5 Essentials to Keep in Your Car’s Emergency Kit

Unfortunately when you are driving, sometimes the unexpected happens. Whether it is unavoidable, such as a road hazard that damaging your tire, or is out of carelessness, such as locking yourself out of your car or running out of gas, roadside assistance can allow you to have someone there when you need them. There are many options to choose from when it comes to roadside assistance and it can sometimes be hard to decide which one will provide you the best value for the cost. If you are looking for a reliable roadside assistance provider check out the four best options listed below. Your Insurance Provider One of the first places to start when considering a roadside assistance package is with your current insurance provider. Most providers offer a roadside assistance program that covers lockouts, tire change, gas delivery, and even towing. These options are usually low in cost when added to your policy and there is the added benefit that they have the make model more and VIN number of your vehicle, allowing them to know all the particulars the moment you call. Be sure to inquire with your insurance company to make sure that roadside claims do not constitute insurance claims under your specific policy. AAA One of the most well-known names when it comes to roadside assistance is AAA, otherwise referred to as triple-A. AAA has established itself as a road service provider before the term was even commonly known. Their services encompass almost any kind of roadside assistance emergency you can think of including towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, emergency repair, tire repair, and jump starting. They will also come out for minor mechanical repairs and provide a one-day rental car when your vehicle needs to be taken in for repairs. While AAA is one of the most comprehensive, the service does cost more than most with an annual average of around $120. AllState Motor Club You don't have to be an Allstate insurance customer to take advantage of their roadside assistance Motor Club. Their most basic plan runs around $52 per year and covers up to $100 worth of roadside assistance that can be used for flat tires, tows, lockout fees, or fuel delivery. You pay the fee and Allstate will reimburse you up to $100. This allows you to be able to choose the specific vendor you want and reimburses you for the expenses. Plans increase up to the Platinum level which allows for up to $250 worth of reimbursement. Acura Owners Roadside Assistance For Acura owners, the best option you can choose to protect your Acura in the event of a roadside emergency is Acura Owners Roadside Assistance. Through their Total Luxury Care program, new Acura owners can enjoy their renowned roadside assistance for free for the first four years that you own your car. With the service, you can enjoy 24-hour emergency and travel services, Acura's concierge service roadside assistance, and other privileges only available to Acura owners. Don't let roadside emergencies get you down. Keep your Acura protected from roadside hazards and emergencies by taking advantage of one of the roadside services listed above. Image via Wiegand Family | Licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

1. Take Food and Water If you get stuck in a remote area because your car broke down, you'll need food and hydration, so you should keep a case of six to eight water bottles in your car's trunk. If you're going to be traveling with more people during bad weather or to an isolated location, bring one or two more cases. For food, you can keep trail mix, protein bars, and other non-perishable items that will give you a burst of energy if you find yourself stuck someplace. more 2. Travel With Something to Keep You Warm A wool blanket is an ideal choice because it can warm you up even if it gets wet. It's also a good idea to store several hand-warming packets, the kind sold at sporting goods stores. To help you stay dry, buy a poncho that's folded in a small plastic bag. It won't take up space, but will be invaluable if your car dies and you need to walk to a gas station in the rain. You may also want to keep an extra sweatshirt in your vehicle. Getting stranded in cold or damp weather puts you in a vulnerable situation if you have no way to stay warm. 3. Keep Light Sources on Hand Because you may get stranded in the dark or simply need better lighting to check under the hood, you need to carry a flashlight and extra batteries for it in your car. It's also a good idea to have other light sources such as matches, candles, and glow sticks. 4. Remember to Take a First Aid Kit Any good emergency readiness kit for your car should include the basic components of a first aid kit. As for medical supplies, carrybandages of varying sizes, alcohol swabs, gauze pads, burn cream, nitrile gloves, scissors, an instant ice pack, and medical tape. You can augment these basics with supplies such as antibiotic cream, insect sting wipes, toilettes, and tweezers. 5. Pack Emergency Equipment for Your Car So far, this list has focused primarily on taking care of you. Don't forget to travel with items that help you get your car up and running again. A spare tire, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, and foam tire sealant are a few essential emergency items for your car. To help you address your car's problem on the roadside, you should also think about packing a tire jack, tire iron, duct tape, a Swiss Army Knife, and a small tool kit. If you can get your car moving, you may not need some of the survival items included on this list. Wherever you're going, it's always a smart idea to take along your cellphone and charger. They're a critical component of being prepared for roadside emergencies. Image via Pixabay.com

Acura has taken a big step forward in increasing the connectivity of its vehicles with improvements to the AcuraLink connectivity package. Not only does it bring a high-tech experience to the cabin through a touchscreen, but it extends to your laptop, tablet, and smartphone, giving you additional ways to interact with your vehicle. The newest generation of AcuraLink allows you to remotely check vitals, unlock your doors, and perform other tasks related to your vehicle using apps on external devices. Check out more details on these apps. Interact With Your Vehicle via the AcuraLink Connect App Use this app with select MDX and RLX models going back to 2014 and on TLX from 2015 to the present. With the Connect App, you can check the status of each tire's pressure, the current reading on your odometer, how much fuel's in the tank, and battery life. If you think there's a mechanical problem, you can run a diagnostics check with this app. more Access Content With AcuraLink Streams The name says it all: pull in streams of information with this handy app. Some MDX, RLX, and TLX models from 2014 to present have the ability to interact with the AcuraLink Streams app. Serving as a content gateway, this app funnels cloud-based programming and content to your vehicle. Access your favorite podcasts, keep tabs on new Facebook posts, and check Twitter for the latest trending topics through the car's audio system. This app is ideal for anyone who wants to stay in the know while on the go. Get Help With the AcuraLink Roadside Assistance App Every Acura owner can take advantage of the safeguards that come with the AcuraLink Roadside Assistance app. When there's an accident involving a car that's still under warranty, a specialist with the emergency assistance center receives a notification and will attempt to contact you in your vehicle. If you don't respond, the agent will ask dispatchers to send local first responders and provide your location so they know where to go. If you have a smartphone, you can track the pending arrival of emergency crews. Learn More About AcuraLink With the Virtual Tour App Some RLX vehicles from 2014 and beyond offer compatibility with the Virtual Tour app. Use this app to get a clearer idea of how the AcuraLink works, its available features, and details on the apps that are a part of the connectivity package. If you have questions about how any of the apps work, the Virtual Tour app may have the answers. Find out How to Customize Your Vehicle With Acura Accessories App Use this app to view accessories that are available to help you customize your Acura. Under the guidance of skilled engineers, designers created accessories to integrate seamlessly with Acura vehicles. Through the app, you can access a series of videos that showcase the various add-ons that are available. There's also an overview video that explains the benefits of using Acura-designed accessories on your vehicle. With these apps, you have greater insights into your car's condition, access to data and content, an easy way to view available accessories, and roadside assistance if you have an emergency. Image via Pixabay.com