Basic Vehicle Maintenance & Preparing it for an Emergency

For many of us, our personal vehicle is not just a convenience but a necessity. When something happens to put it out of commission, our lives are affected dramatically. Chances are, if you are not at home when an emergency strikes, you will be in, or near, your vehicle. So, for the majority of us, our everyday car or pickup truck will need to be ready to serve us in nearly any emergency big or small, while driving to the local grocery store or taking a cross-country trip, while changing a flat tire or surviving a serious accident, blizzard, hurricane, tornado or whatever else in the middle of nowhere. Consider these maintenance activities and supply items to keep a vehicle running efficiently and prepare it for an unexpected emergency.

BASIC TIPS:

• Avoid letting your fuel tank level drop below 1/2. Plan to refuel when your fuel guage hits 1/2 empty.
• Keep your vehicle in good running condition and supply it with items that can help in an emergency (see below).
• Subscribe to a roadside service plan. Frequently your auto insurance will have a cheaper alternative to the "big" roadside service plans.
• Share these preparations and tips with all the drivers in your household; any one of them could end up with you as a passenger in their car when something happens.

KEEP VEHICLE IN GOOD CONDITION:

• Get a Tune-Up - Check spark plugs and spark plug wires, distributor or ignition module terminal, inspect the rotor button and contacts within the distributor cap for burning and wear, and replace the cap as needed, replace air-filter, clean fuel filter/injector and intake component, inspect PCV valve, scan and test electrical sensors that supply the PCM. Depending on the year of your vehicle, some of these may not apply. If unsure, have your mechanic do your tune-up.
• Battery - Make sure the connections are corrosion-free and that the battery has enough water. Keeping the casing of your battery clean can also prevent power drain - use a damp rag to keep it squeaky clean. If it's 3 or more years old, consider buying a new one. To keep a battery charged consider these options:
• Keeping a rarely used battery charged - Batteries in sport utility vehicles (like ATVs or dirtbikes) and power generators can die simply because they aren't being used frequently. Connect a Solar Battery Tender/Maintainer, also called a Trickle Charger, (a small, inexpensive one should work) which desulfates the battery to help prevent permanent damage from battery sulfating. Leaving a regular battery charger connected all of the time will ruin the battery by overcharging. The difference between a battery charger and a battery tender is that the charger will keep applying current to the battery all the time while the battery tender applies a very small current and is designed to shut itself on and off depending on battery voltage. Instead of using a battery tender to keep from losing battery power, disconnect the negative battery terminal, to avoid discharge of batteries that will not be used longer than 3 weeks.
• A Battery Insulation blanket is a plastic sheet (some are electric) that will keep the battery warm in the winter and cool in the summer, greatly extending its life. If you're buying a new battery, think about going for a smaller size so you can fit the blanket around it - it will likely last longer than a larger battery with nothing protecting it.
• If you find yourself with a dead battery and no choice but to jump it, it's still possible to reduce some of the stress the process puts on the battery. The warmer it is, the better. Put the car in neutral and push it into the sunlight, then leave it for an hour or so. The increased temperature will make the jump start go much more smoothly.
• It's easy to forget about the battery health until it dies. It will die at the most inopportune time. Setup a regular automated electronic calendar reminder for battery testing/maintenance/replacement.



Car batteries are too expensive to just throw them away when they lose their full power. They can be restored to their former glory or repurposed. Recondition them for backup or other DC Power uses. CAREFULLY empty dead battery of any existing liquid (acid). Add 8-10 oz of Baking Soda to One Gallon container of [regular tap] Water. Fill battery compartments with the Baking Soda Water. Empty and repeat until bubbling (desulfating) stops. Empty the battery again and fill with plain water. Empty again. Add 8-12 oz of Alum or Epsom Salt to One Gallon container of warm Distilled Water and fill and close battery compartments. Attach to battery charger for about 24-hours. Video] Search for other solutions here.



