I had the unpleasant misfortune to suffer four breakdowns on a round trip between Colorado Springs, Colorado and South Bend, Indiana this past August. Two I handled myself, one was a minor repair–three hours and less than fifty dollars–and one turned into a three-day halt in Kearney, Nebraska. I learned a lot of things on that trip. For instance, when you’re watching the temperature gauge like a hawk, I-80 through Nebraska seems twice as long as it actually is.
But for the purposes of this column, here are the useful travel lessons I learned.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Remember Routine Maintenance. Maybe an oil change is in order. Check your engine fluids, tire pressure, and lights. Start your trip with your car in its best condition.
Carry Basic Auto Supplies and Tools in Your Vehicle. You can’t take every tool and remedy, but there are a few that cover the more common car ailments. Also, know your vehicle’s needs and the problems of the season you’re traveling in to determine any additional items.
- Jack/Spare Tire
Jumper Cables
Basic First Aid Kit
Basic Tool Kit
Coolant/Anitfreeze
Oil
Flashlight/Batteries
Ice Scraper
Small Shovel
Water
Small Container of Sand
Pack a survival kit. I suggest bringing these items even on a day trip. If your car breaks down and you have to spend the night away from home, you’re just as stuck at a hundred miles as you’d be at a thousand.
- Pillow/Blanket
Small Travel Kit–basic toiletries, change of underwear
Drinking Water
Non-perishable Snacks
Credit Card
Have a Motor Club Membership. Keep the card in your wallet. Be sure you know your benefits before you leave home. When you’re stuck in Kearney, Nebraska–425 miles from home–is not a good time to learn that your lodging and meal expenses are covered only if the car damage is due to an accident.
Invest in Communication. I’ve previously been an opponent of cell phones and car phones. Too many people sacrifice safety for business or convenience. But in these emergencies, a borrowed cell phone rescued me. I didn’t have to walk miles looking for a roadside phone or a service station. Nor did I have to wait for someone to discover me. I was able to call my motor club immediately and stay safely in my car, with food and water available.
