There are several things that you should always keep in your car. Keeping these items in your car can also help in the event of an emergency or accident. At MAIF, we’re here for Maryland drivers. We want Maryland drivers to stay prepared on the road if they are in a situation that requires tools like jumper cables, spare tires, or reflective triangles. These items can provide a quick fix in case of an emergency.
Things to Keep in Your Car
There are several important tools to keep in your car in the event of an emergency:
Jumper Cables
If you have a dead car battery, jumper cables can help jumpstart your car with the help of another vehicle. There are several steps to get your car working.
First, to jumpstart your car, ensure that both vehicles are close together and have similar battery voltage. Attach the red jumper cable and then the black jumper cable to the batteries. The red jumper cable attaches to the positive side of the dead battery and then connects to the positive end of the working battery.
Alternatively, the black jumper cable connects the negative end of the working battery to the metal component on the engine block. Then, turn on the vehicle with the working battery and let it sit idle for one minute. Finally, turn on the car with the dead battery.
Tire Gauges and Caps
A tire gauge can help measure the air in your tires. Tire caps are also helpful if you drop or lose one of your tire caps to keep the air in your tire. On average, good tire pressure is between 32 to 35 psi. Your vehicle door should have a sticker that lists the optimal tire pressure.
Spare Tire and Tools
Whether you lose air in your tire over time or your tire sustains damage on the road, it’s important to keep a spare in the back of your car. You need a new tire, jack, and an impact or lug wrench to replace your tire. To replace a tire, loosen the lug nuts with the wrench. Then, place the jack underneath the vehicle frame next to the tire and raise it, so it has a 6-inch clearance. Remove the lug nuts and the tire. Line up the spare tire and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the tire with the jack and ensure the lug nuts are tight on the tire.
Reflective Warning Triangles
Setting reflective triangles around your car when you’re in an emergency lane lets other drivers know where you are. These triangles can protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle. They also help warn other drivers about an accident or breakdowns.
Are you looking for auto insurance in Maryland? Contact MAIF, your Maryland auto insurance provider at 301.842.6002. You can also get a free quote on our website. Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance options. We offer coverage for many types of drivers in Maryland, including Uber and Lyft drivers.