• Oil - Change your oil and filter on a regular schedule. Use an oil with the right thickness for the time of year. For example, if you run a 10W-30 in the summer, try moving to a 5W-30 when changing your oil in the fall or winter. If you are in doubt, refer to your manual or the manufacturer.
• Engine Coolant/Antifreeze - Use the appropriate coolant and Water/Coolant Ration to help protect your engine depending on the season. Your owner's manual or repair technician can explain what your engine needs.
• Windshield fluid and wipers - Keep your fluid topped off with one appropriate to the season (plain water is not recommended). Wipers should be replaced if they are over a year old or if they don't clear your windshield evenly without streaks or gaps in moving water from your windshield.
• Belts and Hoses - When they break, things stop working. Check to make sure they are tight and without leaks or excessive wear. When in doubt, have your car repair technician check them and replace as needed.
If it has crossed your mind to upgrade your vehicle's rubber radiator hoses to silicone ones, you might be wondering what the benefits and drawbacks are for both options and whether it's worth it to go for silicone. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons: Silicone vs. Rubber Hose
• Tires - Check for the correct tire pressure for your car and tires and temperature. Check tread wear and tire damage. Switch to Snow tires or chains as needed.
• 4-Wheel Drive - If your vehicle has this feature, check the status and be sure it’s working correctly — especially because most drivers don’t use their 4WD systems under regular driving conditions or nice weather. Be sure that the system engages and disengages easily, and that all drivers in your household know how and when to activate the system.
• Brakes - Have your brakes checked and serviced if needed. Check brake fluid level.
• Lights - Check for, and replace, burned-out bulbs.
• Heater and Defrosters - Make sure the defroster keeps your windshield clear and the heater heats.
• Air conditioner - If your vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner make sure it cools properly. If it doesn't, it could be just a coolant problem but may be the symptom of a more serious problem that should be checked by a mechanic.

ITEMS TO CARRY IN VEHICLE:

• Vehicle Escape Tool(s) for Seat Belt Cutting and Window-Breaking to help you escape the vehicle as fast as possible. Some Vehicle Escape Tools may not work on all cars. Tempered Glass Windows will break. Laminated Glass Windows will not. Escape pre-planning starts with knowing your vehicle(s), what type of glass is installed, potential exit points, emergency releases, hidden storage areas, and thinking through escape scenarios.
  Escape a Sinking Car    [Article 2]    [Article 3]
  Escape from a Trunk
  How To Use A Car Escape Tool
  Escape Your Car If the Electronic Door Release Fails
• Small (1-2 gallon) fuel container (empty)
• Flashlight that does not need batteries (crank or solar).
• Cell phone and charger - Keep your cell phone charged and keep a compatible charger in each vehicle. If your Emergency Bag is properly prepared, even if the car battery dies, your solar or hand-crank power supply should help keep your cell phone charged.
• A hazard triangle and road flares will keep you safer at night if you're stuck.
• Jumper cables or/and Battery Booster/Starter
• Aerosol foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and a tire plug kit for flat tires as well as other possible uses
• Bungee cords and Zip-ties and/or Duct Tape for temporary repairs and keeping things in place until proper repairs can be done.
• Tool kit specific to the vehicle (metric or SAE/Standard or generic) that contains locking pliers, an adjustable wrench, a multi-head screwdriver, pliers with a wire cutter, a ratchet and sockets, hex keys, and more stuff
• Spare fuses and light bulbs
• WD-40 or similar silicone lubricant
• A Compact Camping Shovel to dig down for tire traction, instead of carrying heavy kitty litter. Many times you can use the shovel to dig down to dirt for traction. In deep snow (or sand), you can often dig down far enough to slip your floormats underneath both of the tires that are receiving power. Sometimes these mats provide enough traction to ease the car onto a surface with better grip.
• Pet Food as last-resort - Many survivalists suggest drivers carry dry pet food in their cars. Sound crazy? It seems that when people get stranded in their vehicle, they tend to eat their emergency food too soon. Pet food is less palatable and so stranded motorists will wait to eat that can (or bag) of puppy chow until they really need it.
• In the event of a civil unrest or environmental emergency/disaster, cell phones, telephone land lines and even satellite communications may not be available. Keeping a portable 2-way radio, and functional batteries, in your car may be your lifesaver.
• In the event of a civil unrest or environmental emergency/disaster, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) may be off-line or slow to respond so it's always good to understand basic navigation and have a compass and printed detailed map (Road Atlas) available, even if it's out of date.
• Hi-Lift Tire Jack - In addition to, or instead of, the basic tire jack for your vehicle, can be used as a heavy-duty come-along winch or as a sturdy jack to lift your car so you can change a flat tire under multiple conditions.
• Fire extinguisher - look for at least a 1A10BC or 2A10BC classification.
• Bedpan and urinal (in case the outside elements keep you in the vehicle) and a bottle of disinfectant or hand sanitizer in case water is not available.
• Power Inverter: This is a device you can plug into your cigarette lighter and charge your laptop, cell phone, or any other electronic device as long it is a small enough wattage. Be careful what you charge. Some things will kill the battery if you charge it too long. Try to charge things while driving, or while the engine is running, when possible because it doesn’t use the battery. A 100 watts inverter means anything you charge has to, generally, generate less electricity than 100 watts. To determine what appliances you can use, or use at the same time, use this calculation (amps x volts = watts).
• Prepare and keep an Emergency Bag in your vehicle. Prepared properly, this will serve many needs.
• If you own a 4WD truck, spend the money and invest in an electric winch rated for the weight of your vehicle. Then purchase a full winch recovery kit so you'll have a tree-saver strap, a good-quality tow strap, a clevis, and other great equipment.

