RSS - October

It's important to always have a backup plan in the form of an emergency kit for your car. An emergency kit is something you should store in your vehicle at all times, so that no matter what happens, you're prepared. It's also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your phone. Be Ready Utah (BRU) put together by for what should be included in your car's emergency kit.

Another lovely day in my automobile. KAPLOW! Did I just run over a landmine? I better pull over. It must be my shocks. Or the road. Totally won't be a flat tire, I bet. Gets out of the car. Uh, oh! It is a flat tire.

OK. I'll just change it myself. How hard can that be? I mean, those NASCAR crews do it in like two seconds. Opens the trunk and gets out spare. It's so small. Why is it so small? That can't be safe. Gets out jack. This looks troublesome. I should probably just call AAA. Oh yeah. I don't have AAA. I guess this is something I need to do on my own. Grabs tire iron. Bring it on, tire!

Wait! Which way do I turn the lug nuts? This is not budging. Maybe I should call someone. Maybe a good Samaritan will stop and help me. But what if the person really isn't a good Samaritan? Why didn't I check my tire pressure before leaving? Wait, do people do that? Never mind. This is pointless.

Searches for "tire place" on Google Maps. Well, there's one a few blocks from here. Maybe I can make it there. Puts everything back in the car and gets in the car. Please make it there! Ka-thunks all the way to the tire place at a snail's pace. Made it!

What a relief! I'm glad a professional is handling this. Hope they have a tire in stock. Hope they can get it done quickly. Gets quote. $200?! For one tire? Is it too late to move to a place with good public transportation? Hands over credit card. I should've listened to my Dad and checked things out before I drove the car.

Instructions on changing a flat tire.

You left your lights on and now you’re stuck. Luckily, you are a well-prepared motorist and keep emergency equipment in your trunk—including jumper cables. You are ready to bring your car battery back to life. Unfortunately, you are staring at the strange alligator-mouth clips wondering how these odd creations are going to raise your battery from the dead. Having the right emergency equipment is a great start, but you also have to know how to use it.

How to jumpstart your car with jumper cables.

You rely on your vehicles almost every day, but there's always a chance that when you turn the key your car won't start. Or even worse, it cuts out on you when you are driving down the road. While you can't prevent all car trouble, you can limit it by doing the following:

● Have the basic elements of your vehicle inspected regularly.

● Keep up with your vehicle's preventive maintenance service schedule.

● Make sure your auto repair shop has certified technicians.

● Don't ignore your vehicle's preventive engine light or other warning lights.

● Have any changes in drivability diagnosed and addressed by a professional mechanic right away.

● Keeping your gas tank full (or close to full) at all times is a smart idea, and it becomes even more valuable during the winter and summer, when breakdowns can be especially devastating.

● Have you car inspected before you head out on a big car trip.