If I have learned anything from my dad, it is that cars break down. So it is important to keep some tools on-hand in case you find yourself stranded. It is important to handle your break down without having a break down of your own.
In the case of a flat tire, stay calm and pull over to the side of the road. Let me repeat, stay calm. There are several ways you can go about fixing your problem. I am not ashamed to admit that I know next to nothing about cars, so my first reaction (well, after I stop screaming) is to pick up my cell phone and call roadside assistance.
Most cell phone carriers now offer some sort of roadside assistance for a few dollars a month. It is well worth the few extra dollars each month.
Your roadside assistance plan will cover most emergency situations, from locking your keys in your car to running out of gas. I was pleasantly surprised to find most plans will even tow you to a service station if they are not able to fix the problem. But, back to the point: flat tires.
There are countless solutions for the flat-tire dilemma. The first option is the canned flat tire fixer such as Fix-a-Flat or Air-up. This is the least expensive option at a little less than $3 dollars a can. They work by sealing the leak in your tire that got you in the situation in the first place. The important thing to remember is to tell your mechanic that you have used a tire sealer before he or she removes the tire. The chemicals in the sealer can be hazardous when removing the tire. Please, don’t kill your mechanic.
Another option is keeping an air cylinder in your trunk. This is probably not the best option for the everyday flat-tire victim, but hey, whatever floats your boat, or in this case, fills your tire. The typical air cylinder is seven gallons and will cost you about $20. Yet another option is a portable air compressor. It is smaller than a tank of air, but at $90, much more expensive.
Dead batteries are another common car problem. That is why jumper cables are the little black dress of car ownership–everyone should have it. Before you connect the cable, read the instructions. If you connect them improperly, you can potentially shock the crap out of yourself and damage your battery. Depending on the length and gauge (thickness of the actual wire), jumper cables will cost you anywhere from $10 to $20.
Just like everything else
in the automotive realm, jumping a dead battery is becoming more and more high-tech. Enter the Ever-Start Maxx, a little yellow box the size of coffee maker that will jump your battery without the need for another car. Perfect for those of us without friends.
A tool kit is a good idea to have in your trunk as well. You don’t need a top-of-the-line kit, just the basics such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. A flashlight is also a must-have in case your break down occurs at night.
Let’s talk about fluids. No, not bodily, the ones for your car. In my experiences with my last car, a 1989 Volvo, I learned it is a good idea to keep a quart of motor oil in your trunk. You may need it, you may not, but it is a good idea to have just in case. If you don’t use it, pour it on a salad for a low-cal treat.
A small sports drink bottle of full of water is a good idea in case you have a leak. Besides, how else are you going to wash down the salad?