In the spirit of the Boy Scouts motto “Be Prepared,” it’s important for every driver to be ready for the unexpected. It doesn’t matter what you drive, breakdowns and emergencies happen to everything from cars and trucks to ATVs and motorcycles. While you can’t always avoid roadside problems, you can take two helpful actions: 1) Practice measures to reduce the chances of breakdowns, and 2) Be better able to handle emergencies when they do occur. Every driver should be prepared to handle both of these situations.
Electrical Systems Failure
The electrical system of your vehicle is essential to keeping it in motion, and it is one of the things most likely to fail at some point. Your battery, starter, alternator, solenoid and voltage regulator all have a finite lifespan. Eventually all of these electrical components will wear out. A voltmeter is a good tool to test the health of your electrical system. It will measure the voltage between two points to give you an accurate reading of how your electrical system is working.
Weak Battery
Even though it is part of the electrical system, the battery deserves special mention. Both the heat of summer and cold of winter can drain an old battery of its life. Often times, a dead battery can take you by surprise, yet there is a way to find out if your battery is weakening. A low battery alert tester can give you a warning before total failure occurs.
Powering Up Battery
Once you know you have a weak battery, you need to do something about it. When there’s no one around to give you a jump, it’s nice to have your own power source. An auxiliary jump starter and power source is the ideal answer. It can give new life to your car, truck, ATV, motorcycle or snowmobile battery. It’s one of those accessories that you may wonder if you’ll really ever need it, but you’ll be grateful to have it when you really do.
Dim Lighting Conditions
Mechanical breakdowns or flat tires never happen in the most convenient location. They may happen on a dark lonely country road or in a dimly lit alley. Not only will you feel the frustrations that come from a stalled vehicle, but you may also have to deal with it in poor lighting conditions, unless you come prepared. You should consider getting a portable rechargeable light that you carry in your trunk. It may be just the thing you need to brighten your surroundings so you can get back on the road again.
Warning Others of Your Presence
When you’re stalled on the side of the road or out on a trail, you want to be noticed. It’s important for everything from avoiding an accident to letting others know you need help. That’s why it’s good to be prepared with warning lights that can flash to attract attention. Depending on your vehicle and your needs, you can find warning lights that affix to your vehicle or lights with magnetic bases that can be temporarily mounted to your vehicle.
Be Prepared for Vehicle Breakdowns and Emergencies
Being prepared with the right equipment for the unexpected is kind of like an insurance policy. You hope you never need it; but if you do, you’ll really be glad you have it. No one can prevent every problem, so it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected.
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