SEASONAL REDINESS:

Winter:
• Snow chains specific to your tire size
• Snow Chains
• Lock deicer. Hand warmers can also be used to unfreeze locks.
• Unfreezing Car Locks
• Space or Wool blankets
• Extra Warm clothing, gloves, hats
Preparing Vehicles for Winter: [Link 1]    [Link 2]

VEHICLE SECURITY:

Occupied:
• Lock all doors and trunk/hatch.
• Keep windows [mostly] closed to prevent attackers from reaching in but allowing you to hear outside.
• Carry or Keep Self-Defense Tool(s) near the Driver AND Passenger seats to defend against attacker(s).
• If carrying a firearm for defense, carry a handgun, for better maneuverability, instead of a rifle or shotgun.
  If you don't immediately intend to shoot, hand on the holstered gun with the other hand free to drive from the area.
• Open the window only far enough necessary to use a defense tool on an armed attacker.
• If attacked, activate the vehicle alarm or horn to deter the attacker(s) and summon help.
• Avoid stopping for "police" in dark or deserted areas. Acknowledge by waving hand and turning on hazard lights, call 9-1-1 to advise dispatcher, then drive to a well-lit public area or a police station.
• Protective Actions to Take . . . :    [to Prevent, or React to, a CarJacking]    [if Harrased on the Street]
  [when Threatened by Protesters]    [when Threatened by Protesters 2]    [when Accosted by Protesters]
  Surviving Mob Attacks on Your Vehicle
  Avoiding Attacks While Driving
  [Identifying Suspicious Roadblocks]    [Fake Roadblock Video]
  Tracking Devices & Technology
  
  Unoccupied:
• Lock all doors and trunk/hatch.
• Shut windows completely
• Set the alarm.
• The Tag # on a vehicle can be used to obtain personal information. Position, at residence, to hide the tag number or obscure/cover the Tag #.
  
  Miscellaneous Information:
• Is It Legal To Obscure Your License Plate to Avoid Traffic Cameras?
• A DashCam may help monitor an unattended vehicle, capture evidence of an accident, traffic violation, road rage, crime and insurance fraud
• Obscure Vehicle License Plates in On-line Photos/Videos
• How to Prepare (Harden) a Vehicle for an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP)

WHAT TO DO IF A BREAK DOWN HAPPENS:

• Call the Police for assistance
• Call Roadside Assistance or friend or family member for help
• Stay inside the vehicle with doors locked and windows secure until the expected helper/Police arrives
• If you get stranded, don’t wander away from your car unless you’re completely sure about where you are and how far away help is. Light two flares and situate them at each end of your vehicle to call attention to your plight. In cold weather, put on the extra clothes and use the blanket to stay warm. If you have enough gas in the tank, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes for each hour you’re waiting for help. Leave at least one window open a little bit so that snow and ice don’t seal the car shut.
• To be recognized as needing help, roll down the window on the driver’s side, hang out a white cloth or piece of paper, and roll the window back up to secure it in place: The cloth or paper alerts drivers that your vehicle is in trouble and that they should proceed around you or call for help.
• To avoid being hit by a passing vehicle, never work on your vehicle from the side that’s exposed to traffic. If you can, drive farther off the road to a safe, well-traveled place, and try to reach into the trouble area from the front or the side that’s away from traffic.
• Learn more about how to handle a stranded vehicle situation
• More General Recommendations

SCAVENGING A VEHICLE FOR SURVIVAL:

COPING WITH FUEL SHORTAGES:

• Bicycle
• Horse & Buggy
• Electric vehicle
• Walk

• Drive the speed limit
• Avoid fast starts and acceleration
• Avoid extended idling
• Avoid braking, which consumes fuel, and brake early to coast to a stop when possible.
• Turn off the air conditioning in favor of an opening window and try to park in the shade when possible.
• Lighten your car's load. Remove unnecessary items.
• Keep the gas tank no less that 1/4 full to keep fuel pump cooler to work more effeciently (?)

ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE FUELS:

BUG-OUT VEHICLE CONSIDERATIONS:

LEARN TO DRIVE A STICK (MANUAL) SHIFT VEHICLE:

THE UNIQUENESS OF AN RV & BOX TRAILER:

• Hand crank flashlight with radio and USB port
• First aid kit
• Water purifier
• Dehydrated food – MRE (Meal Ready to Eat)
• Moisture-proof matches / Lighter / Long burning emergency candles
• Maps / Compass
• Photos of everyone you're travelling with
• Laminated card with emergency numbers
• Medical information
• Extra medications
• Loud whistle or air-horn to summon help
• Games/entertainment

BUG OUT BICYCLES:

SURVIVAL WATERCRAFT: