We’re not just Humble auto repair experts here at Whitty’z we’re also regular people.  We know what it’s like to be stranded somewhere because your car broke down or is overheated or something else.  In case of an emergency, you  need to have certain things in your car so you’re prepared for whatever might happen.

Not only is this a frightening and unpleasant way to spend a few hours, but it is also a dangerous way, and you greatly risk not only being potentially hit by other cars, but also being approached by strangers while you’re stranded. If you need to be somewhere in a hurry, or if someone in the car is diabetic or asthmatic, then this can quickly turn into a very serious problem.  Here are some of the things we, as Humble auto repair experts, recommend to keep in your car.

 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Spare Tire

Having a spare tire in the car is one of the most important things to keep right away as this way you can get yourself back on the road in cases of a puncture or a tear. There should be a space in your boot (often underneath the material at the bottom) or on the back of your car for a tire and you should ensure you always have one there.

Jack

A car jack is that device you use to raise your car off of the ground. A spare tire isn’t much good to you unless you are also carrying one of these unless you happen to be related to Hercules by blood. This will also come in handy in all manner of other scenarios in case you need to get to your brake pads, or remove a wedged stone etc.

Wrench

Lastly you will need a wrench if you’re going to get the bolts off and back on to your wheel in order to make any changes. Again there should be space for one of these along with the jack in your boot.

WD40

Very useful for loosening bolts and can also help for lubricating hinges and various other procedures. One of those things that’s just handy to have around in a crisis.

Car Owner’s Manual

A car owner’s manual should come with every new car (if yours is second hand then you can order one online) and provides lots of very useful information for car owners and mechanics alike – helping you to find your way around the bonnet and to know things like the ideal tire pressure/where the battery is.

Jumper Cables

And why might you need to know where your battery is? So that you can get a jump start from someone of course. By keeping a pair of jump cables in your trunk you can get a charge off of any passers- if you’re stranded on the road.  At the same time this will also allow you to give other people a bit of a boost should they need it which is great for karma (or… karma??).

Money

Having some money in your car is a very good idea as a way to avoid being caught out if you need to use a payphone or parking somewhere, or if you need to buy any supplies/tools/food. Keep spare change and a couple of notes in a pot in your car as well as  insurance.

(Empty) Gas Receptacle

Having a portable gas tank is incredibly useful for scenarios where you might want to top up your gas because you’re caught out. This way you can walk/hitch a ride to the nearest gas station and then come back with fuel.

Flashlight

If you break down at night then a flashlight can be useful for making your way around, and for signaling for help. Of course you should also keep spare batteries.

Water

Having water with you can help to sustain you and your family if you are stranded for a long period of time. You can even keep some freeze dried food with you if you are worried about what you’ll eat during this time.

Blanket

Blankets are obviously useful for keeping warm if your power is out or if you’re trying not to drain the battery, but they are also useful for recovering from shock, especially if you have young children on board and have had an accident.

Medical Kit

In case of a serious accident, a medical kit can help you to tend to the wounds of anyone on board. At the same time you should also keep any medical supplies in here that are specific to the needs of you and your family – for instance keep some insulin if you have diabetic passengers, asthma inhalers etc.

Whitty’z Humble Auto Repair Shop

We are owner operated and customer service oriented. Our goal is to build your trust so we can fix your vehicle and give you a great experience time and time again. We believe in REAL customer service So, at Whitty’z Humble Auto Repair if you call between 8-6 pm Monday- Saturday you will get a conversation and not an answering service. Give us a chance to earn your business and your trust. You deserve quality service and integrity in your Humble auto repair facility. We know that your vehicle is one of your most important possessions and we treat it like our own