Stranded on the Road

Road trips can be fun, but they can also be stressful if your car breaks down. Follow these tips to prepare for a breakdown.

Prep your car

Don’t undertake a road trip without making sure your vehicle is in prime condition. Make sure your fluids are replenished, tires inflated and all the cars mechanics and electronics are working properly. Fuel up before each leg of the journey, and it’s a good idea to carry an extra canister, especially if it’s the winter or you’re driving long distances.

Food and water

Keep food and water in a hard plastic, double walled cooler, in addition to stocking up on supplies like blankets, extra clothes and tools. A person should consume 64 ounces of water a day, so keep about five bottles per person stored. For food, pack non-perishable, high-calorie snacks like granola bars, trail mix and jerky. The human body can last one to six weeks without food, but that number gets smaller as it gets colder and the body needs to regulate body temperature.

Stock up on supplies

Packing some survival gear will help get you out of tight situations on the road. In addition to basics like a tire jack and ice scraper, carry some jumper cables, a snow shovel, a bag of sand or salt and a tow rope. Flares and flashlights can be used to signal for help in such a situation, and it’s a good idea to keep some warning triangles or any bright material in case you need to mark off an accident. A wind-up transistor radio can keep you informed about weather and road conditions.

Join a motor club

Members of motor clubs like AAA can get benefits like roadside assistance. Technicians are available 24/7 to provide assistance, diagnose problems and tow your car if needed, so you know someone’s got your back when you’re on the road.