If you drive a car, sooner or later an emergency will arise. You can count on it whether you are driving a highway tractor trailer rig, a car, truck or Sports Utility Vehicle. It’s not if, but when. Emergencies when driving any vehicle on the road are an eventual certainty. Smokey the Bear says prevents forest fires rather than fight a raging one. After all who wants to be disrupted in their travels? Sure you may have roadside assistance that came from your new car dealer or 3rd party repair shop or even your credit card but why be at their mercy and time clock?

The two most frequent causes of vehicular breakdowns are running out of gas and flat tires. True , you are rarely far away from a service station in this era of 2010 – 2011 , but you most likely are a long way away from an open store that has gas cans in stock at discount , non-full bore retail emergency related pricing. Hence, it’s always a good idea to carry am empty one gallon gas can in your trunk. To emphasize again that is an empty gasoline can, not one already filled brimming with fuel. This would be a fire and safety hazard if your vehicle was involved in a rear end collision.

For the flat tire event, you will need a good spare, a jack and lug wrench, all of which you can find quickly and easily groping in the dark. Thus a charged and working flashlight is a good safety accessory in your glove box. The newer led flashlight types use little power, and can usually be counted on if left in the glove box for an extended period. American made cars used to carry a full size spare in their trunks.

However for many years now, for space and fuel economy reasons a smaller “donut” spare tire is the norm. Ensure that your spare is in good stead and inflated. Donut spare tires are clearly marked temporary spares not to be driven over speeds of 50 miles an hour. On top of that if you run on your donut for an extended period you are plum out of luck if another flat deflated tire occurs. You will be 100 % without an emergency spare tire. So make it a point to get that flat tire repaired or replaced and installed on your vehicle pronto.

Next a first aid kit also belongs in each and every car. It need not be elaborate, but it should be sealed. In addition carry at least three (3) safety flares. If you have never lit one of these buy an extra and practice igniting it. Best over a clear concrete area away from anything else. You will not want to be fumbling. To learn how to use a safety flare or flares during real emergencies. Other items to consider in addition include a gallon of water – bottled water can provide this, a quart of motor oil and a small can of transmission fluid.

As far as tools go there are some basic items. A strong pocket knife, a medium screwdriver, a good quality pair of pliers or vise grips. You might want to test that flashlight or an additional flashlight with your emergency kit from time to time as well. Lastly wrapping everything in an old towel will keep it from rattling around and as well will give you a clean up rag as well.

You can never be too prepared when you are out on the road. Every vehicle should carry such a simple yet comprehensive road side emergency and tool kit.

Author Bio: Robert C.C. Lam Derrick Dodge Canada’s largest Chrysler Volume Dealership High Auto & Truck Sales Volume means the Lowest Prices http://www.derrickdodge.com Edmonton Dodge Ram Crew Cab Trucks Alberta Dodge Ram 1500 2010