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Don’t Get Left Out In The Cold!

A Merson person can see the beauty in any car – from bumper to bumper, we are car fanatics. Despite our love affair, we understand that cars are not perfect machines. They can be finicky at times, even if properly maintained.

Don’t worry; this isn’t going to be a nagging blog about seasonal maintenance appointments, but rather one about how to be prepared should you find yourself stranded with an empty gas tank, or in a broken down car. The best thing you can do is have an Emergency Kit at the ready… just in case.

You may be wondering what this kit should include. At Merson, we are nothing if not helpful, so here is your list of items to gather and pack into your Emergency Kit, which should be left in your car’s trunk at all times. To store the items, you can use a backpack, a plastic container, or anything else that works for you.

1. Blanket: this one is pretty self explanatory. Nothing like a cozy blanket to help stave away the cold while you wait for a tow-truck.
2. Cell phone or a CB radio: make sure the phone is charged, over! Roger willco, 10-4.
3. First aid kit
4. Flashlight and batteries
5. Candles and matches (which never run out of batteries!)
6. Flares: these are good for alerting other drivers of your presence. You may want to try lighting a couple of them for practice, to make sure you understand how to use them properly.
7. Jumper cables: sounds pretty obvious, but many people forget to have extras in the car.
8. Knife: for hunting rabbits. Just kidding, but a good multi-function knife is worth its weight in gold in many situations. You never know when you’ll need a set of mini-tweezers, or a toothpick! The knife itself is pretty handy too.
9. Radio: crank-operated is best since it will never run out of battery power.
10. Rags: for kneeling on or cleaning with. Might want to throw in some hand cleaner too.
11. Tire inflator: in a true emergency this can be used to temporarily inflate your tire. Please make sure to mind all the warnings on the can.
12. Water and snacks. Who doesn’t love snacks? These will be much appreciated items if you are waiting any length of time for help to arrive.
13. Tool kit: pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, work gloves, black vinyl and duct tape and your tire gauge should all be included.
14. Whistle. When all else fails, a good loud whistle will alert surrounding areas of your presence. Yelling works, but a whistle sound will carry farther.

We recommend printing out this list and heading over to the nearest hardware store. A few preparatory minutes might save you a big headache one day.

(Of course, making sure your car is properly maintained will likely save you from ever having to reach for your Emergency Kit at all… ya, we couldn’t resist nagging just a tiny bit)