Issue 33 • Engine & Transmission Tips

Fall is here! Make sure you’re ready for a bad-weather driving experience

October is just around the corner and that, for most of us, means the weather will change with the color of the leaves.

The truth is, with the advent of Fall, we should all take inventory of the emergency items we have or don’t have, stored in our vehicles.

If you want to be truly prepared for a weather-related emergency, take a look at our ABC list. Items listed under the “A” Category should absolutely live in your car. Items under the “B” category are a smart addition. Finally, items under the “C” category may never get used, but in that odd situation, they could save your life. Chose your preparedness accordingly.

A is for ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY

The following items are essential for inclement weather preparedness. Everything on this list should fit in the bag noted as the first item:

• Water-proof carry bag (Like a fishing bag)
• First Aid Kit (professional, with rolls of gauze, arm-sling, tourniquet, and large (elbow-sized) adhesive bandaids.
• Car flashlight/blinking beacon with magnet
• Thermal Blankets
• Hand Warmers
• Spare Clothing (Hoodie, sweater, snow pants, wool cap, mittens, and socks)
• Jumper Cables
• Extendable Ice Scraper/Snow Brush
• Wiper Fluid
• Bottled Water
• Snacks with a long-term expiration date
• Paper Towel
• Swiss-Army Multipurpose Tool
• BIC Lighter
• Paper Maps/Road Atlas
• Notepad and pen/pencil

B is for BETTER to be over-PREPARED

These items add a level of comfort if you travel on rural roads. Even in Fall, wet leaves can be treacherous.

• Kitty Litter or a Traction Mat
• Folding Shovel
• Tire Inflator & Spray Tire Sealant
• 12v Jump Starter with 5v USB charging ports
• Road Flares
• LED Reflective Triangles
• Basic Toolkit (Screwdrivers, Wrenches, Etc.)
• A Roll of Duct Tape
• Water-proof matches
• Seatbelt Cutter / Window Breaker

 C is for COVERING all the BASES

(and the dugout, and the stands, and even the parking lot.)

This final list conjures thoughts of survivalist training, but in fact, traveling home for Thanksgiving often involves driving through mountainous areas, so items like this could mean the difference between getting rescued or falling victim to the elements after a crash.

• Towing Straps/Hand-Winch
• Two Quarts of Synthetic Oil
• One gallon of antifreeze
• Car Fire Extinguisher
• CB Radio (battery power-able)
• Spare 12v battery (It can be a small, sealed-acid battery.)
• No-Spill Plastic Gas Container with gas
• Flare Gun
• Taser
• Actual Toilet-Paper

NOTE: Some of the items in the ultimate list may seem to be a bit overkill. There are definitely ones not on any other list we reviewed. But, being prepared for a bad situation arising from your misfortunate can mean the difference between life and death.