Whether you’re packing for the winter holidays or a summer road trip, preparing your roadside emergency kit should be one of the first steps you take before you head out. If your car won’t start or a tire runs flat, a well-stocked car emergency kit can be the difference between a mild road bump and a bad time. Even if you’re not preparing for a big trip, we recommend stocking up on a solid road safety kit to ensure that the next time an emergency catches you, you’re able to handle it.

At D & R Intensive Car Care, we’ve seen our fair share of emergencies. And what we’ve taken from that long history of helping drivers throughout Statesboro, GA, is that an emergency car kit is an essential part of your roadside supplies. When you find yourself broken down by the side of the road, make things easier on yourself by having a roadside kit ready to handle any problem.

Preparing Your Car for Travel

While an emergency bag is essential for road trips, a properly maintained car is the best thing to have in your arsenal. Bring your car to a full-service automotive technician to ensure it’s ready for a road trip. The technician can perform necessary services like changing your oil, examining your tire tread depth, ensuring your headlights are functioning correctly, and addressing any other concerns you may have about your car.

For drivers seeking a trusted mechanic to ensure their car is road-ready, there’s no better place to go than D & R Car Care. As a full-service auto repair shop, we can handle any problem your car might have, whether it’s domestic or foreign-made.

Roadside Safety Kit

Tire Repair Kits —If your tire has a minor puncture, a tire repair kit can serve as a great temporary measure until you can bring it in for a tire replacement. For more significant punctures, a complete tire replacement kit, such as a donut, a tire jack, a lug wrench, and an inflator, is advised. If you need to replace a busted tire, a properly stocked tire repair kit will make it easy.
Jumper Cables — If your car isn’t starting, it might be a sign that something is wrong with your battery. A set of jumper cables or even a portable jump starter can be just what you need to get your car working long enough to bring it to a reliable mechanic. We recommend you pick a set of jumper cables on the longer side so that you can comfortably reach another car.
Tool Box — While we strongly recommend any significant repair work be done by a trained professional, a simple toolbox can come in handy for emergencies where you are unable to call a tow company or get to a repair shop. We also recommend scissors capable of cutting seat belts and some kind of multi-tool.
Map — When venturing to an unfamiliar area, make sure to have an updated map on hand. While your phone or GPS does come with a map, we strongly recommend that drivers maintain a backup physical map in the event of a lost signal or dead battery. If you find yourself lost without a signal, a physical map can help you navigate back on track.
Ice Scraper — Even if you live in a place that rarely gets snow, having an ice scraper on hand can be helpful on icy mornings after a cold front. It can help you clear your windshield of ice that makes it hard to see.

Personal Safety Kit

First Aid Kit — Whether a premade or one you’ve meticulously prepared, an emergency first aid kit can be helpful in addressing any injuries you may acquire on the road. Whether mild or severe, a first aid kit can serve to prevent infection or work as a temporary measure to give you the time to get to a medical professional. We recommend a first aid kit have, at minimum, band-aids, gauze, sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, aspirin, cotton balls, bug spray, sunscreen, tweezers, and splints.
Flashlight & Reflective Triangles — Breaking down on the side of the road during the night can be dangerous as other cars may not recognize you’re there if they can’t properly see you. If you need to pull over or perform any checks during the dark, we recommend having a flashlight or reflective vests or triangles to make you and your car visible to others on the road. This can also be useful in the event you need towing, as it’ll make it easier for your tow truck to spot you on the side of the road.
Chargers & Charging Banks — If you rely on your phone to serve as your map, having a spare charger you know works is non-negotiable. We also recommend keeping spare chargers for any other devices you have in your vehicle. These devices may be your phone, a GPS, a computer—anything that needs a charge. Similarly, we recommend having a fully charged charging bank that can charge multiple devices and is within the recommended voltage for any of the electronics you’ll be using.
Blankets, Gloves, and a Rain Poncho — Inclement weather can strike at any time, so it’s good to be prepared if you need to pull over and examine your car. Keeping spare clothes for bad weather can save you in the event you encounter harsh rain or snow.
Water & Non-Perishable Foods — Having potable water and non-perishable food on hand isn’t only good preparation for a worst-case scenario. There are many situations where having access to water and food can be beneficial, even if it’s as simple as a stretch of road with nowhere to stop for food.

If you need excellent service, trust our certified technicians to assist you and your car. Schedule your service today.