By Candi Young
Whether you’re getting ready to travel home for the weekend or you’re getting ready for a trip to the grocery store, you never know when the unexpected could happen. Don’t have OnStar? Not a member of AAA? You might want to consider these relatively inexpensive gadgets/tools to store in your vehicle that may help you avoid becoming stranded.
My favorite gadget that came in quite handy recently, a rechargeable portable battery booster that plugs into your vehicle’s power outlet. These devices are also equipped with an outlet that allows you to charge your phone, camera, Ipod or other accessories; I have found this to be very useful while camping. Should your battery die you can give it a quick power boost and be back on the road to your nearest mechanic or auto parts store for a new one. The price for a basic boost system starts from around $22 (Porta-Jump at Target) and goes up with the more features that are included.
Portable air compressor. These can be equipped with an adapter plug to be used with the power outlet in your vehicle for airing up flat tires. Many of these come equipped with a built in pressure gauge. Additionally a tire plug kit, a spritzer bottle and liquid soap may be something to consider too in case of a slow leak. The soap and water would help to determine where to insert the plug if the nail or object that punctured your tire is not easily visible or no longer stuck in the tire. I was able to find a few portable air compressors at Wal-Mart for $15 – $32.
A first aid kit should be kept in the car in case of an accident or emergency whether or not it’s you or someone else that may need help. The price of course depends on the type of first aid equipment you wish to purchase.
Many cheap and budget friendly staples should also be stored. One of these should be a blanket, a very versatile item that you could use to lay down on the ground should you need to kneel down to check/change a flat tire without getting your work attire dirty, keep warm if ever stranded in the cold, or to simply keep the seats clean..
A bottle of water can also be used for several different purposes: a leaking radiator, dirty windshield and no washer fluid, or for drinking if stranded in between towns.
Other items to consider would be a map, flash light, cell phone charger, flares, reflective triangles, gloves (for changing tires, etc), a glass breaker and as always you should be sure that your vehicle’s tire iron/jack are stored in your car at all times. I was able to find a 73 piece kit made by AAA that was listed for $79.95 on Amazon.com. On the same site I also found The Life Hammer which is a combination glass breaker and knife (for cutting seatbelts, etc.) that was priced at $14.95.
Occasionally even the most well prepared person may run into a situation that they didn’t plan on or couldn’t prepare for. In this case make sure that you have a fully charged cell phone (or cell phone charger) so that you can contact someone to help with or to tow your vehicle.
Have any questions you want answered? E-mail me to let me know and I will get the word out: cly.mweekly@gmail.com