Dealing with an emergency while you’re out on the road can be a panic-inducing experience. It’s typically made all the more challenging by the fact that you may not have exactly what you need to resolve the problem. The tire specialists at Estep Tire & Auto Center, based in Bluefield, WV, have some suggestions to make those on-the-go woes easier to handle. 

Tire Experts Share 5 Must-Have Emergency Items for the Car

1. Spare Tire

When your car gets a flat tire, it’s a pain—but as long as you have a spare tire in the trunk, you’ll be fine. It helps to have the tools needed to install it, too, including a tire iron, a pipe, and a jack. The Department of Motor Vehicles offers instructions on how to properly replace your flat.

2. First Aid Kit

It’s not uncommon to suffer a scrape or other minor injury while you’re out and about. Pack a first aid kit with the essentials, including bandages, antibiotic cream, gauze, pain reliever, and cotton swabs. If you or your family members take medications for allergies or illnesses, you may want to pack some just to be safe.

3. Water Bottles

Water is essential if you find yourself stranded in your car. In addition to providing refreshment when you need something to drink, it can also be used for other situations, such as cleaning dirty hands, rinsing off the kids’ faces after they eat a snack in the backseat, or cooling down an overheated radiator.

4. Emergency Flares

It can be scary to experience a tire emergency or other vehicular issue when it’s dark outside, or in an area that has heavy traffic. Invest in some flares to alert other drivers of your presence on the side of the road.

5. Jumper Cables

A dead car battery can be jump-started if you have a pair of jumper cables in your trunk. They just need to be attached to the battery terminals in another vehicle. You may want to visit the auto repair shop after a successful jump to learn more about battery replacement.

By packing a few key items, you can easily be more prepared for the occasional emergency that might occur. If you’re concerned about the condition of your tires or need another type of automotive repair, get in touch with the team at Estep Tire & Auto Center. They’ll resolve those vehicular concerns so that you can stay safe while on the road. Visit the auto repair shop’s website, or call (304) 325-9134.