LA Auto Club: How Teens and College-Bound Drivers Can Create a Roadside Emergency Kit for Their Cars

LOS ANGELES--Aug. 1, 20058, 2005--The Auto Club reminds teen motorists and university students heading back to college in the next few weeks that it's important to be prepared for a possible breakdown, even in a properly maintained vehicle.

According to Bill Howell, AAA's battery service manager, it's wise for novice teen drivers and college-bound students to be prepared for breakdowns or emergencies by outfitting their vehicle with tools, clothing and other gear in a roadside emergency kit which can aid them should their car or truck become disabled. Properly stocked, an emergency kit will help drivers repair minor breakdowns or survive until help arrives.

"It's helpful to have an Auto Club or AAA membership card in your wallet, a fully charged cell phone in your vehicle and a disposable camera in your glove box in the event that you require a tow, 9-1-1 emergency assistance, or documentation of a crash," said Howell. "Placing several other items in an emergency roadside kit in your trunk will help prepare you to handle minor mechanical problems to get yourself back on the road or until the Auto Club arrives."

Basic Roadside Emergency Kit Checklist:

Auto Club or AAA Membership Card (in your wallet)
Candles (in cold climates)
Cell Phone (charged and in vehicle)
Disposable Camera (in glove box)
First Aid Kit
Tire Pressure Gauge
Fire Extinguisher
Flares, Warning Triangles or Reflectors
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Heavy Gloves, Jacket and Blanket
Jack for Tire Changing
Jumper Cables
Paper Towel
Pencil and Notebook
Quart of Oil and Coolant (specific to your vehicle)
Rags
Reflective Sun Shade
Umbrella
Water