Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
been in the closet. You can use a small piece of strategically placed tape
or thread to detect an unauthorized entry into your vehicle. It is also
a good idea to have a small flashlight on your key chain. Do not rely on
a flashlight that you keep in
your vehicle for use during
an inspection of your vehicle.
You should begin your inspec-
tion before you are even near
the vehicle, as it is easier to
see under the car while you
are some distance away. If
you notice something and it
is dark, you need to have a
light with you. There are many
good, small lights available on
the market (see Exhibit 7.6).
Exhibit 7.6
Small Flashlight on Key Chain
ROADSIDE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
It is also a good idea to keep a basic roadside emergency kit in your vehi-
cle. The basic equipment is the same as you should maintain in your per-
sonal or work vehicle at home. Make sure you have an inflated,
full-size
spare tire. The emergency “donuts” that usually come with a vehicle are
not suitable. You may need to drive a long way over poorly maintained
roads before you can get to a service area where your tire can be repaired
or replaced. The “donuts” are not recommended for more than 25 miles
and limit the speed at which you can travel. Make sure there is a functional
jack and lug wrench. If your car has locking lugs on the tires, make sure
the key is in your car.
You will also need a basic tool kit that includes an adjustable wrench,
slotted and Phillips head screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape or PVC tape,
booster cables, water-resistant flashlight, extra batteries stored in a water-
proof plastic container, a siphon pump, one can of tire inflator, and six
road flares. An excellent piece of equipment that you should also consider
is a rechargeable jump starter. This is a battery with which you can jump-
start your vehicle in the event your battery fails and no one is around to
give you a boost. Many of these units have a built-in compressor that allow
you to inflate a tire under emergency roadside conditions. You must also
