Perez Auto Repair, located in Phoenix, is urging all drivers to keep an Emergency Roadside Kit in their vehicles to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Accidents or roadblocks can leave you stranded for hours, and having the right components in your kit can make a significant difference in keeping you and your passengers safe until help arrives. Proper tools can also make a bad situation more tolerable.

While most of the items needed for an emergency kit can be found in most trunks, it’s important to note that not all roadside Emergency Roadside Kits are created equal. While there are many pre-made kits available in stores or online, it’s always better to prepare your own kit customized for the type and condition of your vehicle, as well as the typical weather where you live or travel. In Phoenix, drivers can experience extreme heat and cold in the same day, so it’s best to prepare for both scenarios.

Here are some essential items that every Emergency Roadside Kit should include:

Flares and Lighting: Flares or reflective triangles are crucial safety items to warn other drivers of the roadside hazard. They should be spaced out evenly behind your vehicle in case of a breakdown. Battery-operated LED flares are also an excellent option for longer-lasting use.

Jumper Cables: Jumper cables are a must-have item for every vehicle. Batteries can die or lose their charge unexpectedly, and jumper cables can at least get you to the next service station with a jump-start from another vehicle. It’s also worth considering carrying a separate battery pack for starting your car if no one is around.

First Aid Kit: A first-aid kit is an indispensable item for addressing smaller, everyday injuries and more severe wounds in the event of an accident. You can purchase pre-packed kits with all the essentials or assemble one customized to your needs.

Car Fluids and Tools: Flat tires are one of the most common roadside problems, but it’s not always possible to change a tire. Including a can of tire inflator and sealant in your kit can help in case of a small leak and give you a better chance of making it to a service station or a safer place to pull over. Additional recommendations include motor oil, coolant, extra windshield wiper blades, and a toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench.

Car Accessories for Summer/Desert: In summer or desert conditions, bottled water and long-lasting food items such as energy bars are essential. Additional items to consider include a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses, a sturdy knife or multitool, several large leaf bags or solar blankets for instant body shelter from the sun, a small mirror or signal mirror, matches, a butane lighter or flint and steel, a police-type whistle, a flashlight with batteries, and duct tape.

Car Accessories for Winter/Mountains: In winter or mountain conditions, an ice scraper, a spray bottle with washer fluid, snow chains, blankets, a sleeping bag or a heat-retaining emergency survival blanket, bottled water, and long-lasting food items such as energy bars should be included in your kit.

If your planning a trip of just want to be prepared for local driving an would like more information about your Emergency Roadside Kit or would like to have your vehicle inspected, contact Perez Auto Repair online via phone 602-269-3576 or stop into our facility located at 429 S. 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Always keep your vehicle in good condition and ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and those around you!