You should always have some essentials in your Kia in case of an emergency. The right supplies can also make a road trip or just getting where you need to go a lot easier. Keep these things in your car for safety and convenience.
1. Tire Supplies
A spare tire comes with most cars, but you also need a tire iron, a lug wrench, and a tire jack to change a tire yourself. Use WD-40 to loosen bolts and work gloves to keep your hands clean. If the damage is minor, you can use tire sealant as a temporary fix until you get to an auto shop. In case you get a flat tire at night, you should also keep a flashlight with extra batteries or a small lantern in your car.
Kia vehicles have had TPMS or tire pressure monitoring systems since 2006. Sensors in the wheels monitor tire pressure and a warning light on the dashboard comes on when the pressure is low in any of the tires. To find out which of your tires needs air, buy an inexpensive tire pressure gauge. After you find the low tire, go to a gas station and add more air. Use your gauge to let you know when to stop.
2. Jumper or Booster Cables
If you forget to turn an interior light off, you leave your headlights on, or you don’t shut a door all the way, you could end up stranded with a dead battery. With jumper cables, someone else can start your car for you and you can help others in the same situation. If you don’t want to wait for a good Samaritan, you can carry an emergency battery booster.
3. Your Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual should already be in your glove compartment, but replacements are easy to find. It provides detailed information on useful tasks like changing a tire, charging a dead battery, and reading warning lights. It also tells you how often you should have your car serviced.
4. Food and Medical Supplies
You could be stuck on the side of the road for several hours while you wait for a tow truck. Keep some water and nonperishable snacks like granola bars in case you or your children get hungry or thirsty, and don’t forget toilet paper to clean up after messy kids. You could need it in a roadside bathroom as well. With a basic first aid kit, you can treat yourself after a minor accident and help other people who are injured. You should also keep a few extra doses of any medications you use.
It’s also a good idea to keep a paper copy of emergency contact numbers. You’ll need the phone number of a local towing company and the address of a repair shop if anything goes wrong, and you won’t be able to get the information from your cell phone if it goes dead. Don’t try to change a tire or make other repairs if you’re next to a busy highway. It’s best to wait for help, and being ready will make the experience much easier.
This photo, “Correct Trunk,” by State Farm used under CC BY 2.o. “Correct Trunk” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.