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Before you take a trip, in addition to making sure your car is ready you need to be ready, as well. It's always a good idea to be prepared in case of emergencies, large or small. While you don't have to keep an entire garage in your car, it's smart to have the basics on hand in case something should happen.
Depending upon the season, in addition to your Summer Emergency Kit or Winter Emergency Kit take an old duffel bag and pack the following items:
- Work gloves
- Basic tools: flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
- Knife, wire, wire ties
- A spray can of penetrating oil
- A set of battery jumper cables
- Everything you need to change a tire, including a fully inflated spare
- A large flashlight and extra batteries
- A folding shovel or a short-handed shovel
- A funnel and some rags
- An old shower curtain for ground covering if you have to crawl under the car
- An old scarf or duct tape for emergency hose repairs and an old belt
- A first aid kit that includes adhesive bandages, gauze pads, athletic tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen, insect repellent, aspirin/acetaminophen/ibuprofen, antacids, diarrhea medication and cough syrup with decongestant
- A fluorescent safety vest or an old jacket with reflective tape to wear if you have to repair a car on the side of the road
- Triangle reflectors and flares
- Necessary fluids, including: 2 quarts of oil, a gallon of water and antifreeze, brake fluid, power-steering fluid (if applicable), and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable)
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