It's back to school time and college students across Arizona (and other part of the country) have or will soon be packing up their cars and heading off to college. If you are searching for that perfect gift for the college-bound kid in your life, the Car Care Council suggests putting together a roadside emergency kit.
“A roadside kit is easy to assemble, not too expensive and extremely useful, plus it 
could be a life saver in the event of an emergency,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “While it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected while on the road, the best option is to avoid breakdowns and car trouble wherever possible. Performing basic maintenance and observing a regular service schedule can help avoid unforeseen road emergencies.”
So what does a roadside emergency kit have?
- Jumper cables
- Emergency flares
- Flashlight with batteries
- Blankets and extra clothes
- Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
- First aid kit, including essential medications
- Portable USB charger to keep the cell phone running even if the car is not
- Ice scraper, snow brush and small shovel for winter driving (that would be for northern AZ)
You also can buy pre-assembled emergency roadside kits that come in handy storage bags to keep the items organized. A quick Internet or Amazon search will locate dozens of such kits ranging in price and size. This DIY kit requires more work, but covers more than just the basic items we've listed here.
Finally according to AAA flat tires is the number one cause for road service breakdown...