Don't be a Damsel in Roadside Distress

I will not miss an interview for car problems. With regular maintenance, I try to avoid any major mechanical issues. The secret isn’t what’s under my hood, it’s what’s in my trunk. The obstacles that come up along the way are no match for the junk in my trunk.

It may be safe to stick with a standard emergency road side kit but after a life time of clunky old cars I’ve had my fair share of motor vehicular malfunctions. I’m not the type to be a damsel in distress waiting on the side of the road for AAA to come and save me especially if an important interview is on the line. I prefer to save the time and save myself.

Here’s a look at some of the thing I make sure to tote on top of the jumper cables and flares.

• Jack – The instructions are usually in the trunk. If you have never changed a tire go ahead and practice. Make sure you know how your jack works before you are in an emergency situation. Loosen the lug nuts before you hoist your vehicle.



• Full sized spare – You don’t have to show up with a doughnut on your car. A full sized spare lets you drop off the damaged tire at the repair shop on the way in and pick it up on the way out.



• Patch kit/Fix a flat – If it’s a nail you can fix the tire yourself without having to remove it. Just follow the instructions in the kit. You’ll still want to take it to the shop as soon as possible after your interview.



• Portable air compressor- It plugs into your car and fills up the tire, I’ve had one of these for years and use it to keep my tires topped off all the time. It’s saved me on the side of the road and helped other stranded motorists too. Well worth the investment and sacrifice of a little space for the peace of mind



• Duct tape – It fixes everything.



• Wiper Fluid – If you can’t see out the windshield you can’t get where you’re going.



• Water – Whether it is the car overheating or just you, a bottle of water can save the day. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and pull over if it gets too hot. You can reference your owner’s manual to check the reservoir under the hood.



• Flashlight – What’s the go to gadget in every scary situation? A flashlight. If you can see the problem you’ll be more likely to succeed in fixing it.



• Paper towels/napkins – Check your oil, wash the wind shield, wipe the tire schmaltz from your hands, you’re going to need paper towels.



• Blanket –Save your pants or your pantyhose while you’re managing your own roadside repair. Have a blanket to lie down so you’re not kneeling on asphalt.

In winter you can add antifreeze, kitty litter, and a shovel to the list. The best thing to bring with you is knowledge and confidence. Find out more about your car’s make and model and how other people have handled had to fix it situations.

Are you looking for a job in the Philadelphia area? Be sure to visit PhillyJobs.

By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a writer and blogger for Beyond.com. She researches and writes about job search tactics, training, and topics.