prepared for such situations can make a significant difference. Having the right essential items in your vehicle ensures that you can handle minor issues on your own or be better prepared when waiting for professional towing assistance. This guide on preparing for towing with the essential items to keep in your vehicle is what we at Highway 30 Garage would like to share today.
What to Check Before Towing Your Car
1) Emergency Roadside Kit: One of the most crucial items to have in your vehicle is an emergency roadside kit. This kit should include items such as a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, reflective triangles or flares, and a multi-tool. These items can prove invaluable in various emergency situations, from attending to minor injuries to making your vehicle more visible to others on the road.
2) Basic Tools: Keep a basic toolkit in your car to address minor mechanical issues. Include items like a tire pressure gauge, screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, and a set of jumper cables. These tools can help you address simple problems or assist others in need.
3) Spare Tire & Jack: A fully inflated spare tire and a functional jack are essential components of any vehicle’s toolkit. Ensure that you regularly check the tire pressure on your spare and that the jack is in good working condition. These items are crucial for changing a flat tire, a common issue that can occur unexpectedly.
4) Tire Changing Tools: In addition to a spare tire and jack, include items specifically designed for changing a tire, such as a lug wrench. Familiarize yourself with the process of changing a tire, as this basic skill can save you time and hassle on the road.
5) Tire Repair Kit: A tire repair kit with a plug and reamer can be handy for temporarily fixing minor punctures in tubeless tires. While it may not be a permanent solution, it can help you get to a service station for proper repairs.
6) Portable Air Compressor: A portable air compressor allows you to inflate your tires if you experience a gradual loss of pressure or after repairing a flat. Check the compressor’s compatibility with your vehicle’s power source.
7) Vehicle Fluids: Keep a small supply of essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Regularly check your vehicle’s fluid levels, and top them up as needed. Having these fluids on hand can help you address minor leaks or top up levels before professional assistance arrives.
8) Towing & Recovery Straps: Include towing and recovery straps in your vehicle, especially if you frequently drive in off-road or challenging conditions. These straps can be useful if you need assistance from another vehicle or a towing service.
9) Contact Information: Have a list of emergency contacts, including your preferred towing service, insurance company, and roadside assistance provider. Include local service stations and repair shops, ensuring you have options in case of a breakdown.
10) Chargers & Power Banks: Keep a car charger for your mobile phone and consider having a portable power bank. Staying connected is essential, especially if you need to call for towing services or roadside assistance.
Towing, Roadside Assistance & More in Cassia, Gooding, Jerome & Twin Falls Counties in Magic Valley, Idaho & Jackpot, Northern Nevada
Being prepared for towing situations by keeping these essential items in your vehicle can turn a potentially stressful experience into a manageable one. Regularly check and update these items to ensure they are in good condition and ready for use when needed. Remember, safety should always be the top priority, and professional towing assistance is just a call away if the situation requires it. When you need towing services in Twin Falls, ID, call Highway 30 Garage!
