Are You Prepared for a Roadside Emergency?

Are You Prepared for a Roadside Emergency?
(NewsUSA) - You drive safely and follow your vehicle's maintenance schedule, but that doesn't mean you'll never find trouble on the road. But with a little preparation, you can handle almost any roadside breakdown.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the most common types of roadside breakdowns:

- Dead battery. Your kid left a light on in the backseat or a door slightly ajar, and now the engine won't start. Jump-starting your car is the best way to get back on the road. Always keep a pair of jumper cables on hand. In case your battery dies at night, you might

want to consider purchasing a hands-free light, such as the Might-D-Light Rechargeable LED Worklight (might-d-light.com). Flashlights can prove unreliable, not to mention unwieldy while making repairs, but the Might-D-Light's two rare earth magnets can attach to the underside of the hood or hang from a hook, illuminating the area you need to work.

- Fuel. You were counting on finding another gas station, but one never materialized, and now you're stuck. Put on your hazard lights and, if possible, push your car to the side of the road. If you have a cell phone, stay in your car and call an emergency or roadside-assistance number. If not, you will have to start walking. If you're in a remote area, flag down someone who can help. If you're in a city or town, walk to the nearest gas station by heading towards lights or the nearest exit.

- Flat tire. Always make sure that your spare tire's inflated before heading out. If you do need to change a flat, make sure that there's a safe distance between your body and the edge of the road before removing your spare tire and jack. A hands-free light will prove useful for nighttime repairs.

The Might-D-Light can stand on its own, so you can set it up and then get to work. For added safety, the worklight includes two reflective strips which improve roadside visibility. For more information go to: www.might-d-light.com

More Resources


05/17/2024
Live talk at noon Monday: Women and diversity in the auto industry

Cheryl Thompson, founder and CEO of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement, will join Automotive News for a live chat.



more info


05/17/2024
Mercedes workers turn down UAW

About 56% of Mercedes plant workers in Alabama voted against joining the union.



more info


05/17/2024
Automotive News is Magazine of Year

Automotive News won 3 National Gold Awards and 10 regional honors in the 2024 Azbees competition, as well as 3 Jesse H. Neal Awards.



more info


05/17/2024
Ford seeks improved communication with new supplier program

The automaker has abolished its long-standing Aligned Business Framework, which prioritized some preferred suppliers, to focus on better communication with a more diverse group of parts makers.



more info


05/17/2024
VW's Pablo Di Si to speak at Automotive News Congress

Other featured panelists include NADA CEO Mike Stanton and Amazon's Fan Jin



more info


05/17/2024
Kia believes adding hybrids is a win-win for consumers, industry

Kia Corp. will expand its hybrid powertrain to most of its models as EV sales slow and lagging infrastructure becomes a concern.



more info


05/17/2024
Top 5 stories of the week: Toyota's big North Carolina investment; EV startups struggle

A quick look at the top automotive stories of the week as determined by reader interest.



more info


05/17/2024
ZT Corporate buys 4 Greenway Automotive stores

ZT Automotive is owned by ZT Corporate, a wealth management firm that acquires and operates dealerships.



more info


05/17/2024
Dodge, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis retiring from Stellantis

Dodge sales chief Matt McAlear will take charge of that brand, while Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell will add Ram trucks to her responsibilities.



more info


05/17/2024
How stiff new U.S. tariffs against China may impact auto industry

The Biden administration is attempting to find a balance between encouraging domestic production and ensuring competitive prices for EVs.



more info




More Automobile Information:

Related Articles

Hybrid Cars: The Performance Cars of the Future


When most people think of hybrid cars, they imagine practical, mild-mannered vehicles. But could we someday see hybrid racecars burning up the tracks?


Vehicle Features That Make Mom's Life Easier


Parents have plenty to worry about when packing their kids in the car and heading out on the road.


Every Car Needs a Little TLC ? How to Maximize Vehicle Life


During the winter months, cold weather gives way to the warm, fuzzy feelings brought on by the presence of that certain special someone.


You Don't Need the Luck of The Irish to Make Your Car "Green"


The Emerald Isle is known for being lush, green and teeming with stout, little leprechauns.


2011 New Year's Resolution: Start Taking Better Care of Your Vehicle


While we might slip up on our New Year's resolutions at times, this year you can resolve to take better care of your car all year.


Tips for Maintaining Your Car in Snowy Conditions


When the weather outside is frightful, the road is the last place you want to be, especially if your car hasn't been prepared to deal with snowy conditions. Snow and ice covering the roadways can pose a serious threat to you and your vehicle.


The Great Car Debate: To Buy or to Lease?


As the economy continues to rebound, more Americans find themselves strolling the lot of their local car dealership and facing a difficult decision -- whether to buy or lease a new vehicle.


This Season, Don't Let Pump Prices Put a Damper on Your Holiday Fun


It's easy to get caught up in the holiday hubbub when you're running around looking for the perfect gift.


Take Action Before You Hit the Road


Checking mirrors and seat belts every time you get in your car might seem overly cautious, but driving experts say that what you do before you turn on the ignition may mean the difference between life and death.


Football Season Marks the Time for Car Care


As the leaves fall and the cold weather approaches, everyone begins to feel a little football fever. Just like the greatest coaches check their starting line-ups each year, make sure that your vehicle's most important parts and systems aren't corroded, empty, deflated or worn out. With kick-off around the corner, Firestone Complete Auto Care offers the following tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for fall after a long, hot summer.


Save Money, Help the Environment With Properly Inflated Tires


Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now a standard safety feature on all new cars in the United States. TPMS automatically monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver when the pressure in one or more tires becomes significantly low -- and potentially dangerous.


Back to School: Prepare Your Teen for the Road


As the summer comes to an end, teens prepare to get back to the classroom -- and the road. If your young driver is ready to buy their first used vehicle, you'll need to do your research.


Next Best Thing to Vacation: A Stress-Free Commute


It may be vacation time for kids, but most adults work through the summer months. Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends some commuting tips for everyone who is spending the summer driving to work instead of heading out on vacation:


Hybrid Cars Are Hot, But What Are They?


Even if you drive a hybrid car, you probably don't know some basic facts about your car and what makes it work.


Are You "Under Pressure"? Don't Ignore This Dashboard Alert


Beginning with the 2008 model year, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now standard on all new cars in the United States, but many drivers don't know about them.