Winter driving can be perilous, so give the gift of safety this holiday season. Whether you wrap it and put it under the tree or hand it over before holiday travel begins, a road emergency kit will show your loved ones you’re concerned about their well-being on the road.
“Last winter, many motorists were unprepared for the severe weather conditions that affected most of the country, so an emergency kit may be the perfect present for the drivers on your list,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “When unforeseen events occur, being prepared before leaving home will help keep your loved ones out of harm’s way.”
An emergency road kit is something that can be easily compiled and should include an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with batteries, flares, candles/matches, a blanket, bottled water and dry food snacks. Also useful are new windshield wipers and extra fluid, a tire pressure gauge and a tire-changing jack.
“These small and relatively inexpensive items play a big role in vehicle safety and reliability, especially during winter when road conditions can be hazardous and unpredictable. They’re the perfect stocking stuffers or holiday gifts that show you care,” continued White.
The Car Care Council’s website has valuable information to help drivers prepare their vehicles for harsh driving conditions and avoid emergency roadside situations, including 9 Steps for a Winter Ready Car and the Winterizing Your Vehicle car care minute video. In addition, a copy of the recently-updated 80-page Car Care Guide should be kept in the glove box. Single copies can be ordered free of charge at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.
"Road Emergency Kit for Winter Driving: A Gift that Shows You Care" (2014, December) Be Car Care Aware. Retrieved from: http://www.carcare.org/2014/12/road-emergency-kit-winter-driving-gift-shows-care/