It is often more than amazing. Motorists will spend a fortune purchasing and dolling up their new vehicle but will often scrimp on basic maintenance and care in order to keep their vehicle and its seasonal parts up to snuff.
Generally it can be said that the two most frequent causes of breakdowns are either running out of gas and flat tires. While it can be said that in 2010 with cell phones readily available as a standard communications and safety for most motorists and the general public that help in the form of local CAA, AAA, auto manufacturer or big box store roadside assistance or available tow truck can be had readily easily if not in a flash, that it never hurts to carry an empty, gas can - just in case of emergencies like this. Either it may come in handy for you, or to help out another stranded motorist on the road. A word of caution though. Never carry that gasoline container full of gas. It’s a safety and fire hazard in your trunk.
It seems now that virtually every new engine, transmission or other major components now installed in foreign and now standard North American - USA, Canadian and Mexican made NAFTA vehicles are made to metric standards.
Carry an old towel as well, in these situations and regards, since installing tire chains can be a most wet and dirty job. A word of seasoned advice, from a professional driver well knowledgeable about roads and automotive repairs is that if you have never accomplished this task, under duress, then you may well want to practice ahead of time on a dry day in the comfort of your driveway, or perhaps in a parking lot on a quiet Sunday afternoon. You might even want to keep your tire chains easily stored away in an old duffel or gym back. Old hockey bags are great for this purpose. This way they are easily spotted in a pinch and well will not be a nuisance either in your trunk, or truck storage areas.
No doubt about it. Your basic auto tool kit and first aid setup can both be a convenience and a lifesaver to the average motorist - yourself and your family included.