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Home » Consumer Information » Automobile Safety

Emergency Preparation

Before embarking on a long road trip, it is an excellent idea to give your vehicle a swift, thorough inspection and compile a kit of emergency supplies. You may also consider taking your vehicle for a professional assessment if you don't feel comfortable doing it on your own. No matter how severe an emergency you encounter, some prior planning can save a lot of irritation, time, money, and possibly even your life. This basic inspection can be done in three steps:

  • Walk-around inspection
  • Engine/Under-hood inspection
  • Undercarriage inspection

Walk-around inspection

  • Wiper blades -- Check the blades for cracks or detachment from the retainer. (They should be flexible.)
  • Lights -- Verify that the directionals, headlights, and taillights are fully turn on and are fully functional. You may even want to have them realigned to optimize illumination and avoid distracting oncoming drivers.
  • Tires -- Examine tire tread and pressure. Make sure you test the pressure when the car has been parked for a while, and the tires are cold. The manufacturer's suggested pressure is capable of accommodating an increase in pressure due to the tire's elevated temperature created by friction on the roadway. Keep in mind that overinflating a tire will lead to excess wear in the center of the tread. In slick conditions, a high-pressure tire is more likely to skid because there is less tread to grip the asphalt. By the same token, under-inflation will negatively impact steering and cause the tire to wear too quickly along the edges of the tread.

    Engine/Under-hood inspection

  • Fluid levels -- Look for an ample amount of motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and windshield washer fluid. If need be, top them off.
  • Hoses and belts -- Certify that hoses are fastened appropriately and airtight. Also check them for brittleness, especially in locations where they bend. Check belts for proper positioning, splitting, and tearing. Replace hoses and belts if any appear to be worn out.
  • Air conditioning -- Turn on the air conditioning and determine whether it is cooling the vehicle down in a short period of time. Make sure the refrigerant lines are intact and letting nothing escape. Many people are unaware that a number of newer automobiles use the air conditioning for more effective defrosting, so even when it is cold outside, air conditioning may be utilized to clear the windows of fog or ice.
  • Battery -- Inspect battery terminals for corrosion; if you notice a white fuzzy matter around the ends of the terminals, the metal is corroding. To remove this substance from the terminals, it is best to use a tool specialized in cleaning battery posts and cable terminals with a solution made of baking soda and water. Whatever you do, do not attempt to clean the terminals before detaching them, and always take the negative terminal off first to prevent sparks. This simple procedure will undoubtedly improve the flow of the vehicle's electrical system.

    Undercarriage inspection

  • Fluid leaks -- Look under the car for any liquids that are dripping. Any escaped fluid should be tested to establish whether it is coming from the gas tank, engine, transmission, power steering, brakes, radiator, or windshield washer. Once this has been determined, the leak should be repaired before it leads to greater problems.
  • Exhaust leaks -- Listen for leaks, and look for holes in the exhaust pipes. If you believe something serious could be going on, make an appointment for a certified technician to locate the root of the problem. The gases that are funneled through the exhaust system can be very detrimental to your health.
  • Brakes -- Take the car for a drive around the block, focusing on brake reactions. As you press the brake, high-pitch noises, grinding, or clunking are very good indications that something is wrong. You may also be able to spot fluid leaking from hoses and steel brake lines. If you are rather unfamiliar with this part of your automobile, have a professional mechanic inspect the brake friction material, drums, rotors, and hydraulic system for faultiness. The brakes are the single most important safety mechanism your vehicle has to offer.

    Emergency supply kit

    The old adage "it's better to be safe than sorry" definitely applies to driving because there are so many unexpected situations that arise on the road, many of them dangerous. An emergency roadside kit can prove to be a valuable resource when you least expect it. Store the following items in your trunk in case you're ever involved in a predicament in your vehicle:

    • Quart of oil
    • Two quarts of radiator coolant
    • Funnel
    • Tire pressure gauge
    • Pocket knife
    • Rags
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Portable tool kit containing wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers
    • Flashlight w/ extra batteries
    • Flares or battery-operated roadside marker lights
    • First aid kit
    • Electrical tape
    • Duct tape
    • Jumper cables
    • Blanket
    • Food and drink
    • Sign indicating you need assistance

    A cellular phone may be the most powerful tool, but there are still many rural areas of the country in which cell phone service is unavailable. If you are unfortunate enough not to have wireless access, look around you for a roadside emergency telephone call box. These can be found on most major highways across the US and are highlighted with a sign saying "Call Box" or "Emergency Call Box." There are operating instructions inside the box. The calls are usually free, and they will connect you with local highway patrol. In the event you have been stranded after an auto accident and a cell phone or emergency call box is not accessible, you will be thankful if you have an emergency kit in your possession.