Having car troubles while out on the road isn't ideal. Luckily, there are some measures you can take to be better prepared for whatever comes your way on your next trip.
Important Items to Carry in Your Trunk
Sometimes there's no way to know when you'll have car troubles. Because of this, it's important that you are always prepared to take on common roadside issues. To be prepared for whatever may come your way while on the road, be sure to always have these items in your trunk.
Your Spare Tire
A spare tire is something that will most likely catch you off guard, so be prepared to deal with this issue is a must at all times. Your car likely has a spare tire in the trunk, but this won't be all you need to resolve this issue. Beyond just a spare tire, you will also need the tools to remove your flat tire and replace it with your spare. A tire iron, lug wrench, and tire jack are some basics to keep in your trunk. It also helps to know how to change the tire yourself just in case you're alone. Don't forget to check on your spare periodically so that you're sure it's always ready for use. A flat spare tire won't be of any help, so be sure your spare tire is properly inflated and in good condition.
A Tool Kit
On top of the tools you'll need to change a flat tire, it can help to carry a basic tool kit in your trunk. You may not have the skills of a mechanic or body shop, but some basic tools can help you take care of simple roadside issues. You may be surprised at how handy duct tape can be in a number of situations. Other items to include in your emergency kit are emergency flares, s collapsable shovel, a flashlight, and a screwdriver. Think seasonally as well. For example, in the winter, an ice scraper can be very useful.
Extra Car Fluids
Whether your car springs a leak or you haven't checked on your fluids recently, you may be caught off guard when one of your fluids' dashboard lights comes on. If your coolant is running low or you're running out of motor oil, having an extra stash of each in your trunk can prove to be a lifesaver. Even if one of these lights surprises you, having extra fluids in your trunk means you can pull over and top off whatever is running low so that you can make it to your mechanic to get your car serviced.
One of the fluids you'll want to be sure is always at the right level and in good condition is your motor oil. If your car is in need of an oil change, why not make it a synthetic oil change in San Diego? Using an oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil can make a huge difference when it comes to your engine's well-being. To learn more, contact Synthetic Oil Inc. at (800) 653-0323. You can also browse their full range of products in theironline shop.
Jumper Cables
Your battery can die out without giving you much of a warning, so being prepared to bring it back to life is a must. Before you take off on a road trip, be sure you have jumper cables ready to use in your trunk. Of course, it also helps to know how to use these in case of an emergency. Basic jumper cables are inexpensive and can get the job done with the help of another car. However, you also have more hi-tech options like a portable jump starter which can jump-start your car on its own as long as its charged. This means you can get your battery running again even if there are no cars or drivers nearby.
Owner's Manual
Finally, be sure to keep your car's owner's manual in your glove box. This little book is full of useful information that can help you get out of some difficult situations, so don't take it out of your car. It also helps to keep your insurance information in your glove box along with the contact information of a reliable mechanic or towing service.
Get a Synthetic Oil Change in San Diego, CA
Before you get your next oil change, be sure it's a synthetic oil change in San Diego. If you've never strayed from conventional oil, you may be surprised to learn there are tons ofbenefits of using synthetic oil. To learn more about these, contact Synthetic Oil Incat (800) 653-0323.